Chicago City Council hearing on art display some call antisemitic gets heated
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A piece of art at the Chicago Cultural Center set off a heated discussion in City Council Chambers Tuesday.
The display, titled "U.S-Israel War Machine," is part of an exhibit on puppets. A group of alderpeople want it removed.
One puppet in the exhibit depicts "Uncle Sam" with a bloody face, and a t-shirt with the image of a tank, the word "money," and the words "thank you" and a smiley face.
Another puppet depicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holding a bomb, with blood on his hands.
The wooden bases supporting the puppets include the words "child killers."
The City Council did not vote on anything with regard to the artwork Tuesday, but they did go on for hours discussing how art pieces are selected and go into city-owned spaces.
It turned into a debate about the freedom of expression, possible antisemitism, and the use of taxpayer dollars.
The City Council Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation has sometimes been called the "fun committee." But at a meeting of just that committee on Tuesday, speakers used the words "obnoxious." Some called the demands to remove the artwork "an attack on free speech," while others described the art in question as part of a "pattern of disrespect and disregard by the Mayor's office."
Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th) spearheaded efforts to remove the display at the Cultural Center. The artwork is part of the exhibit "Potential Energy: Chicago Puppets Up Close"—which is described as a display that "challenges expectations about puppetry and inspires the public to tell their own stories."
Silverstein and her supporters feel the "U.S.-Israel War Machine" is antisemitic. The hearing Tuesday was meant to help alders understand how the piece was chosen for display.
"When art is deemed controversial, there is a process," said Clinée Hedspeth, commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. "That process did not happen."
Hedspeth explained the complainant is supposed to meet with the curator and the artist to find common ground. In this case, a wall plaque, along with a "death count," was removed and replaced for possibly displaying sensitive content that could by perceived as opinion.
Ald. Bill Conway (34th) questioned why the puppets were not also removed.
Conway:"What made you go ahead and remove that wall panel?"
Hedspeth:"It didn't identify who the creator was, and it was an opinion piece."
Another exchange had alders calling for Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) to be removed.
"Talk about the process!" Sigcho-Lopez said. "White supremacist!"
Committee Chairman Ald. Nicholas Sposato (38th) called for the dramatic back-and-forth to stop. It was extinguished.
Conway later said Sigcho-Lopez said the "white supremacist" remark was not directed personally at him.
"We talked about it behind closed doors. He apologized and said that those remarks were not directed towards me," Conway said. "I have no desire to escalate. I appreciate him doing that, and I have no desire to escalate this."
In the meeting, alders also discussed how to make outdoor festivals safer by using barriers to block cars from pedestrians. One big question is the expense.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Axios
39 minutes ago
- Axios
U.S. has "no interest" in putting troops on the ground in Iran, Vance says
Vice President Vance said Sunday that the United States doesn't plan to send ground troops into Iran and there is "no interest" in engaging in a "protracted conflict" with the nation. The big picture: Vance and other Trump administration officials appeared on Sunday shows to praise President Trump 's decision to carry out a series of airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear sites, while reassuring Americans that the mission — dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer — isn't the launching point for a wider conflict. Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," Vance called the mission a "precise, a very surgical strike tailored to an American national interest" — preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon — and that he had "no fear" of a drawn-out conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the sentiment on CBS' "Face the Nation," saying that there are no plans from the U.S. to engage in further attacks on Iran unless they "mess around" and attack Americans or U.S. military sites. What they're saying: Rubio said Sunday that the U.S. carried out the attack after efforts to negotiate with Iran stalled, but that Trump administration officials are "prepared to talk to them tomorrow." Both men also dismissed the notion that the U.S. is at war with Iran, with Vance stating that the war is with Iran's nuclear program. "We destroyed the Iranian nuclear program. I think we set that program back substantially," Vance told NBC News' Kristen Welker. Zoom out: Vance and Rubio were unable to confirm the extent of the damage done to the nuclear sites, but Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told CNN that the strike was a "betrayal of diplomacy." "No one knows what will happen next, but what is sure is that the responsibility of the consequences of this war must be borne by the United States and Israel," he said. Bagahei refused to say how Iran might respond to the U.S. strike, but said the nation is entitled to "exercise its right of self-defense."
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Iran government moves to block major oil, gas route
Iran's parliament approved a measure June 22 endorsing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil transportation route, following U.S. airstrikes in Iran. Around 20% of the world's oil and gas flow through the narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Its closure would likely mean rising fuel costs for global consumers, including Americans. While Iranian state media reported that the parliament had agreed to endorse blocking the strait, the decision ultimately belongs to Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Live updates: US on 'high alert' for Iran retaliation, says nuke program 'obliterated' Iranian officials have said the country would defend itself should the U.S. effectively join Israel's war with Iran. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said in a press conference the U.S. is on "high alert" for retaliation from Tehran, after American bombers targeted three Iranian nuclear sites. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned against closing the strait, calling such a decision an escalation of conflict. 'That would be a suicidal move on their part, because I think the whole world would come against them if they did that,' Rubio said in an interview with CBS's Margaret Brennan.
Business Upturn
an hour ago
- Business Upturn
Fire Country Season 4: Release date rumors, cast updates and what to expect next
By Aman Shukla Published on June 22, 2025, 20:17 IST Last updated June 22, 2025, 20:18 IST Okay, Fire Country fans, let's dive into the latest updates on Season 4! After that gut-punch of a Season 3 finale, fans are dying to know what's next for Bode, Sharon, and the whole Edgewater crew. Between cast shake-ups, spinoff hype, and those pesky release date rumors, there's a ton to unpack. So, grab a coffee (or something stronger), and let's dish on everything we know—or think we know—about Fire Country Season 4. Fire Country Season 4 Potential Release Date As of right now, June 2025, CBS is keeping us in suspense with no official release date for Season 4. The show got the green light back in February 2025, which is a big vote of confidence. Word on the street (and by street, we mean X posts and TVLine reports) is that filming kicks off in Vancouver this July. That lines up nicely for a September or October 2025 premiere, probably in that trusty Friday 9 p.m. ET slot on CBS. Cast Updates: Who's Returning and Who's Leaving? The Fire Country Season 3 finale dropped some major bombshells, and the cast for Season 4 will look noticeably different. Here's a breakdown of who's in. Max Thieriot as Bode Leone : The heart of the show, Bode, is confirmed to return. As a newly freed firefighter, his journey to redemption will continue to drive the story. Thieriot, who also serves as an executive producer and co-creator, has teased 'game-changing' developments for his character. Kevin Alejandro as Manny Perez : Manny, Gabriela's father and a key figure at Station 42, is expected back, bringing his blend of tough love and leadership. Jordan Calloway as Jake Crawford : Jake's role as interim battalion chief in the Season 3 finale sets him up for a bigger leadership arc in Season 4. Diane Farr as Sharon Leone : Despite being caught in the Season 3 finale's collapse, Sharon is expected to survive and return, especially with her ties to the upcoming spinoff Sheriff Country . Jules Latimer as Eve Edwards: Eve's resilience and growth make her a fan favorite, and she's confirmed to be back for more. What to Expect in Fire Country Season 4 The Season 3 finale left fans with a heart-stopping cliffhanger: a fire consumed Walter's care facility, trapping Vince, Sharon, and Walter as the building collapsed. Bode watched in horror, setting the stage for an emotionally charged Season 4. Here's what we can anticipate: Storylines to Watch Bode's Big Moment: If Vince doesn't make it (I'm still in denial), Bode's gonna be a mess. He's already got guilt from his rebel stunt causing the fire, so expect some heavy soul-searching. Maybe he'll finally step up as a leader to honor his dad. Jake's Time to Shine: With Jake as interim chief, I'm curious if he'll clash with the team or prove he's the real deal. Jordan Calloway's got the chops to carry this arc. New Disasters: Fire Country thrives on high-stakes action, and Season 4 will likely deliver more epic fires, floods, or other emergencies. Max Thieriot has hinted at 'crazy action stunt sequences' that will keep viewers glued to their screens. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
