Good Tuesday morning, dear Evanstonians.
Make sure and vote. It’s perfect weather for the primaries today. True, we will see a few clouds, but the high will be about 83. Yes, there is a chance of thunderstorms tonight – but not until 11 p.m., the National Weather Service tells us. So, you’ll still be able to enjoy the city’s Starlight Concert series at Baker Park, featuring Midnight Sun, an amazing deep-in-the-pocket funk band. (Full disclosure: The trombone player is the son of RoundTable Editor Susy Schultz, but she takes no money, only pleasure, from the event.) Now, on to more news.
After more than a decade of service on Evanston’s City Council Second Ward Council member Peter Braithwaite announced last night he is stepping down – making him the second Council member to resign in the last six months. It was an emotional decision and an equally emotional moment for Braithwaite as he said goodbye at the end of the meeting. “It has been a huge honor and privilege not only to serve and represent the members of the Second Ward here on Council,” he said, “but being a part of some amazing decisions and meeting some incredible people along the way.”
The outrage and anger people feel over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will rally people and bring them to the polls, said U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in an interview with the RoundTable. “I really do think that you’re going to see election turnouts boosted by the pro-choice majority in this country,” she said. “And I feel that ordinary people are feeling more and more empowered to make a difference.”
Illinois’ primary elections are here. It’s Tuesday, June 28, and 25 polling places across Evanston will be open for voters to cast their ballots from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone in line before 7 p.m. has the right to stay in line and cast their ballot. Here is the RoundTable’s primary voter’s guide, although you may already know the headline race for both parties are the gubernatorial primaries. But Evanstonians will also help pick candidates to advance to the general election for executive, legislative, judicial and county government seats.
COVID-19 by the numbers: There were 21 new cases reported on June 26, the last date the city updated its totals, putting the city’s seven-day average at 32 cases. There were no deaths on June 26, leaving the total Evanston deaths since March 14, 2020, at 150.
Elsewhere on the RoundTable website
Dear Gabby: Our favorite answer gal talks pockets – how deep thou art not – and plants, who gets to call the ones in the alley their own?
Letter to the editor: The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will lead many states to erase the complexity and intimacy of what should be a most fundamental aspect of human agency.
At This Time: “We were told in church to come out and vote for changes to be made,” said Marie Roberts (from left). “To exercise our freedom,” said Carol Nielsen. “To maintain our democracy,” said Brian Nielsen. “Because it’s my right,” said Carmen Jacobs. Front and center is Marie Roberts’ daughter, Megan. (Photo by Richard Cahan.)
Picturing Evanston: Old fashioned playground equipment puts a twist on the usual climbing equipment at Twiggs Park, where Darrow Avenue and Payne Street meet. (Photo by Joerg Metzner)
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Around the web
The 2022 election primary is coming up. Here is your crib sheet. WBEZ breaks down 13 key races – including governor and secretary of state – to help you cast an informed ballot.
Abortion ruling figures in new pitch for Chicago jobs. A letter from World Business Chicago, signed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other civic leaders, urges Fortune 500 companies to invest here because local laws respect worker diversity and impose fewer limits on abortions.
Chicago gig workers who rely on cars make changes as gas prices stay high. Ride-hailing drivers and food-delivery workers in Chicago are adjusting their driving habits to make up for the rising cost of fuel.
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