Latest news with #BrandonJohnson
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chicago alderman pledges to fight Mayor Brandon Johnson's vowed curfew veto, won't ‘twist arms'
CHICAGO — As Mayor Brandon Johnson promises to veto the teen curfew ordinance passed by aldermen, the measure's lead sponsor says he will keep fighting to make it law. Alderman Brian Hopkins, 2nd, won out over Johnson in the City Council on Wednesday when his plan to give Chicago's police superintendent power to declare teen curfews anytime, anywhere passed in a 27-22 vote. But his victory could be fleeting. Johnson quickly pledged to cast a rare mayoral veto, the city's first since 2006. The planned move means Hopkins must garner votes from 34 aldermen to overrule the mayor, a high bar that would require him to flip as many as seven council members. Still, Hopkins said Thursday morning he will move ahead in July with a City Council vote on Johnson's anticipated veto. He plans to keep making the case for his ordinance but added that he will not be heavy-handed. 'I'm going to keep pushing back on the deceptive spin, but I'm not going to call my colleagues and twist arms. Everyone is going to vote their conscience on this,' the downtown alderman said. The Wednesday vote and veto pledge marked decisive steps in Hopkins' two-year push to give police more power to curb the so-called 'teen takeover' youth gatherings that have sometimes ended in high-profile violence, including two Streeterville shootings in Hopkins' ward in recent months. Youth activists and civil rights groups have criticized the curfew measure as an unfair and unconstitutional crackdown that especially harms Black and Latino teens from poor neighborhoods that offer little safe fun. They also argue that those same teens have been left out of the debate and that aldermen should instead invest money in youth jobs, violence prevention and safe activities. 'Our children are gathering to escape the violence in their neighborhoods, the trouble at home and other conditions that they have no control over,' said Abierre Minor, a 25-year-old appointed by Johnson last year to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. Minor recalled speaking after the vote with her 15-year-old sister, who argued media coverage of 'teen takeovers' has been sensationalized and that all people should have the right to gather as they see fit. The police oversight commissioner said she was 'disheartened' by the City Council majority's decision, but praised Johnson's 'swift and strong' response. 'Every year, our decision-makers propose repressive, ineffective policies to address community violence that does nothing but cause confusion and community harm,' Minor said. 'This year, something different happened. We had a leader who decided to break the cycle.' The Cook County public defender's office and progressive groups have also backed Johnson's stance. Just after the measure passed, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates urged the mayor, formerly a CTU organizer, to veto it, likening the curfew ordinance to Jim Crow segregation laws. 'The people of Streeterville don't need the police to keep Black youth out of their neighborhood. The people of Chicago need policies and programs that serve and center Black youth,' Davis Gates wrote. Johnson's administration is currently drafting language and plans to officially veto the measure soon. The mayor had long shared tentative criticism of the potential curfew, but ramped up his opposition to the proposal this week. He argued after pledging a veto that the curfew ordinance would harm 'trust within communities' as the city's violent crime rates sharply drop, and compared the measure to crime laws 'that have overwhelmingly led to the criminalization and the incarceration of poor people and particularly people of color.' 'Offering up extended police power, without any check or balance, has not boded well for Black people and brown people in this country,' he said. Hopkins argued Thursday the 'snap curfew' label Johnson and others have used to describe the measure is a misnomer. The measure requires police to give 30 minutes notice onsite before a curfew is implemented. It also requires the superintendent to consult others to declare a curfew, but gives the top cop final say. Superintendent Larry Snelling said in court last week he would not use any power allowing him to declare sudden curfews, but suggested he could use the ordinance to declare preemptive curfews days in advance when police learn of planned, potentially chaotic gatherings. He has carefully distanced himself from the political debate in statements. Johnson has argued he and Snelling are aligned on the matter, but said future superintendents should not have the technical ability to quickly declare curfews with little or no oversight. A final vote ought to move forward in July, without legislative trickery from either side, Hopkins said. 'That'll put the matter to bed, and I'd rather do that briefly than have it degrade into a parliamentary mud fight,' he said. 'I think at this point I am done having persuasive conversations with my colleagues.' Much could happen before a mid-July vote that might pressure aldermen to change sides, he added. He cited, as he did during City Council floor debate Wednesday, reports of a large and chaotic teen gathering at North Avenue Beach earlier this week. Police said they arrested five teens at the beach Tuesday, including three minors, for misdemeanors and citations including battery, resisting arrest and possessing alcohol. ____
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chicago City Council takes radical step to fight against ‘teen takeovers'
A last-minute curfew designed to keep 'teen takeovers' at bay has been passed in Chicago , but it's expected to be vetoed by the city's mayor. The city council measure passed 27 to 22 on Wednesday, according to ABC7. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the ordinance a 'politicized knee-jerk reaction.' It's unclear if council members have the necessary numbers to override a veto. "Offering up police power, extended police power without any check or balance has not bode well for Black people and brown people in this country," said Johnson. If enacted, the measure would give Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling the ability to implement a last-minute curfew to disperse teenage gatherings across the city. Snelling would also need to consult with the Chicago deputy mayor of public safety before issuing a curfew. Police would be able to enforce the restriction for gatherings of 20 people or more starting 30 minutes after a curfew is issued. "I have a 17-year-old daughter that I have restricted, 'Do not go downtown.' She's not going downtown because it's safe. She can't go because it's unsafe," Alderwoman Monique Scott said, according to the outlet. Ahead of Wednesday's debate, demonstrators protested outside City Hall. Many young people said they were concerned the ordinance would unintentionally target them. Others said such a measure is unconstitutional and could result in the criminalization of teenagers and young children. "We say no to the snap curfew because again it defunds our youth, criminalizes our youth and destroys our narrative and perception of this city," said Commissioner for Public Safety and Accountability Abierre Minor. Brian Hopkins, Public Safety Committee chairman, told the outlet, the intent behind the ordinance was to keep everyone safe during the summer months. "The intent of this ordinance is to prevent teen trends. How long does it take to prevent a teen trend? However long it takes, the more opportunity we have to prevent it, the better off it is, and that's what the superintendent is going to do," he said. "This will be used in a constitutional and effective manner, and all the notice requirements that are in the ordinance will be adhered to... No one here thinks it's perfectly acceptable for large groups of teenagers, some as young as 12, to gather anywhere in the city, downtown or anywhere, and get out of control and to take guns out of their backpacks and to engage in violent behavior and mayhem and chaos." Local governments are dealing with similar issues in other parts of the country. Last month, officials in Charleston, South Carolina, entertained the idea of implementing a curfew to lower violent incidents downtown. This week in Washington, D.C., officials considered a 7 p.m. curfew for teenagers in certain parts of the city. Emergency legislation would need to pass the council to take effect.
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Chicago City Council takes radical step to fight against ‘teen takeovers'
A last-minute curfew designed to keep 'teen takeovers' at bay has been passed in Chicago , but it's expected to be vetoed by the city's mayor. The city council measure passed 27 to 22 on Wednesday, according to ABC7. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the ordinance a 'politicized knee-jerk reaction.' It's unclear if council members have the necessary numbers to override a veto. "Offering up police power, extended police power without any check or balance has not bode well for Black people and brown people in this country," said Johnson. If enacted, the measure would give Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling the ability to implement a last-minute curfew to disperse teenage gatherings across the city. Snelling would also need to consult with the Chicago deputy mayor of public safety before issuing a curfew. Police would be able to enforce the restriction for gatherings of 20 people or more starting 30 minutes after a curfew is issued. "I have a 17-year-old daughter that I have restricted, 'Do not go downtown.' She's not going downtown because it's safe. She can't go because it's unsafe," Alderwoman Monique Scott said, according to the outlet. Ahead of Wednesday's debate, demonstrators protested outside City Hall. Many young people said they were concerned the ordinance would unintentionally target them. Others said such a measure is unconstitutional and could result in the criminalization of teenagers and young children. "We say no to the snap curfew because again it defunds our youth, criminalizes our youth and destroys our narrative and perception of this city," said Commissioner for Public Safety and Accountability Abierre Minor. Brian Hopkins, Public Safety Committee chairman, told the outlet, the intent behind the ordinance was to keep everyone safe during the summer months. "The intent of this ordinance is to prevent teen trends. How long does it take to prevent a teen trend? However long it takes, the more opportunity we have to prevent it, the better off it is, and that's what the superintendent is going to do," he said. "This will be used in a constitutional and effective manner, and all the notice requirements that are in the ordinance will be adhered to... No one here thinks it's perfectly acceptable for large groups of teenagers, some as young as 12, to gather anywhere in the city, downtown or anywhere, and get out of control and to take guns out of their backpacks and to engage in violent behavior and mayhem and chaos." Local governments are dealing with similar issues in other parts of the country. Last month, officials in Charleston, South Carolina, entertained the idea of implementing a curfew to lower violent incidents downtown. This week in Washington, D.C., officials considered a 7 p.m. curfew for teenagers in certain parts of the city. Emergency legislation would need to pass the council to take effect.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: Latest Naperville ‘teen takeover' results in multiple arrests
Good afternoon, Chicago. After Naperville police allegedly found a 14-year-old carrying a loaded, semiautomatic pistol at a downtown 'teen takeover' event last weekend, authorities are urging safety and, again, stressed they have zero tolerance for illicit behavior. 'While we encourage everyone to exercise their first amendment right and we encourage everyone to enjoy what the downtown provides, we need everyone to do that lawfully,' Naperville police Cmdr. Rick Krakow said. 'There's going to be zero tolerance for any sort of criminal behavior, from trespassing to disorderly conduct to fighting.' Since May 1, there have been seven planned teen takeover events in Naperville, each with varying degrees of participation, Krakow said. The latest, held Saturday, resulted in five arrests, including that of the 14-year-old, who was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, authorities said. Charges in other arrests included disorderly conduct and battery. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History 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. Read more here. More top news stories: Aurora shares data on testing for 'unregulated contaminants' in water system Deerfield considering referendum for two new school buildings, renovations South Naperville townhouse/rowhouse proposal gains planning commission approval After two years of rain-soaked July Fourth weekend events, could the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be heading west to eternally sunny San Diego? Chicago is set to host the third annual street race July 5-6 on a pop-up course in and around Grant Park, completing an inaugural three-year agreement with NASCAR. The deal, struck during former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration, includes a two-year renewal option. Read more here. More top business stories: Honda recalls more than 259,000 cars across the US due to brake pedal issue New train station is a first for NWI, state, seen as gateway to Michigan City's future Will County Board refuses to drop 143rd Street widening from transporation plan, but stalls passage The Chicago Sky lead the league in turnovers per game (18.7) and opponent points off turnovers (20.5). A staggering 23.4% of the Sky's offensive possessions result in a turnover. This weakness ballooned into a full-on crisis against the Mystics as the Sky hemorrhaged points, giving up 40 on 22 turnovers — 1.8 points per. Read more here. More top sports stories: Column: 11 observations to kick off a Chicago sports summer, including updating the 'Maddux' to the 'PCA' Chicago baseball report: Cubs bullpen is on a stellar streak — and White Sox call up a Fox Lake product Thunder know an NBA title is just 1 win away. They're trying to keep their minds on the Pacers. Watching MJ Lenderman at the Salt Shed yesterday was to be reminded of the curious power of exhaustion. It's a beautiful, humid, rickety sound. You can hear in it why the sighs of Neil Young became inextricable from Watergate-era malaise, and how Lenderman, 50 years later, sounds like both a throwback to strung-out singer-songwriters of the '70s and very much of his own time. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: 'Winging It' exhibit at Newberry Library shows humanity's relationship to birds — dead and alive Deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken alfredo fettucine sold at Kroger and Walmart Nezza's national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team's immigrant support Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans for generations, but became more widely observed after former President Joe Biden designated it a federal holiday in 2021. It is recognized at least as an observance in every state, and nearly 30 states and Washington, D.C., have designated it as a permanent paid or legal holiday through legislation or executive action. Read more here. More top stories from around the world: President Donald Trump delays the TikTok ban once again Erick makes landfall in western Mexico state as a Category 3 storm
Chicago Tribune
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Is NASCAR moving its street race from Chicago to sunny San Diego next year?
After two years of rain-soaked July Fourth weekend events, could the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be heading west to eternally sunny San Diego? The Athletic reported Wednesday that NASCAR and the Southern California city's sports tourism commission are in negotiations to hold a race on the streets of San Diego in 2026. A NASCAR spokesperson declined to comment on the unconfirmed report, while the San Diego Sports Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Chicago is set to host the third annual street race July 5-6 on a pop-up course in and around Grant Park, completing an inaugural three-year agreement with NASCAR. The deal, struck during former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration, includes a two-year renewal option. 'We continue to have positive conversations with the city of Chicago, and right now, we're focused on making 2025 the best event yet,' a NASCAR spokesperson said Thursday. A spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. The city, which had an annual 180-day exit clause after the first two races, committed to this year's event in August. Adding a San Diego street race next year does not necessarily affect the future of the Chicago Street Race. Most NASCAR tracks range from a quarter-mile to 2 ½-mile banked ovals, but the Florida-based sanctioning body for stock car racing holds several events at road courses, including Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, in Sonoma, California, and at Watkins Glen in New York. NASCAR might similarly be building its portfolio of urban street races, with Chicago paving the way. The Chicago Street Race has nonetheless had its challenges in the first two years, including pushback over the disruption and street closures to set up the 12-turn, 2.2-mile course through Grant Park, down DuSable Lake Shore Drive and up Michigan Avenue. This year, NASCAR has streamlined the buildout and reduced major street closings to 18 days, starting with the shutdown Thursday of Balbo Drive from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. All streets are scheduled to be reopened by July 14. But the biggest issue facing the first two street races was inclement weather. In 2023, the inaugural Fourth of July weekend event navigated record rainfall that curtailed races, canceled concerts and left fans soaked. The first Cup Series street race also garnered a huge national TV audience with Chicago as a rainy backdrop, averaging nearly 4.8 million viewers during a four-hour broadcast on NBC. While clear skies prevailed for last year's Xfinity Series race on Saturday, the nationally televised Cup Series race on Sunday was once again shortened when rain delays forced officials to call the race after 58 laps as darkness fell on the unlit street course. Last year's race generated $128 million in total economic impact and drew 53,036 unique visitors, according to a study commissioned by Choose Chicago, the city's tourism arm. This year, the Grant Park 165 main event on Sunday is scheduled to start at 1 p.m., 2 ½ hours earlier than last year, in hopes of finally getting the race to the finish line. The nationally televised broadcast is moving from NBC to cable channel TNT. If the San Diego Street Race comes to fruition for 2026, whether as a competitive event or supplanting Chicago, the forecast for a dry run is likely much brighter. San Diego, which is considered to have among the best year-round climates in the nation, averages less than 10 inches of annual rainfall, according to National Weather Service data. The Windy City is far wetter than Southern California. Chicago averages closer to 40 inches of annual precipitation, with a record 3 to 7 inches of rain hitting the city and flooding the street course during the first Cup Series race in 2023.
