Letters: Something needs to be done to discourage speeders on DuSable Lake Shore Drive
I was driving my family to the C2E2 comic expo at McCormick Place last Sunday morning. Our route took us down one of America's most scenic roadways: DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Traffic was busy but not slow. All the drivers moved five miles above the stated 40 mph speed limit.
We were driving south by the Lincoln Park Zoo when the driver of a Mercedes SUV came flying up in the left lane, found a car's width between my minivan and the car ahead, swung across two lanes, passed a row of cars ahead and swerved back to the middle lane, driving like he had just robbed a bank. Then the Mercedes driver got stuck behind an unintentional four-vehicle wall.
I could see the middle-aged man gesturing wildly in his car, clearly enraged at those who were not involved in the same race he was, before he found the narrowest of space between the obstructors and sped ahead, rolling down his window and giving us all the middle finger for unintentionally stealing seconds from his life.
My Midwest upbringing made me forgive such action; I created a narrative that the driver needed a bathroom. That said, the frequency of such interactions is why I support state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz's bill to study using artificial intelligence cameras to slow down such reckless behavior. ('AI-powered cameras may come to Lake Shore Drive,' April 16).
This makes sense for three reasons. First, speeding on the drive is rampant, and I've rarely seen a driver pulled over, something I forgive, as doing so would put the officer and public at risk. Second, the complete disregard for the speed limit adds to a sense of lawlessness in our city. Third, speeding is pointless. The entire length of DuSable Lake Shore Drive is around 15 miles. Going 20 mph over the speed limit saves you a few minutes off the whole route.
The whole advantage of the drive is to enjoy the view. If you're looking for speed, we have plenty of depressing highways you can enjoy.
As the Tribune article notes, DuSable Lake Shore Drive is dangerous. We should do something to slow people down for our sanity and safety.
— Nicholas Conant, Chicago
Ageism at shelters
Ageism is quite a subtle hard-to-fight prejudice. One organization is notorious for an unintentional form of this prejudice: animal shelters.
Animal shelters broadcast they are bursting at the seams with animals in desperate need of a home. They cry: 'We are waiving adoption fees!' But senior citizens may have their adoption applications declined or ignored.
Shelter may be under the apparent impression that anyone 65 years old or older is going to drop dead as soon as they walk out with an adopted animal. But youth does not guarantee long-term security for a pet.
The simple truth is that seniors are more stable and financially secure than much of the population. They will not be subject to a sudden loss of income from a layoff or firing. Or move to an apartment that does not accept pets, which would lead to adopted animals being returned to the shelter.
Shelters' logic is to keep a dog or cat in a cage rather than take a chance with anyone age 60 or older.
— Peggy Cassidy, Franklin Park
Police at Tesla dealer
A recent Saturday, I walked past the Tesla dealership on Rush Street. There were about 30 people standing and silently holding signs, decrying Elon Musk and the current administration. They were not blocking the sidewalk; they were not accosting pedestrians; they were not preventing anyone from walking into the dealership; they were not interfering with traffic.
Across the street stood about a dozen police officers talking among themselves because there was no activity requiring their intervention.
On another occasion, I saw not a single protester, yet two police officers were stationed outside the showroom entrance.
Given the city's claim of limited police resources, how does this make any sense?
— Jeanne Martineau, Chicago
Libraries are gems
Regarding the editorial 'Leave libraries alone. They more than pay their way' (April 13): How I loved the picture of Eric Phung reading to his son at the library!
My father took me to the library when I was a tot. It was a highly anticipated outing as we walked the several blocks to the Uptown branch. I was told that I would have my own card when I could print my name. I still remember the elation when this memorable event took place.
Parents should take advantage of this wonderful tool. Libraries can create a lifelong love of reading.
I have started volunteering at my local library and am a bit disappointed at the rather low patronage.
— Carole Bogaard, Oak Lawn
Ballpark memories
Kudos to Ron Grossman for his memory-prompting April 13 story 'Chicago's Field of Dreams.'
The year was 1946 when a family fishing vacation in northern Wisconsin was cut short because I had to return home to Chicago to play in a high-stakes 16-inch softball playoff game at Thillens Stadium between Chicago newspaper carrier teams.
Thillens Stadium turned out to be a field of dashed dreams, as I was devastated by our loss and consequent missed trip to Detroit to play the Detroit newspaper-carrier championship team.
However, members of our carrier team formed the nucleus of the Lobos, a Chicago Hermosa Park neighborhood team that went on to become the 1955 Illinois state 16-inch softball champions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
What If Ford Revived The Flex As A Maverick-Based Compact 7-Seater?
Years ago, Ford offered the Flex–a unique, box-shaped seven-seater that was either a station wagon, an SUV, or a minivan, depending on who you asked. Sharing its platform with the Ford Taurus, the Flex offered buyers an affordable option for a seven-seater family car that wasn't a massive, gas-guzzling, body-on-frame off-roader. Despite occupying a niche segment, the Ford Flex proved to be relatively popular, selling over 300,000 units during its 11-year production run. Even with consistent year-over-year sales figures, Ford decided to discontinue the full-size crossover after its 2019 model year with no direct replacement. These days, it's incredibly difficult to find a seven-seater vehicle capable of hauling a large family, along with their luggage and some trinkets, that isn't either an expensive, less-than-attractive minivan or a gargantuan SUV. One example that does spring to mind is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, which offers the seating capacity and aesthetics of the much larger GLS-Class, without the massive proportions and eye-watering price tag. If Ford were to revive the Flex, perhaps taking on a similar approach to the GLB-Class could be a fitting, modern take on the original Flex. By downsizing the model and optimizing the Ford Maverick compact pickup truck platform to accommodate a third row of seating, Ford could offer North American buyers a budget-friendly alternative to the more luxurious and more pricey Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. Perhaps a performance variant akin to the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, based on the Ford Maverick Lobo street truck, could make an appearance in the Ford Flex model lineup as well. Considering the Ford Maverick is roughly 2 feet longer than the Bronco Sport it shares its platform with, the Maverick offers an excellent foundation for a compact seven-seater SUV. The third row of seats could sit where the pickup truck bed would otherwise be found, with the ability to stow them away for bountiful cargo space. Keeping things frugal, the revived Ford Flex could share the same powertrain options as the Maverick pickup, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine. For buyers who want a bit more pep in their step and the added confidence of all-wheel drive, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque could make for an excellent optional upgrade. Trim levels could mirror those of the Maverick as well, including a sub-$30,000 base model XL trim, the mid-level XLT trim, and the well-equipped Lariat. For those who desire a bit more uniqueness, the Lobo package could offer a standard EcoBoost engine, sport-tuned suspension, tweaked steering and brakes, and cosmetic enhancements such as rally-inspired 19-inch alloy wheels and a unique grille, just like the Ford Maverick Lobo. A premium, off-road-focused Tremor package could pair the same standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with an off-road-tuned suspension, a locking rear differential pulled from the Bronco Sport Badlands, and chunkier all-terrain tires. Compact yet spacious 7-seaters have come and gone from the North American market. Examples such as the Mazda5, the seven-seater variant of the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class have offered plenty of families all the seating they need in a vehicle without the unnecessary cost and burden of a much larger SUV. For some reason, however, many of these vehicles seem to have disappeared from the North American market altogether. Now, the resurgence of compact pickup trucks that blend basic utility with compact convenience may offer manufacturers the opportunity to create family-focused variants that leverage their longer wheelbases compared to their crossover SUV alternatives. Based on the foundations of the Maverick pickup truck, a revived Ford Flex could serve as Ford's entry-level seven-seater family crossover. With frugal hybrid powertrains, street performance variants, and an off-road-focused Tremor package, an updated Ford Flex would surely earn its keep within Ford's model lineup in no time. Although this idea is purely hypothetical for now, it wouldn't surprise us if Ford decided to create new models using the same platform shared between the Maverick, the Bronco Sport, and the Escape, that are purpose-built to attract more specific buyers, such as families looking for affordable seven-seater utility, or perhaps even a small delivery van. For the time being, though, families looking for a smaller way to get their hands on three rows of seating will have to look towards the capable and practical Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Toto Wolff Declares Mercedes F1 Engines 'Good as Gold'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes got its first win of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix, but the team's power units went through some reliability issues. The Mercedes engine is under the spotlight after a run of problems throughout the past couple of race weekends. In Canada, Williams driver Alex Albon retired from the race after seven laps. The power unit caused the retirement. Williams is not the only Mercedes customer to have gone through problems with the engine; Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso couldn't finish the Monaco GP after a loss of power. Mercedes' Austrian team principal and CEO Toto Wolff looks on during a practice session for the 2025 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 2, 2025. Mercedes' Austrian team principal and CEO Toto Wolff looks on during a practice session for the 2025 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 2, 2025. Photo byEven the Mercedes car suffered problems this season. Kimi Antonelli retired from the Emilia-Romagna and Spanish races due to engine-related issues. Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff addressed the recent run of issues and came to the defense of the power unit—trying to reassure fans and customer teams alike that the Mercedes engine can still be counted on. "I mean, our engines have been as good as gold since the introduction of the hybrid era, and so strong. And now it's the final year, all sights are on next year, and this group are fully on top of the reliability issues that we have," Wolff explained. "And statistically, if you look at the many years, the failures we had were very minimal. So we need to learn now what happened. I don't know what happened to Alex (Albon), actually. And I'm sure we'll understand it." If Wolff is right, the Mercedes engine shouldn't go through many more issues this season. The power unit can maintain its reputation as long as the second half of the season sees the expected high-level reliability from the engine. Wolff feels confident in the engine holding up over the course of the season. The Mercedes power unit is likely the best on the grid, balancing power and reliability over the past decade. These problems are likely aberrations, which should give the team confidence about its prospects going forward. The Canadian GP saw the Brackley-based team keep itself at the top of the timesheets all weekend long. George Russell secured a stunning pole position in Canada and delivered a steady drive in the race to secure the win. Antonelli managed to get his first career podium finish and showed that the Mercedes car was flat-out better than the rest of the field. If the engines hold up for the rest of the season, Mercedes could be set for a dramatic upturn in form.
Chicago Tribune
6 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
In 1894 Pullman strike, Illinois' governor fought president's decision to bring in National Guard
The governor fired off a message to the White House, outraged that the president had deployed soldiers to an American city. 'I protest against this, and ask the immediate withdrawal of the Federal troops from active duty in this State,' he wrote. It was July 1894. The governor was John Peter Altgeld of Illinois, and the president was Grover Cleveland. The two Democrats were arguing about Cleveland's decision to send the U.S. Army into Chicago during the Pullman strike. Illinois was 'able to take care of itself,' Altgeld wrote, telling Cleveland that the deployment 'insults the people of this State by imputing to them an inability to govern themselves, or an unwillingness to enforce the law.' Their dispute has echoes today, with President Donald Trump ordering the California National Guard and U.S. Marines sent to help deal with protests in Los Angeles. This time, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has led a chorus of objections to the president's move. In 1894, the progressive Altgeld was the loudest voice of protest. Altgeld, who'd emigrated from Germany as a toddler, was a Cook County judge before winning election as governor in 1892. The following year, he faced harsh criticism when he pardoned three alleged anarchists for their supposed roles in the 1886 Haymarket bombing, which killed seven police officers and several civilians during a labor demonstration west of the Loop. Altgeld said the imprisoned men were innocent, but the Tribune and other newspapers labeled him as an anarchist and apologist for murder. At the time, Chicago was reveling in the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, but the city soon fell into an economic depression. That prompted tycoon George Pullman to slash salaries at his railcar factory, even as he continued charging workers the same rent for living in his company's Far South Side complex. Pullman's desperate employees went on strike in May 1894. The conflict expanded in late June, when the American Railway Union refused to work on trains containing Pullman's luxury sleeping cars — a boycott that paralyzed railroads across the country. Two federal judges in Chicago, William Allen Woods and Peter S. Grosscup, issued an injunction July 2, ordering the union to stop disrupting interstate commerce and postal shipments. U.S. Marshal John W. Arnold delivered the message to a crowd of 2,000 strikers in Blue Island. Arriving on a train, he stood in the mail car's doorway and read the injunction. 'I command you in the name of the president of the United States to disperse and go to your homes,' he said. According to the Tribune, Arnold was greeted with 'howls, hooting, curses, and scornful laughter.' People shouted, 'To hell with the government! To hell with the courts!' And then they 'wantonly violated the court's order' by pushing over a boxcar onto the tracks. Arnold telegraphed U.S. Attorney General Richard Olney. 'I am unable to disperse the mob, clear the tracks, or arrest the men … and believe that no force less than the regular troops of the United States can procure the passage of the mail trains, or enforce the orders of the courts,' he wrote. Cleveland ordered soldiers from Fort Sheridan, a base in Lake County, into Chicago. He later cited a statute authorizing the president to deploy armed forces if 'unlawful obstructions, combinations or assemblages of persons, or rebellion against the authority of the United States' made it 'impracticable' to enforce laws through 'the ordinary course of judicial proceedings.' A crowd cheered when troops arrived in Chicago early on the morning of the Fourth of July. The Tribune reported that the soldiers were there to teach union 'dictator' Eugene Debs and his followers a lesson — 'that the law of the land was made to be obeyed and not violated by a rabble of anarchistic rioters.' But Altgeld said troops weren't needed. 'Very little actual violence has been committed,' he told Cleveland. 'At present some of our railroads are paralyzed, not by reason of obstructions, but because they cannot get men to operate their trains.' Cleveland replied that he was acting 'in strict accordance with the Constitution and laws of the United States.' Altgeld sent a second telegram, challenging the president's use of the military to enforce laws. Not even 'the autocrat of Russia' has that much power, Altgeld said. Recalling his reaction to Altgeld's missives, Cleveland later said, 'I confess that my patience was somewhat strained.' A Tribune editorial scoffed at Altgeld's arguments: 'This lying, hypocritical, demagogical, sniveling Governor of Illinois does not want the law enforced. He is a sympathizer with riot, with violence, with lawlessness, and with anarchy.' An Army officer told the White House that Chicago's 'people seem to feel easier since arrival of troops.' But Altgeld told Cleveland that the soldiers' presence was an 'irritant' that 'aroused the indignation' of many. Police Superintendent Michael Brennan reported: 'The workingmen had heard of the arrival of the federal troops and were incensed.' Mobs soon knocked over or burned hundreds of freight cars, drunkenly shouting insults at soldiers. 'MOBS DEFY ALL LAW — Make Night Hideous with a Reign of Torch and Riot,' a Tribune headline declared. In the midst of the turmoil, buildings from the 1893 World's Fair went up in flames, attracting a huge crowd of spectators. Arson was suspected. Most of the rioters weren't striking railway workers, according to Brennan. Rather, they were 'hoodlums, the vicious element and half-grown boys' who 'were ready for mischief of any kind,' he wrote. More federal troops arrived. And despite Altgeld's opposition to the federal deployment, he sent 4,000 members of the Illinois National Guard to help the Chicago police establish order. Brennan praised the way his own police handled the situation, writing: 'They used their clubs freely, vigorously and effectively; there were many cracked heads and sore sports where the policeman's club fell, but no human life was taken.' According to Brennan, the most troublesome law enforcement officers were 5,000 men deputized by the U.S. marshal. 'A large number of them were toughs, thieves and ex-convicts,' he wrote. 'They were dangerous to the lives of the citizens on account of their careless use of pistols. They fired into the crowd of bystanders when there was no disturbance and no reason for shooting. Innocent men and women were killed by these shots.' U.S. Army officials were reluctant to allow their 1,900 soldiers in Chicago to fire at rioters — or to take on the role of police officers. 'Punishment belongs not to the troops, but to the courts of justice,' they wrote in an order outlining rules of engagement. Reporting for Harper's Weekly, artist Frederic Remington described soldiers angry at being held back from attacking 'the malodorous crowd of anarchist foreign trash.' Remington called Chicago 'a seething mass of smells, stale beer, and bad language.' But he noted that the city's 'decent people' welcomed the soldiers. The strike's deadliest episode happened July 7 at 49th and Loomis streets, where several thousand people jeered and threw rocks at the Illinois National Guard. The state troops charged with bayonets and fired several volleys, killing at least four and wounding 20. A Tribune headline called it 'A DAY OF BLOOD.' The Army focused on getting the trains to run again, with soldiers riding shotgun in trains as they carried mail and much needed shipments of food. On July 8, U.S. soldiers escorting a train fired at crowds in Hammond, killing an innocent bystander. 'I would like to know by what authority United States troops come in here and shoot our citizens without the slightest warning,' Hammond Mayor Patrick Reilley said. By the time the strike was over in mid-July — with the union defeated and the soldiers gone — the official local death toll was 12, though some historians say more than 30 died. Altgeld lost his bid for reelection in 1896. He died in 1902 and was buried in Graceland Cemetery, where the monument on his grave features some of his words, including a portion of his message to Grover Cleveland: 'This is a government of law, and not a government by the caprice of an individual.'
