Violence-reduction efforts are getting millions from the state — and must show results

Father Michael Pfleger speaks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker during a press conference at The Ark of St. Sabina in Auburn Gresham on May 18, where Pritzker signed a bill that bans the sale and possession of ghost guns. (Pat Nabong/Sun-Times)

The long Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer and is perhaps best known in Chicago as the beginning of its long, hot season of gun violence. The morning-after news coverage typically notes the holiday “was the most violent weekend of the year so far,” or some such thing.

You’ve probably seen the polling that shows crime isn’t the super-hot political issue it’s often portrayed to be. But don’t kid yourself. It’s still high enough on voters’ lists to make a difference, usually coming in second behind economic issues.