Burnside

South Shore Tells Riders To Avoid Travel During Summit, If Possible
by John Dodge

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A warning for Northwest Indiana commuters: Avoid traveling on the South Shore train line during the NATO Summit.

Riders can expect major delays, several cancellations and restrictions on what they can carry on board.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) is canceling all westbound trains that arrive into Chicago, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, the final day of the summit at McCormick Place.

"NICTD advises passengers to postpone travel on NATO summit days if possible," the rail agency said in a statement.

READ: Full List Of Canceled Trains, Security Restrictions

In addition, four trains leaving Chicago on Monday are canceled, including the 5:32 p.m. rush hour train. The McCormick Place and Museum Campus stations will be closed May 19-21 as well.

Commuters can expect significant delays for security sweeps on Sunday and Monday. Each train will be screened by security officials with canine units at the station in Hegewisch.

"Due to the heightened security presence, any significant threat or onboard disruption will result in the train being rejected from the McCormick Place red zone and reversed to its origination with intermediate stops," NICTD said.

On May 20-21, riders will also be limited to a carry on bag no bigger than 15 inches by 15 inches and four inches thick. Riders are prohibited from carrying luggage, boxes or bicycles. No drinks of any kinds are allowed. There will be no alcohol allowed from May 18-21.

Does anyone know of any plans for the Roseland community? I drive around and see nothing but senior housing going up. The lot at 115th State has been torn apart a year ago yet nothing has been done to it, where's the Aldi and why do we need another when there's one just a mile west? There's nothing more than urban wear and hair supply stores on Michigan than blend quite well with the storefronts that are closed; such as the former Rent-a-Center lot on 115th Michigan behind Curtis School. Lastly, how many more churches can one ward have, like we haven't lost enough tax revenue in our community already? have Can anyone share any information on ANY worthwhile project in the 9th ward???? I'm lost here...

Federal Court Rejects Illinois Eavesdropping Law
by John Dodge

CHICAGO (AP) -- A federal court in Chicago has granted a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of Illinois' controversial eavesdropping law.

The law makes it a felony to make an audio recording of a conversation unless all parties agree and sets out a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison.

With the NATO summit coming to Chicago this month, activists had feared protesters and bloggers could run afoul of the law if they used smartphones or video cameras to record police responding to protests.

Tuesday's ruling stemmed from a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union.

In its opinion, the court says "the Illinois eavesdropping statute restricts far more speech than necessary to protect legitimate privacy interests." And the court says it "likely violates the First Amendment's free speech and free-press guarantees."

In addition, I would like to inform you of an exciting leadership change within our community. On April 12, 2012 State Representative Marlow H. Colvin (33rd District) retired from his position after over 10 years of dedicated service to our community. He is now the V.P. of Government Affairs for ComEd, a position that will allow him to positively impact not only our community but the entire state of Illinois.

With the vacancy existing an appointment was necessary. On April 13, the 33rd District Democratic committee, including all of the committeemen of the 33rd District and I, selected a hard working replacement for Marlow H. Colvin. That individual is the Deputy of Chief of Staff of my 8th Ward Aldermanic office, Mr. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

Marcus Evans

Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. worked for my 8th Ward office since 2006, is a cancer survivor, health care advocate, youth activities director sports official and 8th Ward resident.

He is dedicated to our community and has already hit the ground running in his short time in Springfield representing us.

Learn more about our new Representative by clicking the following links:

Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr - ILGA

Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer wants the community to get into shape at the 6th Ward’s “Fit-Run” on June 16. Same day registration will take place at Cole Park from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. The run/walk begins at 8 a.m. sharp! Events will include: a 10K and 5K family fitness walk. A special registration will take place on June 15 at the Nike Outlet Store on 85th and Cottage Grove. The cost: 10K runners--$30 advance registration/$35 same day registration. For more information, contact: Kenety S. Gee, race director, 8050 S. St. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL. 60619 or e-mail: 6thwardfitrun@gmail.com. Checks can be made payable to The 6th Ward Fit Run Committee and dropped off with Mr. Kenety Gee or the 6th Ward Service Office at 463-1/2 E. 83rd St. Chicago, IL. 60619. For additional information, call ( 773) 723-3661 or visit: www.signmeup.com/83608.