East Chatham

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.

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