Latest news with #BlockClub
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson didn't conduct formal national search for CTA head despite claiming otherwise, records show
CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration never undertook a formalized national search for a new Chicago Transit Authority president despite the mayor saying last month that his office had in fact done so, according to responses to public records requests made by the Tribune. The CTA has been without a permanent leader since embattled former president Dorval Carter stepped down earlier this year under pressure from lawmakers and transit activists who had long called for his removal. Last month, Johnson told local news site Block Club Chicago that his office had undertaken a national search for a new CTA head, something transit advocates had pushed for in the wake of Carter's resignation. "We were always in the process of finding someone," Johnson told Block Club at the time. "It looked like any other national search." Johnson told Block Club the search had already been completed. But Freedom of Information Act requests filed by the Tribune failed to reveal records that demonstrated the city has undertaken a thorough or formalized search of any kind. The Tribune submitted Freedom of Information Act requests for records related to the search to three city departments: the mayor's office, the law department and the department of procurement services. All three departments told the Tribune they possessed no records of any contracts the city held with search firms involved in vetting candidates, nor invoices from such search firms, resumes of candidates who had been in the running for the job or reports on the search process. In a statement, Cassio Mendoza, a spokesperson for the mayor, said the administration had "looked at" candidates who are current leaders of mass transit agencies. "To maintain the integrity of the process and out of respect for their privacy, we are declining to share the names of specific candidates," Mendoza said. "The Johnson administration continues to believe in the importance of public transit for our city and our region," he said. "We will continue to work to find the most qualified and capable leader for this critical position." The mayor's office said it reached out to three leaders of agencies across the country but none were interested in doing a formal interview for the position. The administration said substandard CEO pay, uncertainty surrounding transit funding in Springfield and what it described as "hostile" media treatment were barriers to attracting further interest in the position. The Tribune submitted FOIA requests following a similar request made by transit advocate and environmental policy analyst Nik Hunder. In an email to the Tribune, Hunder said it was "puzzling that the Mayor's office felt the need to misrepresent the progress it had made on finding a new leader for CTA." "It took me under 5 minutes to submit the FOIA request for these records and to unintentionally prove that the Mayor and his staff did not do as they said," Hunder said. Johnson's claim that his office had undertaken a national search for a new leader came as he faced scrutiny over rumors he planned to appoint his chief operating officer, John Roberson, to lead the agency. Roberson has since taken a job at the Obama Foundation, putting an end to speculation that he would be appointed to lead the CTA. Before Roberson's new job became public last week, his rumored appointment was criticized heavily by transit activists, who called for a thorough, nationwide search for a new CTA head whom they hoped would have experience leading a mass transit agency. At the CTA's board meeting last month, three of the agency's seven board members had said they too supported a more thorough search, indicating Johnson would have faced opposition in getting Roberson confirmed had he nominated him for the job. At the same meeting, 17th Ward Ald. David Moore, for whom Roberson had worked as a chief of staff, spoke in support of Roberson, warning CTA board members to "work with the mayor who put you here" and "don't be a backbiting snake." Only two of the board's seven members were appointed by Johnson. The others were appointed either by former mayor Lori Lightfoot or Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Whomever is ultimately appointed to helm the CTA will be tasked with leading an agency that is facing the possibility of making drastic service cuts next year because state lawmakers adjourned their spring legislative session without passing funding to avert a looming $771 million transit fiscal cliff. There is still time for the legislators to allocate more funding for transit before the end of the year, but should they fail to, the CTA could be forced to cut more than half its bus routes and eliminate service on whole branches of "L" lines. The agency is currently led by an acting president, Nora Leerhsen, who was Carter's chief of staff before he resigned. ____ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Mayor Brandon Johnson didn't conduct formal national search for CTA head despite claiming otherwise, records show
Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration never undertook a formalized national search for a new CTA president despite the mayor saying last month that his office had in fact done so, according to responses to public records requests made by the Tribune. The CTA has been without a permanent leader since embattled former president Dorval Carter stepped down earlier this year under pressure from lawmakers and transit activists who had long called for his removal. Last month, Johnson told local news site Block Club Chicago that his office had undertaken a national search for a new CTA head, something transit advocates had pushed for in the wake of Carter's resignation. 'We were always in the process of finding someone,' Johnson told Block Club at the time. 'It looked like any other national search.' Johnson told Block Club the search had already been completed. But Freedom of Information Act requests filed by the Tribune failed to reveal records that demonstrated the city has undertaken a thorough or formalized search of any kind. The Tribune submitted Freedom of Information Act requests for records related to the search to three city departments: the mayor's office, the law department and the department of procurement services. All three departments told the Tribune they possessed no records of any contracts the city held with search firms involved in vetting candidates, nor invoices from such search firms, resumes of candidates who had been in the running for the job or reports on the search process. In a statement, Cassio Mendoza, a spokesperson for the mayor, said the administration had 'looked at' candidates who are current leaders of mass transit agencies. 'To maintain the integrity of the process and out of respect for their privacy, we are declining to share the names of specific candidates,' Mendoza said. 'The Johnson administration continues to believe in the importance of public transit for our city and our region,' he said. 'We will continue to work to find the most qualified and capable leader for this critical position.' The mayor's office said it reached out to three leaders of agencies across the country but none were interested in doing a formal interview for the position. The administration said substandard CEO pay, uncertainty surrounding transit funding in Springfield and what it described as 'hostile' media treatment were barriers to attracting further interest in the position. The Tribune submitted FOIA requests following a similar request made by transit advocate and environmental policy analyst Nik Hunder. 'It took me under 5 minutes to submit the FOIA request for these records and to unintentionally prove that the Mayor and his staff did not do as they said,' Hunder said. Johnson's claim that his office had undertaken a national search for a new leader came as he faced scrutiny over rumors he planned to appoint his chief operating officer, John Roberson, to lead the agency. Roberson has since taken a job at the Obama Foundation, putting an end to speculation that he would be appointed to lead the CTA. Before Roberson's new job became public last week, his rumored appointment was criticized heavily by transit activists, who called for a thorough, nationwide search for a new CTA head whom they hoped would have experience leading a mass transit agency. At the CTA's board meeting last month, three of the agency's seven board members had said they too supported a more thorough search, indicating Johnson would have faced opposition in getting Roberson confirmed had he nominated him for the job. At the same meeting, 17th Ward Ald. David Moore, for whom Roberson had worked as a chief of staff, spoke in support of Roberson, warning CTA board members to 'work with the mayor who put you here' and 'don't be a backbiting snake.' Only two of the board's seven members were appointed by Johnson. The others were appointed either by former mayor Lori Lightfoot or Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Whomever is ultimately appointed to helm the CTA will be tasked with leading an agency that is facing the possibility of making drastic service cuts next year because state lawmakers adjourned their spring legislative session without passing funding to avert a looming $771 million transit fiscal cliff. There is still time for the legislators to allocate more funding for transit before the end of the year, but should they fail to, the CTA could be forced to cut more than half its bus routes and eliminate service on whole branches of 'L' lines. The agency is currently led by an acting president, Nora Leerhsen, who was Carter's chief of staff before he resigned.
Politico
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Pope Leo knows Illinois
Presented by TGIF, Illinois. Chicago is losing its mind over da pope, via the Block Club. TOP TALKER WHITE SMOKE from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday revealed a White Sox fan who knows Illinois politics — and Catholics in the state couldn't be more excited. Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago and grew up in suburban Dolton, was tapped as the next pope. He's the first American-born pope in the church's history. (And the first one from Chicago!) He's taken the name Pope Leo XIV. 'The fact that he comes from humble beginnings, a working-class background and has lived and breathed that human experience, that's the coolest thing,' said state Sen. Mike Porfirio, who was on the Senate floor Thursday, proudly sharing an old photo of himself with friends and the now new pope on a religious outing when Porfirio was a teenager. 'Someone from Chicago who knows our neighborhoods, our streets, I think that's incredibly exciting.' 'Incredibly meaningful,' is how Mike Zalewski described the appointment. Like Porfirio, Zalewski graduated from St. Rita of Cascia High School on Chicago's Southwest Side, where Pope Leo had previously taught. 'The idea that one of its sons could end up being the Bishop of Rome truly demonstrates the idea that Chicago is a special place,' said Zalewski, a lobbyist and former state representative. Pope Leo has deep Chicago roots. He attended St. Mary of the Assumption School on the Far South Side and worked in Chicago, too. The Sun-Times has more about his background here. Josh Hale, CEO of Big Shoulders Fund in Chicago, which works with Catholic schools, said the new pope 'is known as a bridge builder who brings people together, harkening to his Chicago roots, a city [that] comes together in challenging moments to solve big issues.' The pope's new name, Pope Leo XIV, drew praise from Chicagoans, too. 'By selecting the name Leo, the new pope signaled his solidarity with working people and gave a nod to his South Side working class roots,' said Chicago Federation of President Labor Bob Reiter. 'The previous pope to bear that name, Pope Leo XIII, was known as 'The Pope of the Workers.'' He's even a registered voter in Illinois, according to the Will County clerk. Pope Leo voted in the general election in 2024, 2018, 2014 and 2012, and he registered as a Republican in the 2016, 2014 and 2012 primaries, the records show. The new pope apparently isn't afraid to speak up: As a cardinal, a social media account linked to him criticized Vance and Trump over immigration, by POLITICO's Ali Bianco and Gregory Svirnovskiy Let's hope he has a sense of humor: Soon after his appointment, Pope Leo appeared in cheeky memes on social media. There was Pope Leo making an entrance in Bulls style, Pope Leo as a Bears fan. And Pope Leo enjoying a Chicago hot dog. When he's not pope-ing: His brother, who lives in New Lenox, said Pope Leo XIV loves Wordle, Words with Friends and the Chicago White Sox, via Dana Rebik. Chicago and Illinois politicians praise 'Da Pope,' by the Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout From Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson: 'The pope is from Chicago. This is one of the biggest moments in the modern history of our city. Pope Leo XIV will be a champion for workers all over the world. It's only right that he was born and educated in the most pro-worker city in America. .... This is a tremendous moment for our Catholic community and for all Chicagoans.' From Gov. JB Pritzker: 'Hailing from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new chapter that I join those in our state welcoming in at a time when we need compassion, unity, and peace,' he posted here. MORE HEADLINES 'It was a shocking moment': At home in New Lenox, new pope's brother found out like everyone else, by the Daily Herald's Jake Griffin Prevost's boyhood neighbors predicted he would become pope, by WGN's Dana Rebik and BJ Lutz Leo is America's first pope. His worldview appears at odds with 'America First,' by POLITICO's Megan Messerly, Rachael Bade and Eli Stokols Pope Leo XIV seen as bridge builder after Francis' turbulent reign, by POLITICO's Ben Munster and Hannah Roberts World leaders react as Robert Francis Prevost becomes first American pope, by Time's Chantelle Lee Pope Leo XIV's religious order still mired in secrecy over child sex abuse, by the Sun-Times' Robert Herguth Prevost was 'the pride and joy of every priest and nun' at St. Mary's on Chicago's South Side, by the Tribune's team Hyde Park theological school celebrates alumnus Robert Prevost being elected next pope: 'He exudes holiness,' by the Sun-Times' Mary Norkol Hot dogs, trading cards and a new Cubs-Sox feud: How big brands reacted to Pope Leo XIV, by Ad Age's Brandon Doerrer The cover or Time. WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON At the Cabrini Development Project at 10 a.m. for the final-phase groundbreaking Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — ON THE TRAIL: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is making campaign-kickoff stops today for his U.S. Senate campaign in Peoria at 9 a.m., Chicago at 2 p.m. and Schaumburg at 5:30 p.m. His Chicago visit is expected to include an announcement of support from labor. — Memory lane: Congresswoman Robin Kelly celebrated her birthday with a fundraising party Thursday at Bocce's in south suburban Matteson. Attendees included former state Rep. Al Riley and Judge Linzey Jones, who, along with late Rich Township Democratic Committeeman Tim Bradford first encouraged Kelly to run for state representative 23 years ago. Also spotted: Judge John Anderson, Judge John Pavich, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, School District 168 Superintendent Donna Leak, Rich Township Assessor Sam Brown, Hopkins Park Mayor Mark Hodge, Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold, Richton Park Clerk Mike Jordan and Park Forest Trustee John V. Moore, who's also Kelly's political director. — Patrick Hanley, an environmental leader, announced his candidacy for the 9th District Illinois state Senate seat — and he has an endorsement from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, too. Hanley is running for the seat now held by Sen. Laura Fine, who's running for the now-retiring Schakowsky seat. Hanley told supporters Thursday that his campaign platform is about 'sustainability and economic growth.' In a statement, Schakowsky said, 'Patrick is exactly the kind of bold, progressive Democratic leader — and fighter — that Illinois needs.' — Sen. Tammy Duckworth on Donald Trump, IVF initiatives, VA support, endorsing Juliana Stratton and the new pope, via WGN Radio. TAKING NAMES — 'Crony capitalism': GOP megadonor Ken Griffin slams Trump trade war: 'The Citadel founder's frustration with the president's policies reflects broader concerns among executives over how the trade war could derail the economy,' by POLITICO's Sam Sutton. — The Funniest Guy from Joliet: How Jim Downey transformed 50 years of 'SNL,' by the Tribune's Christopher Borrelli THE STATEWIDES — After a lot of negotiations, the Illinois State Senate passed the Illinois Junk Fee Transparency Act to curb the use of deceptive and excessive junk fees. Economic Security Illinois Action put forward the legislation with lead sponsor state Sen. Omar Aquino and in partnership with state Rep. Bob Morgan and Illinois Atty Gen. Kwame Raoul. — The rush in Illinois to become a U.S. citizen amid immigration crackdown, by WBEZ's Adriana Cardona-Maguigad — Michael Polsky's Invenergy awards $1.7B as part of largest U.S. power line project, by Crain's John Pletz CHICAGO — CPS Board president rips into outgoing CEO and budget-cutting proposals, by WBEZ's Sarah Karp — Chicago school board members raise concerns about Illinois labeling schools, by Chalkbeat's Becky Vevea Reader Digest We asked what totally unserious campaign slogan you'd choose if you were running for office: Janice Anderson: 'Get your head out of your asses voters and elect Janice Anderson.' Graham Grady: 'I'm GG. Vote for me!' Lucas Hawley: 'Why not me? Nothing else in your government is going right?' Jim Lyons: 'You could do worse.' Jen McMillin: 'The B*tch in Black.' Ron Michaelson: 'I Like Mike,' taken after the famous 'I Like Ike' when Eisenhower ran for President. Jeff Nathan: 'Vote for me. I'm not a lawyer.' John Straus: 'Vote for Straus … You could do worse.' Timothy Thomas: 'Get it right this time!' Barry Tusin: 'Often wrong — never uncertain.' Erika Weaver: 'SickaYOU, SickaHIM, SickaYALL! Where's my them music?' NEXT QUESTION: What's a political debate issue that should be decided by a game of rock scissors paper instead? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), who co-chairs the Congressional Soccer Caucus, participated in the first meeting for the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026. 'It is critical that federal, state and local agencies and officials are equipped with the resources they need to enhance security efforts, modernize travel processes and invest in the necessary improvements in technology,' he said in a statement. — Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined in reintroducing the Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act, which will provide veterans with additional federal funding to make accessibility improvements to their homes. — Congressman Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia (IL-04) pokes at the president's 'Gulf of America' action, via post. THE NATIONAL TAKE — Distrust of Trump hangs over the emerging U.S.-U.K. trade deal, by POLITICO's Daniel Desrochers — 'We don't have a choice': A business group decides to push back on Trump, by POLITICO's Gabby Miller — Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden is fired by Trump, by POLITICO's Nicholas Wu, Lisa Kashinsky and Katherine Tully-McManus IN MEMORIAM — A Lori Healey celebration of life will be held Tuesday at Women's Park & Gardens. Details here EVENTS — May 29: Liz Nicholson, a Cook County Board of Review candidate, is holding a fundraiser at Moe's Cantina. Details here — June 9: A Pride Month kick-off fundraiser for state Rep. Kelly Cassidy and MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis. Details here TRIVIA THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Cristina Nonato for correctly answering that the U.S. Population Center jumped the Mississippi from Illinois to Missouri in 1980. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was Gov. Frank Orren Lowden's father in-law? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today: Des Plaines City Clerk Dominik Bronakowski, Clayco Chief Growth Officer and Chicagoland President Michael Fassnacht, Personal PAC founder Marcie Love, political consultant Larry Luster, Elevate Illinois CEO Janet Mathis, former Cook County president's deputy chief of staff Rachel Ruttenberg, National Conference of State Legislatures Senior Policy Specialist Eric Mayo, BuiltIn Senior Editorial Director Nicholas Jackson and the late Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak Saturday: Du Quoin Mayor Josh Downs, Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, former state Rep. John Bradley, former political candidate Dr. Dave Nayak, Evanston Democratic Party President Kathy Hayes, actor and former Cook County Judge Gloria Coco, policy expert Katharine Eastvold, media relations expert John Gorman, political strategist Adam Gunther and marketing pro Erik Curren Sunday: Illinois Senate Dems Comms Specialist Natalie Bak, former Planned Parenthood of Illinois CEO Jennifer Welch, City Colleges Technology Support Director Steve Saba, researcher and retired law library director Scott Burgh and policy adviser Sam Mulopulos -30-
Axios
28-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Quimby's bookstore has new owners
Quimby's bookstore announced Sunday on social media that it has new owners — Peter Miles Bergman and Cody Kasselman. Why it matters: Quimby's opened in the '90s when Wicker Park was a cultural destination with pop-up art galleries, independent record stores and artists' studios that were still affordable. Flashback: Former owner Eric Kirsammer told Block Club in December he was selling the store after owning it for nearly 30 years. The store opened in 1991 at a different Wicker Park location than its current one, Block Club reported. Zoom in: New co-owner Kasselman comes from the publishing world, and most recently helped Denver bookstore Earnest Paper, Quimby's Instagram post says. Bergman comes from commercial printing and has been a professor of art and graphic design at Metropolitan State University of Denver. What they're saying:"I've run my own publishing imprint 'is PRESS' for the last 13 years, consigning my own zines in Quimby's! I'm overjoyed to take the helm of my favorite bookstore alongside Cody," Bergman said.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Editorial: Latest worry for Chicagoans? Electrocuted dogs
Chicago does not have a city charter, more's the pity. If it did, we'd favor some aspirational freedoms for its citizens. Freedom from being the victim of violent crime would be one. For another, how about the freedom to walk your dog on the streets of Chicago without worrying that your beloved pooch might get … electrocuted? We jest not. In mid-February, two dogs were shocked while walking over an electrified manhole cover in the 600 block of North Dearborn Street in the city's River North neighborhood. One dog died. There was a similar February incident on the city's West Side, near the Claremont dog park in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood, after a dog came in contact with a city light pole. In the case of the Dearborn Street incidents, which first were met with much waffling and buck-passing and owner blame, the cause was eventually revealed to be a pinched electrical wire, per Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd. A city crew was dispatched to fix the problem. But too late for at least one dog. It got worse. Block Club reported earlier this week that multiple dogs belonging to residents of the downtown apartment building Wolf Point East were being shocked by a metallic strip in front of the building and still were not satisfied that corrective steps had been taken. Residents were saying more than a dozen dogs had been shocked. It's true that weather conditions can contribute to these issues and that cautious owners always are best advised to keep dogs away from any and all potential contact with live electrical current in the great outdoors. But let's be clear. A dog should be free to walk over a Chicago manhole cover or out its own front door without current shooting through its pores, traumatizing the dog's owner, let alone the dog itself. And, in a city filled with dog lovers, this whole troubling business is worthy of some serious citywide examination and mitigation by Commonwealth Edison, the city of Chicago and private building owners. Owners deserve to have confidence in their pets' safety. The city was right to encourage residents to report any locations with 'stray voltage' through its 311 hotline, but then the city also has a responsibility to prevent 'stray voltage' (an Orwellian bit of language, implying that voltage just likes to take a walk) from occurring in the first place. Dogs are Chicagoans too. Imagine if they had lobbyists. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@
