Holding Pattern: Third Chicago Airport Project

Please join me for the FREE premiere of HOLDING PATTERN. This documentary chronicles the ongoing saga of the proposed South Suburban Airport since 1985. The screening will take place Saturday, June 13, 2026, 12:30 p.m. at the Chicago History Museum. 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago.

I learned about the airport while researching issues for Jesse Jackson Jr.'s campaign during the Special Election in 1995. There was a two-page story in the Chicago Tribune on the history of what was then called Chicago's Third Airport. I reached out to the people involved in the project to learn about it first hand. Afterward, I suggested to Jesse Jr. that he learn more about it.

Over the course of many campaigns, we have made the connection that this isn't a south suburban issue, but a statewide issue that could transform the Chicago Southland and connect Chicago to the rest of the state without having to drive three hours to one of our local airports. After all, it was the Federal Aviation Administration that warned political leaders the region needed another major airport to capture the growing capacity from both passenger and cargo.

Following the screening will be a Q&A with filmmaker Tom Desch, executive producer John Davies, anti-airport activist and Will County Board official Judy Ogalla and me, moderated by former Fox 32 Chicago reporter Mike Flannery.