Current Temperature

CHICAGO WEATHER

Friday, December 23, 2022

I hope you're all staying warm out there... #Chiberia

 Well, I'm glad there wasn't a lot of snow Thursday night. At the same time it was a beast to get around if the streets and expressways weren't clear.

The snow has given way to frigid temperatures as I look on my phone this morning at about 9:30 AM -5°F out there according to my Yahoo weather app. I hope you have heat at home, if not from Mayor Lori Lightfoot on twitter, there are warming centers out there for you.


Of course call 311 if you want more updated information on warming shelters.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

How are you preparing for the winter storm?

 

[VIDEO] This WGN report shows shoppers going to their local Pete's Fresh Market in Matteson to stock on food and supplies. I'm sure there could be a report on going to a hardware store picking up shovels, salt or snowmelt among other things to dig out of the snow.

Here's a report from NBC 5 about the snow storm. Of course I would recommend using a weather app on your phone - iPhone especially - I like to use the WGN weather app to check radar. Of course you can use it to check for weather forecasts also.

I hope you don't have to get out of the house once the storm hits of course save for having to go to work. :(

Also I'm hearing about very low temps, time to buy a new coat also. BRRR...

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Trains Are Awesome: Metra has a holiday train

 

[VIDEO] YouTube channel Trains Are Awesome shows the Holiday Train that runs on the Metra Electric line. We know about the CTA Holiday Train which is currently running through Christmas, but I never knew about a Metra Holiday Train which is chronicled here as Thom boards that train from Homewood to come into the Randolph Street station for gift bags and a hot chocolate from Starbuck's.

Here are some more details from Metra however note tickets are sold out, however, there's always next year now that you know. The train itself runs on three Saturdays this month and sadly today Dec. 17th is the last day it will run this month. So there's always next year if you want to check it out.

Happy holidays.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

CBS Chicago: City council approves funding for CTA Red Line extension

 

[VIDEO] Here are a few more details from Crain's, this TIF was noted in a recent CTA video about the future extension from 95th Street to 130th Street.

The City Council on Wednesday approved the creation of a new tax-increment financing district to create $950 million over three decades to help pay for the $3.6 billion extension of the Chicago Transit Authority's Red Line from 95th Street south to 130th Street.

“Our community has been disconnected” from the city, said Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, whose Far South Side ward will be home to much of the extended rail line. Beale, who’s a frequent critic of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, thanked the mayor for pushing for the TIF to support the project.

The new TIF will capture future property tax growth within portions of five wards—the 3rd, 4th, 11th, 25th and downtown 42nd—to pay for land acquisition and other costs involved in the project.

The 5.6-mile extension plan also includes four new stations to be located at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue (between 115th and 116th streets) and a new 130th Street terminal.

Anyone see the holiday train this year


[VIDEO] It ran on the red line over the past weekend and will be in service through Christmas and there is a holiday bus that will also be in service through Christmas. You can find a schedule for the holiday train and bus here.

Meanwhile you can check out what artistmac recording when the Holiday Train stopped at 47th Street on the red line recently. I do hope this raises your spirits this holiday season.

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

WBEZ: The other Michigan Ave in Roseland poised for a comeback

 I would like to see the shopping strip south of 111th Street at least get the attention it needs. From Chicago Public Radio:

Roseland is the last of the 10 communities targeted for redevelopment under the city’s ambitious INVEST South/West economic program; Michigan Avenue is a centerpiece. Compared to other neighborhoods struggling with vacant land, this part of Michigan Avenue has comparatively few – only 10 empty lots, according to my informal count.

The city owns three vacant lots in the vicinity, including the former Gately’s department store at the corner of 112th and Michigan. The city’s vision for that location is housing with retail stores. The planned CTA Red Line extension is a few blocks south near 116th and Michigan, and the city wants to develop the land next to it. And there’s a third vacant lot that was the site of a movie theater that Cox sees as a blank canvas.

Other elements of the city’s revitalization plan include affordable housing, transit-oriented development and retail connected to the emerging medical district anchored by the nearby Roseland Community Hospital. Normally when the city looks to redevelop land it owns, its department of planning and development, which Cox leads, puts out a request for proposals.

“We found that that was an unfair barrier for a lot of Black and brown developers,” Cox said. Instead Cox says the city is asking for a request of qualifications for Michigan Avenue. Developers and architects will then be matched up to create a joint venture. Those teams will each get a $20,000 to $30,000 stipend from a philanthropic foundation to pitch a proposal.

“We eliminate that barrier of smaller emerging developers from being able to compete and having to advance those dollars to come up with their proposals,” Cox said.

The community will hear the proposals by March 2023.

Read the whole thing. Perhaps this is something that those candidates running for Alderman in Ward 9 where this strip is located can express their ideas.

Oh and there is a theater in the neighborhood still standing waiting for redevelopment although if that vacant lot that once had a theater is the State Theater perhaps if they could make a good deal with the Post Office. 

Capitol Fax: Chicago poll shows crime and public safety far above any other issues for voters

A poll showing the standing amongst likely voters of the candidates running against incumbent Mayor Lightfoot also who do Chicago's likely voters view the crime issue. Is the crime issue important to them?


Monday, December 12, 2022

CTA Red Line extension project

 

[VIDEO] Obligatory update on the Red Line extension via CTA. The extension is moving forward towards securing funding. You see footage of Mayor Lightfoot announcing a TIF that would contribute towards building the Red Line extension to 130th Street. This was uploaded to CTAs YouTube channel two days ago.

We also see a concept of the new stations on the extension. Seems lofty to see at least in the distant future new residential development and a coffeeshop named for Makayla. Hmmm I seem cynical?

Well I like to see where some of these communities will be especially if projects like this come to fruition. Perhaps there will be a Makayla Coffeeshop in the community in the near future and hopefully other amenities beyond that. Wait I like the idea of a Roseland Coffee House, and right on the same lot where the old Coffee Pot restaurant used to be.

Another term that has come up in this video is equity. Equity in public transit and equity in as far as who gets contracts to build this new infrastructure.

My deal, however, is when will this project get the federal funding and go forward? 

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Anyone having issues with CTA bus service?

 

[VIDEO] Are you experiencing issues with CTA bus services on the south side? 

According to this report from ABC 7 Chicago absenteeism is the reason why buses are delayed. Absenteeism out of the 77th Street garage are at 18% out of the 103th Street garage it's 17.6% however on the north side at North Park it's 10%. CTA has about 1000 vacancies for frontline positions with the majority of these open positions for bus drivers.

Saturday, December 3, 2022

CBSChicago: Lawsuit accuses Roseland Community Hospital, fired doctor of fraudulent billing

 

[VIDEO] A scandal at a far south side hospital. Roseland Hospital is at the center of a scandal where the hospital billed for coronavirus testing that was never provided. Jermont Terry reports on WBBM-TV.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

ICE Theaters policy trailer 2007 #tbt

 

[VIDEO] Today's Throwback Thursday we discuss the long gone ICE Theaters. In 1997 the company partnered with Cineplex Odeon to open three theaters two on the south side and one on the west side bringing movies back to underserved inner city neighborhoods. I used to enjoy going up to their theaters on 87th Street as opposed to going to the General Cinema (now AMC Theatres) at Ford City.

Eventually the company partnered with Marcus Theatres and later went independent and experienced a reversal in the fall of 2012 the company was evicted from their 87th Street location thanks to a dispute with a silent partner.

So ICE Chatham 14 became Chatham 14 Theatres which was later owned by the Texas company Studio Movie Grill and currently under the ownership of Michigan based Emangine Entertainment and the location is currently known as Cinema Chatham.

The location formerly located at 62nd & Western - if you're familiar with that area it's on the same lot that contained a Sears store has been demolished. The location in Lawndale near Kedzie & Roosevelt Rd (or 12th Street) was under the ownership of another company is currently vacant.

It's great to see this policy trailer preserved on YouTube you may have seen it in the community tab on @sixthward's YouTube Channel recently. I seen this enough times as a customer on 87th Street I always wondered if this would ever get updated.

Monday, November 28, 2022

Last day of petition filing #Ward09

 Today, Lori Lightfoot has filed her papers to run for a second term as Mayor. [VIDEO]


I'll eventually update the 2023 elections page with all candidates that have filed petitions to run against Mayor Lightfoot for the city's top job. In addition these candidates have filed for Alderman of Ward 9.
  • Cleopatra Draper
  • Alderman Anthony A. Beale
  • Sonya Thompson Dorsey
  • Cameron M. Barnes
Also bear in mind these petitions will be challenged so this field or for any office in the city for next year will change and we will know for sure who will be on the ballot in February. Those who were able to file for office have done so.

As a reminder here is the ward 9 map from 2023 onwards



Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Ray Lopez drops out of mayoral race #Ward09

 

[VIDEO] Over the summer he had been one of the first candidates to announce his run for the mayor's office. Yesterday he had dropped out of the race stating that a crowded field could help Lori Lightfoot get a second term as Chicago Mayor. Well while I could be disappointed that's he's dropping out, he is running for re-election as Ward 15 Alderman and well it'll have to be another candidate who could potentially defeat Mayor Lightfoot.

Earlier this month Congressman Chuy Garcia announced another run for Mayor.

Meanwhile this week candidates seeking an elected office in Chicago have started filing their petitions. You can check out them out here at the Chicago Board of Elections. 

These two candidates are running for Alderman of Ward 9. Ald. Anthony Beale is running for re-election and so far Cleopatra Draper has filed to run against him. Time to start that Ward 9 elections page.

Also I see also on the ballot next year in 2022 is three positions in 22 Chicago Police Districts around the city. I'm sorry but had no idea about this, when did this start? Anyone reading this blog running for a seat on the Chicago Police District council?

BTW, I wish I could create an iniative no more of this alderperson junk. Let's just change the job title of Chicago alderman. Find something that is "gender neutral" and a bit more logical to say...can't get used to it! 

Saturday, November 12, 2022

November 19 - Willie Wilson Foundation Gas Giveaway

 The gas giveaway takes place November 19, 2022 starting a 7:00 AM providing $50 of gas per car until funds are exhausted. I will share a tweet that will have all listed locations throughout the city and suburbs including locations in northwest Indiana. If you want updated information check Willie Wilson's facebook & twitter pages

Half-off sale at the soon to close Englewood Whole Foods Market

 Starting on Friday there is a half-off sale at the soon to close Whole Foods Market Englewood store. The store is scheduled to close for business on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. The closing was announced earlier in the spring after being in business since Fall 2016.

According to the Sun-Times some customers are lamenting the loss of this store located in Englewood's former business district 63rd & Halsted Streets. Also those who are working there were offered transfers to other locations, when the store opened in 2016 they hired 100 people to work there many of whom live in the community.

Of course here's a silver lining, the store's closing has inspired a community garden in Englewood.


Friday, November 11, 2022

Happy Veteran's Day #Devotion

 To all veterans out there, thank you for your service to the United States of America.

I want to share with you all this movie Devotion which will be released November 23, 2022 according to the movie's website. It chronicles the life of Korean War naval aviator ENS. Jesse Brown who unfortunately lost his life during that conflict. Perhaps some of you will go to the Chatham 14 Theaters to watch this movie. [VIDEO]


Thursday, November 10, 2022

Crain's: Who's running for Mayor of Chicago next year


 It's in the news that Congressman Chuy Garcia is throwing his hat in the ring against Mayor Lori Lightfoot next year. Remember that in 2015 he lost a runoff to them Mayor Rahm Emanuel. So he's the latest to thrown his hat in the ring against the vulnerable lightfoot.

Meanwhile, Crain's has a list of candidates who have announced and a list of possible candidates and then a list of those who will NOT be running. At least we got through those midterms this past Tuesday.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

WGN: One-on-One with Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans

 

[VIDEO] He speaks with WGN anchor Micah Materre. Here is the description for this 6 mins chat

WGN anchor Micah Materre talks with Chief Cook co. Circuit Judge Timothy Evans about the SAFE-T ACT, bail reform and changing the juvenile justice system to put young people on the path to success.

Judge Evans is also on the ballot for retention to another 10 years on the Cook County Courts. Election day is November 8th.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

CBS Chicago: This is the longest weekend of the year

 

[VIDEO] Turn your clocks back one hour this weekend, Daylight Savings Time will end at 2 AM in the wee hours of Sunday Morning. Of course we fall back and gain an hour which is how WBBM-TV meteorologist Laura Bannon explains makes this particular weekend the longest weekend of the year.

Turn your clocks back an hour today for the time adjustment on Sunday. And have a good one today, it's a bit windy and wet today!

Friday, November 4, 2022

ABC 7 Chicago: Chicago's 'Donut King' celebrates 50 years on South Side

 

[VIDEO] Anytime I see anything on Old Fashioned Donuts located in the "Roseland Business Strip" at 11248 S Michigan Ave I always say I want to go get some donuts from there. Here's a story WLS-TV did on the local longtime neighborhood food establishment. It's great to see Burritt Bulloch who is the owner still working hard with family at this donut establishment.

Perhaps at a nearby polling place donuts will be served to election judges and voters in Tuesday's election.

Saturday, October 22, 2022

It's History: Chicago's south side nightmate

 

[VIDEO] Something for you to watch this weekend. The YouTube channel called It's History discusses the history of the Pullman neighborhood. From it's days as a company town for the Pullman Company that produced those luxury sleeper cars for railroads to it's current history as a Chicago neighborhood after annexation. This is Ninth Ward Chgo and thus Pullman is part of the fabric of this part of the city. Enjoy.

Friday, October 7, 2022

ABC 7 Chicago: #ILGovDebate heated first debate

 

[VIDEO] Yes this debate did get heated, some of the feedback I've seen about it was that many considered this debate a performance. There were a lot of good soundbites and most debates are soundbites. I thought it was a good try by Sen. Bailey to try to pin down Gov. Pritzker on his future ambitions beyond being Illinois Governor especially for 2024.

Who else watched the debate? Any feedback of your own.

If you weren't able to watch you can watch here.

Also the next debate will take place at WGN studios in Chicago on October 18, 2022.

Thursday, October 6, 2022

I'm sorry I missed out on CTA 75th anniversary part 2

 

[VIDEO] I mentioned the old L cars in a previous post which showed a ride on an old CTA bus. These L cars and buses are part of CTA's heritage fleet and on October 1st the Chicago Transit Authority celebrated 75 years. 75 years ago the CTA was created merging Chicago's previously separate and privately owned transit services - primarily the L and streetcar services - and the merger of the bus service would come separately in 1952.

What you see in this video is the 4000-series car. And sadly I never had the chance to see these in actions in my life as they were retired long before I was born. I think before this series served on CTA's L system most of the rolling stock were wooden cars. These cars were the ones permitted to run through the State Street subway when it was opened for service during the 1940s.

I'm glad artistmac was able to record most of heritage fleet that were on display this past weekend.

We have a debate tonight

 Democrat Gov. Pritzker & Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey will have a debate tonight which will air on WGN. If you aren't able to be in front of TV for whatever reason then you can watch online.

Rich Miller offers a preview for tonight's debate. And bear in mind soon it will be time for early voting in the General Election in November.

Try to keep in mind that tonight’s televised gubernatorial debate is not a presidential debate. Most voters won’t watch. Some will get their information from the news media, others will see clips and commentary online. So, when someone tells you that a gubernatorial debate can change the trajectory of the race, you might wanna take that with a grain of salt. Gov. Pritkzer would have to perform well below expectations for that to happen and Bailey would have to perform well above. Not saying it won’t happen. Just sayin.

I want to add that Darren Bailey made an appearance on CAN-TVs Political Forum earlier this week that I will share with you here. I watched his conversation with Sylvia Snowden for about 20 mins and it seemed like a great discussion. However, if you have about 30 mins to spare you an decide that for yourself. [VIDEO]


Monday, October 3, 2022

I'm sorry I missed out on CTA 75th anniversary

On October 1st you could ride some of the heritage fleet equipment from old CTA L trains to old CTA buses. Such as this one which marked a lot of my transit rides in my youth the old fishbowl GM buses. I would've been very cool to have taken a ride on one of these buses again. [VIDEO]



Saturday, September 24, 2022

Resource Fair #Ward09

Ward 9 Ald. Anthony A. Beale in partnership with State Representatives Nicholas "Nick" Smith and Robert "Bob" Rita presents their 

9th Ward Resource Fair
Thur. October 27, 2022
From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Pullman Community Center
10355 S. Woodlawn

If you're looking for a shred event the flyer below says all documents will be destroyed on site. Any questions about this event I would refer you to the Ward 9 service office, contact info on the flyer. Or you can check out their ward service office webpage.

Friday, September 16, 2022

Frederick Walls for District 34 State Rep

 

[VIDEO] I just became aware of this candidate for state representative recently. He's a Republican who is running against incumbent Democrat state Rep. Nick Smith in the 34th District. You see what he is running on in this election. Mr. Walls holds very socially conservative views.

Here's a Q & A he did with the Kankakee Times as the 34th district goes into Kankakee County.

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Whole Foods Market Englewood closing date set

 While this is a bit out of the scope of this blog, this is something that I covered often over at The Sixth Ward. From the time it was announced to the time it opened at 63rd & Halsted Streets, and now we know when Whole Foods Market Englewood will be closing.

According to Block Club Chicago it will be on November 13, 2022. From the time it was announced in the fall of 2013 it was heralded as an oasis in the food desert in Englewood to develop part of the old commercial district. One developer gave his take:

Leon Walker, the managing partner of DL3 Realty, which spearheaded the $20 million Englewood Square development, said in May the store was a success in encouraging other businesses to commit to the square, but it couldn’t perfect the “science of grocery” to create a store well-received with local customers.

Well there goes my own fantasy of seeing Whole Foods open a store in the Pullman/Roseland communities. Although Whole Foods does have a distribution facility on 111th Street near the Calumet err Bishop Ford Expressway.

Never been there? Well Devodare_Chicago on YouTube got you! [VIDEO]

 

Events for Thursday and Friday #Ward09

 Events taking place tomorrow Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. These flyers are provided in a recent email blast by Ald. Anthony Beale.

Capitol Fax: About that SAFE-T Act meme…

 This below meme is getting around with regards to the SAFE-T Act which is recently making the rounds. Have you seen this meme on Facebook or Instagram.

Rich Miller discusses the misinformation regarding the SAFE-T act especially "non-detainable" offenses.

BTW, how many of you have heard of The Purge franchise? You may have seen the movies where in a future America a "holiday" was created where most crimes are legal for a period of up to 12 hrs. So I'm mentioning this because those who share the above meme would call this the "Purge Law"

Friday, September 9, 2022

CapFax: A false equivalence, but somebody should still probably pick up a phone

 The latest news reports are now that when the migrants from Texas arrive at Union Station they get sent to the suburbs such as Burr Ridge. The Mayor of Burr Ridge is upset about it. Not a lot communication whether it's from Texas to Illinois or even Chicago to those suburban towns that are affected.

Of course as always Capitol Fax gives some more in-depth coverage of this ongoing issue.


Thursday, September 8, 2022

Cap Fax: Gov. Pritzker goes after Gov. of Texas

 This is related to the ongoing issue of Texas sending migrants from the Texas/Mexico border up to Chicago as one of America's "sanctuary" cities. Via Capitol Fax today.


Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Since we're talking about 2023

 According to this Campaign Notebook post over at CapFax we see a couple of names.

Congressman Chuy Garcia and remember he ran against Rahm Emanuel in 2015 and forced a run-off that still resulted in a second term for Mayor Emanuel.

And we also have Pat Quinn. Remember him? He used to be the Governor of Illinois he's looking for a comeback. He tried to come back as an Attorney General of Illinois and fell short in a primary race to current AG Kwame Raoul.

Anyway those items and more over at Capitol Fax.


Ward 21 Ald. Howard Brookins retires

 

[VIDEO] Announced today joining another south side Alderman (or Alderwoman or Alderperson or Alder....yuck). Anyway he will be retiring from the Chicago City Council at the end of his term next year. Bear in mind that he attempted a run for Cook County Judge in the June 2022 primary and his ward has been redrawn. Ald. Brookins had been in office since 2003.

Also add to this news that 15 Alderman declined a 9.62% pay raise via Chicago Sun-Times.

Here's an updated list of this via CBS Chicago at least of those Alderman who will retire at the end of their terms and not counting those who have either been convicted in federal court, running for a higher officer, or even retired already:

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th), Ald. Harry Osterman (48th), Ald. James Cappleman (46th), and indicted Ald. Carrie Austin (34th) also plan to retire at the end of their terms next year.

And I must add Tom Tunney as mentioned in the Sun-Times article linked above is mulling a run against Mayor Lori Lightfoot joining fellow Aldermen Ray Lopez, Rod Sawyer,  and Sophia King in the 2023 mayoral election.

I suppose that next summer we will see a number of unfamiliar faces - and hopefully a new mayor - in the city council chambers at city hall. 

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

CBS 2: 13 members of the city council are leaving

 

[VIDEO] And more to come reportedly according to this report. The latest Alderman to announce she won't run for re-election is Ward 10 Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza. You can read more about it at Crain's.

You can check out this list also from Crain's in August the Alderman who are calling it quits, some are trying to attain higher office as three Alderman are looking to challenge Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Others are outright retiring also.

Portrayed as a mass exodus, I'd pay attention if half of the 50 members of the city council are leaving.

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Crain's: New hotel, grocery store pitched for Pullman #Ward09

 Some exciting projects coming to the far south side. Pullman could get a hotel and Altgeld Gardens - which is a long way from Pullman - could be getting a new grocery story.

Via Crain's Chicago Business

One year after the Pullman National Monument debuted as a hopeful tourist attraction, two developers have lined up plans to add a hotel for visitors and a grocery store for residents in the burgeoning area.

In one of two projects proposed in and around the far South Side neighborhood, a venture led by Chicago investor Andre Garner is seeking a city grant to help develop a 101-room Hampton by Hilton hotel at 111th Street and Doty Avenue, a few blocks east of the clock tower building that has been restored as a visitor center for the historic site. In the other, Cleveland-based grocery operator Yellow Banana has applied for the same grant to help it develop a Save A Lot supermarket immediately south of Pullman at 130th Street and Eberhardt Avenue.

Both developers have applied for $5 million in assistance through the Chicago Recovery Plan development grant program, according to a joint statement they issued with Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th. The grants are partially funded by local recovery money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act passed last year.

The plans could add to a series of developments in and near Pullman along Interstate 94, where the 180-acre former Ryerson Steel plant site has been transformed in recent years into a mixed-use campus, dubbed Pullman Park. The historic-but-disinvested property now includes a Method Soap factory that opened in 2015, a pair of greenhouses from produce grower Gotham Greens and a Whole Foods distribution center and an Amazon delivery center, among other new developments.

Read the whole thing. 

 

Capitol Fax: Texas governor expels migrants to Chicago

 Rich Miller discusses more about those migrants sent to Chicago from Texas on Wednesday. Statements form our political leaders and of course from Gov. Abbott in Texas.

My two cents is that this could add to the issues of Chicago.

CBS 2: Texas Governor Greg Abbott sends busload of migrants to Chicago

 

[VIDEO] More of a national news story, however, now it's beginning to affect the city adding to many of our city's other issues - especially crime. Gov. Abbott under the guise of being overwhelmed by the many border crossings by these migrants sent them to sanctuary cities such as Chicago.

What is a sanctuary city from lirs.org

In general, a sanctuary city is a community with a policy, written or unwritten, that discourages local law enforcement from reporting the immigration status of individuals unless it involves investigation of a serious crime. These sanctuary communities go beyond cities, though. One can find entire counties and states declaring sanctuary status.

These communities typically do not honor requests by ICE to detain undocumented immigrants whom local agents apprehend for misdemeanor crimes or investigations. Many in sanctuary cities also refuse to deputize their local officers as federal agents, a necessary technicality if those local officers carry out the duties of ICE agents. There is no specific federal law against sanctuary city policies.

Let me add that others cities as New York City and Washington, DC that I know of had also recieved busloads of migrants fresh from the southern border. The mayors of both of those cities have expressed their own complaints.

Now it's Chicago's turn... 

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

WGN: Man fatally shot at South Side gas station #Ward09

 

[VIDEO] As you see in this clip Ward 9 Ald. Anthony Beale is upset about a lack of resources in the community to address the gun crime in the Roseland community. 

Wednesday morning a fatal shooting took place at a Citgo Station at 116th & Michigan. Then on Tuesday afternoon another fatal shooting on 113th & Michigan.

The right question is being asked if crime is down, who is the crime down for? Is it downtown? What about the neighborhoods.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Be careful on CTA

 

[VIDEO] FOX 32 reports on attacks by a mob (10 or 15) of teens near the 95th Street Red Line terminal. The attack was reported to have happened an hour before the remote by reporter Elizabeth Matthews. Matthews was broadcasting inside Abbott Park across from the terminal.

So an incident happened before Matthews was broadcasting and they reported another incident last night speaking with one of the victims wear a facemask and a bandage over her nose. The victim who was assaulted suffered a fractured nose.

So not only are they punching victims, they're also using pepper spray and engaging in strong arm robbery.

Be careful on the train, getting off the train, and perhaps even on the bus.

Monday, August 29, 2022

Ald. Lopez plan to reform city gov't

 Speaking of mayoral contender for 2023 Ald. Ray Lopez he's proposed a series of reforms for the city. Fran Spielman writes about it today and I'm sorry I missed it before posting about Ald. Lopez asking for Nat'l Guard help for the city.

Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) on Monday unveiled a dramatic plan to rein in mayoral control and give Chicago the strong council-weak mayor form of government that the municipal code intended.
...
Either by seeking a change in state law or by flexing Chicago’s home-rule powers, Lopez is promising to:
  • Cut the City Council by half, empower Council committees to approve spending by departments they oversee and give the Council its own, truly independent budget office and parliamentarian to challenge dubious mayoral rulings from the chair.
  • Create three new citywide elected officials — the corporation counsel, inspector general and city comptroller — instead of empowering the mayor to appoint “pawns” to those pivotal positions.
  • Create a 21-member Municipal Charter Commission to reexamine the structure of city government every 10 years.
The most dramatic and controversial of those changes is to reduce the size of the City Council from 50 members to just 25.
...
“It is my hope that a leaner, reinvigorated City Council with new and guaranteed oversight authority and budgetary authority over departments would be able to flex its muscles accordingly and be a true partner in government,” said Lopez, one of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s most outspoken critics.

Lopez noted that 85% of requests for city services are “handled outside the local ward office” through 311, city apps or online. When the local aldermanic office does get involved, it’s “often the stumbling block,” he said.

“We are not the City Council of the 1800s. We are a 21st century city and we need 21st century Chicago. One that is able to focus on city services as they are currently being delivered as well as focusing on the legislation and oversight that they’re meant to take care of,” he said.

Why clip the mayor’s wings with three new citywide elected officials?

“Mayoral control and authoritarianism … often comes from his or her ability to have the corporation counsel do the legal maneuvering they need to secure their power, squash or silence reports aimed at making government more efficient and to play the smoke-and-mirrors games of budgeting,” Lopez said.

“Making those three positions independently elected … would ensure there are other players on the board who will hold the mayor’s feet to the fire to ensure that they are honest, fair and representing the truth in all of their dealings.”

Well I do think it's time to re-evaluate how many Aldermen (still Alderperson or Alder ewww) must represent the city of Chicago so I'm with that. The idea of a municipal charter commission, I want to see more about that. Surely he has a page for that! 

h/t 19th Ward Chicago

CapFax: Another day, another demand for using the Illinois National Guard

 This time the demand is from 2023 mayoral contender Ward 15 Alderman Ray Lopez via today's Capitol Fax blog. And after sharing the tweet I'll show you in part what this is in reference to.'

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

The former Illinois Service Federal branch on 87th Street soon to reopen

 If you live in Chatham and do business with GN Bank - formerly known as Illinois Service Federal - is reopening their former branch on 87th Street & King Drive. According to Steve Daniels from Crain's:

Chairman Papa Kwesi Nduom, whose wealthy family rescued the bank in 2016 with millions in fresh capital when it was on the brink of failure, says the Chatham branch is open on a drive-thru basis for withdrawals and deposits. It will return to full service once licensing is completed, he says.

“This is being done to signal to the community that we are putting customer service high on our priority list,” he says in an email.

If you were following the FB page Concerned Citizens of Chatham the issue with this closure is what would replace the bank on this property. There were concerned about a marijuana dispensary possibly being located there. Well now a bank will be back on this property.

BTW, this article was from last year. GN Bank is a Ghanian-American company who rescued ISF in 2016 from failure. In this December 2021 article from ProPublica we find out GN Bank has a number of issues:

Five years later, the historic institution — renamed GN Bank — remains deeply troubled. Under the Nduoms, the bank has closed one of its two locations, cut staff, alienated many longtime customers and effectively stopped making new home loans, though that’s one of the central reasons for its existence. In 2020, the bank was again put under restrictions after regulators found “new violations of law, rule or regulation.”

Yet the Nduoms aren’t solely responsible for GN’s struggles. Regulators have failed to carry out a federal mandate to “preserve and promote” Black-owned banks, a ProPublica investigation has found.

Leading up to the Nduoms’ acquisition, the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ordered the bank to reduce the risk in its loans, which led to less revenue. Then, the agency signed off on the new owners, even though they lacked banking experience in the United States and had investments abroad that posed known regulatory risks. Since then, the bank has been under close watch, yet the Nduoms have made a series of decisions that diminished the bank’s profile and quality of service.

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Block Club Chi: Red Line extension is now closer than ever

 The most recent reporting on the future Red Line extension which will take the L further south into Roseland to 130th Street. As I read this article no money has been allocated to start this project yet.

Block Club Chi:

Friday, August 5, 2022

Capitol Fax: Duckworth and Pritzker take different paths on Lightfoot endorsement

US Sen. Tammy Duckworth made a robocall endorsing the re-election bid of Mayor Lightfoot in 2023, however, Gov. Pritzker who's going through his re-election for Governor (actually Sen. Duckworth is running for re-election herself) wants to focus on his race before making any endorsements.

ALSO, I might add in that posting someone wrote in the comments that Gov. Pritzker won't endorse the first Black mayor of Chicago. Someone doesn't know Chicago history now do they. Perhaps they weren't yet born in 1983 or they slept through most of the 1980s in Chicago....

Sunday, July 31, 2022

CBS Chicago: Street racers take over intersection in West Pullman #Ward09

 

[VIDEO] The video of a crowd huddled around an intersection where cars were drifting and doing donuts is at the corner of 115th/Halsted. There's a Checker's there, two service stations, and a vacant lot where a Jewel/Osco and a Zayre (which later became the Halsted Indoor Mall now demolished) were formerly located.

So this display of loud and noisy cars took place there at 3 AM. I wonder how long has this been going on. A few weeks earlier a similar display was recorded at Monroe/Clinton near the Loop. The city council recently voted to impound cars involved in this, however, in this incident on Halsted police came and no one was arrested.

Thursday, July 28, 2022

America's Crime Crisis: Lightfoot is the worst mayor in America

 

[VIDEO] I don't know how many of you are watching cable news whether CNN, MSNBC or even FOX News with the clip above. The discussion is over the latest proposal by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to help keep the Bears within the city limits as opposed to potentially Arlington Heights. Frankly I hope the end of the road isn't that close for the racetrack where a new Bears stadium would be located but then again....

Anyway, the mayor proposed a domed stadium on the site of Soldier Field so that historic and architecturally unique structure would again be gutted and a much larger stadium would be located on the site. It could be open for more than an NFL season, it would be open year round. Some soccer matches could be played there and even better still a future WrestleMania....

Well the crime crisis fits in because well as FOX News and our local news discusses the issues of crime. The crime in the neighborhoods unfortunately spill into the more tony areas of our city. So the portrayal by Steve Doocy and Clay Travis is that Chicago is so crime ridden the Bears don't even want to stay.

BTW, I'm still hanging my hat on the Bears locating at the former Southworks site in the South Chicago neighborhood if they want their own stadium.

ALSO, I do actually admire the mayor's plan for Soldier Field, however, the problem has always been even last year with the Bears inking a deal with Arlington Heights is that I don't think politically she'll be able to keep the team in the city.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Be careful on CTA especially during the late night hours

 

[VIDEO] This report from FOX 32 discusses the many violent incidents on CTA recently. The focus seems to be on the red line especially. Most recently an attempted robbery at the 63rd Street L station resulted in a stabbing death noted in this video report.

There was another incident closer to downtown. Another attempted robbery had the victim fight off his attackers with a knife further north at the North/Clybourn L station. Most of these incidents take place after midnight to perhaps early rush hour which is about 5 or 6 AM.

If you have to take CTA especially to get to work be very careful out there. 

Thursday, July 7, 2022

O'Reilly slams Gov. Pritzker: Thousands are dead because of you

 

[VIDEO] I don't know how many of you follow Bill O'Reilly, however, he discussed Gov. J.B. Pritzker on his program recently. Of course he starts with the Governor's comments in light of the incident in the north suburban city of Highland Park - seven now confirmed dead in that Fourth of July shooting there by that deranged soul.

Now of course what might be said among O'Reilly and a certain segment of the national media punditry, why all the attention by politicians on this relatively wealthy suburb when there is violence everyday in the low-income neighborhoods of Chicago that occasionally spills into downtown. This is why you see O'Reilly get a bit passionate over.

It would be nice if the Governor of Illinois or even the Mayor of Chicago took the issue of gun violence more seriously or even have a press conference on the scene as Pritzker did in Highland Park. And do far more than propose gun control measures or even tell the NRA to "leave us the hell alone".

Perhaps this is something state Sen. Darren Bailey - GOP nominee for Governor - could seize upon if he wants to campaign on law & order.

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

#Beattheheat

 We had a hot month last month with temps in the 90s. And we're just in the middle of summer. The 311 has tweeted out this info on cooling centers if you have no way of cooling off at home.


Monday, July 4, 2022

I hope you're having a safe 4th of July....

 

[VIDEO] I wanted to share this video from artistmac, who's showing the flag from the inside of the Macy's - and for those of you like me who are old school the former flagship Marshall Field's store. I reminds us of where we are right now.

BTW, there's been a lot of craziness including people throwing fireworks into police squad cars. 

And in the suburbs someone was randomly shooting people at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. So far there are six reported dead in that shooting. 

 Here's hoping you're enjoying a BBQ with people you care about today.

Friday, July 1, 2022

The next Willie Wilson gas giveaway

 It's coming to the following locations seen in the graphic below on July 9, 2022 which is a Saturday a week from now about. As you know Willie Wilson is one of many who is running against the incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot next year in 2023.


There probably will be updates I would refer you to Wilson's fb page and his Twitter.

Darren Bailey's "hellhole" and cash-free bail comments

 On Tuesday, state Sen. Darren Bailey won the Republican nomination for Governor defeating five other challengers. He also secured the endorsement of one Donald Trump whom I'm sure to editorialize a bit will cause a reaction in the Chicago area where as a downstate Republican he must make inroads.

Yesterday on the CapFax the focus was on his hellhole comments regarding the city. He took aim at "cash-free bail" and made reference to a horrible suburban man who lit a homeless man in downtown Chicago on fire.

Do you think Bailey made his point as far as cash bail? And do you think of our city as a hell hole?

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

West Chesterfield Community Safety Fest Saturday June 25, 2022

Information on this event from former West Chesterfield Community Associate President Michael LaFargue
You and your family are invited to a Community Safety Festival!
 
Security systems donated by vendors will be raffled.
 
Security vendors, such as ADT, RING, VIVINT, SimpliSafe and others have been invited to participate and present their products at the festival.
 
This Community Safety Festival is Saturday June 25, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the West Chesterfield Community Association Community Center at 9351 S. Michigan Avenue Center in Chicago, Illinois.
 
Michigan Avenue will be closed from 93rd Street to 95th Street and 94th Street will be closed from Michigan Avenue to Indiana Avenue for the festivities.
 
The Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department, and the Cook County Sheriff's Department will start the event at 9:30 a.m. by conducting a roll call.
 
The CPD, CFD and the Sheriff will all provide representatives to recruit at the event.

The West Chesterfield Community Association Community Safety Fest will take place
  • 9351 S. Michigan Ave
  • Saturday, June 25, 2022
  • 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Tickets will be sold day of the event. Please refer to flyer below.

 

CBS Chicago: Ald. Beale hopes to vote for proposal to raise 6 MPH threshold for speeding tickets #Ward09

 

[VIDEO] First it was red light cameras giving out tickets now it's speeding camera tickets. The threshold for a speeding ticket before Mayor Lori Lightfoot changed it was 10 MPH now it got lowered to 6 MPH. Ward 9 Ald. Anthony Beale finds that change to just be a revenue grab and he wants to change it. We see what happened when he tried to move the proposal to the floor of the Chicago City Council.

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Political Forum: Illinois 1st Congressional District Candidates

 

[VIDEO] From the video description and it's not clear when this actually aired on CAN-TV.

Learn about these 1st Congressional District Candidates: Chris Butler (D), Jahmal Cole (D), Jacqueline Collins (D), Pat Dowell (D), Jonathan Jackson (D), Karin Norington–Reaves (D), Jonathan Swain (D), and Charise Williams (D).

And BTW, JP Paulus at The Sixth Ward is fired up about a lack of coverage of this open seat. As he states this is the first time in a generation that we have an incumbent-free election that is more open than ever.

ABC 7: Private security firms to patrol Beverly, Morgan Park and Mt Greenwood

 

[VIDEO] Out of ward 19. Ald. Matt O'Shea wasn't seen in this report however he was quoted as stating that his part of the city is safe, but acknowledged that police are stretched thin. Security will be unarmed and if they see illegal activity will remain on scene and call police. This extra layer is appreciated by residents as you see in the above story.

Friday, June 17, 2022

Another candidate for mayor

 

[VIDEO] This is really old news from two days ago, however, this report from WBBM-TV shows 26-year-old Ja'Mal Green entering the 2023 race for mayor. How remarkable that at 26 he wants the very challenging position of running the city of Chicago. 

He also joined the race in 2019 when Mayor Rahm Emanuel bowed out leaving the mayor's office an open seat however according to WTTW Willie Wilson was successfully able to challenge his petitions and knock the young man off the ballot.

Here's his announcment video shared on his twitter page @JaymalGreen

Thursday, June 9, 2022

2022 Taste of Chicago & SummerDance in Pullman Park

 Something found on the fb page of Ald. Anthony Beale. This will take place on June 18, 2022 Pullman Park is located at 11101 S. Cottage Grove admission is free. Refer to flyer below

Also click this link which shows a far more comprehensive list of events and acts for June 18.

And allow me to add TasteofChicago.us which is basically a link that sends you to a page about the Taste of Chicago from the city itself.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Free Shred Day at Gately Stadium Parking Lot

 Just found this recently at the fb page for state Rep. Nick Smith. Here's another day for those of you with excess documents or papers that you want to get rid of.

  • Free Shred Day
    Saturday, June 11, 2022
    From 10:00 AM to  1:00 PM
    Gately Stadium Parking Lot
    102nd & Corliss Ave 
Or is this off 103rd Street. Well the Track & Field Center at Gately Park is 10201 S. Cottage Grove, however, Gately Stadium is seen off of 103rd across the street from Corliss High School. Hope this helps however, refer to the contact information for the public officials involved with this event that you will see on this flyer. In addition to to Rep. Smith, you have Ward 8 Ald. Michelle Harris, state Sen. Elgie Sims, and county Commissioner Stanley Moore participating in this event.


She's finally kicked off re-election campaign

 

[VIDEO] She's in! Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants a second term as Chicago's Mayor. And I got to admit this video was a valiant effort to own that many doesn't like her delivery - so at least she isn't that out of touch. On the other hand she wants voters to know she is a fighter.

Of course we won't be voting for any city office until February 2023 and the question for now is there anyone who has announced for mayor so far that you would vote for?

Of course as happens on the internet and we know she does have opposition, the below video noted a local TV news report that her approval ratings are under 30%. Of course it's meant to be somewhat funny and also showing how much they oppose Mayor Lightfoot. [VIDEO]


I like the clips they throw in from Clockwork Orange this YouTuber wanted to give the viewers the impression that this video hurts their eyes.

Monday, June 6, 2022

Capitol Fax: Chicago Board of Elections fails again

  We're less than a month away from the primaries and the Chicago Board of Elections have discovered 73 precincts can't operate on June 28 because they need a new location.

Via Politco:

Why precincts are closed: Since the pandemic, numerous buildings and restaurants have decided not to serve as polling sites. They don’t want the hassle. “Our polling places division has seen a wave of new opt-outs from traditional precinct polling places during the Covid pandemic over the last two years,” Board of Elections spokesman Max Bever told Playbook.

Other reasons, too: Some polling locations that were used during previous spring primaries aren’t available for the summertime election — this is the first time Illinois has had a late June election. Schools, for example, often serve as voting sites but they don’t all have the staffing to open for polling during the summer. Other locations can't handle the size of voting equipment. And some locations aren't properly accessible, according to Bever.

You can check this list to see if you're affected from what I can tell no precinct in Ward 9 isn't affected although precincts in Wards 7 & 8 are. 


Friday, June 3, 2022

Early voting has started in Chicago

 Sorry to not have shared this with you already, however, early voting has started as of May 31st. We do have an election later this month on June 28th.

Here's an article from CBS Chicago:

It's election time in Illinois and early voting starts in Chicago.

The Loop Supersite at Clark and Lake has been open since 9:00 Tuesday morning and will stay open until 6:00 p.m. weekdays. Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

At the site, you can cast your ballot for the Illinois primary election, which takes place on June 28. Anyone in the city can vote at the Loop Super Site before voting in the wards starts in mid-June.

The Loop Super Site opening was delayed because of last-minute changes to the ballot, which required more testing of the voting machines.

Same-day voter registration is allowed, if you have two forms of ID, and for people voting by mail, your ballots will start going out on Tuesday.

And of course if you want to find a site near you for early voting click this link. Early voting in all 50 wards will start on June 13, 2022.



WTTW: Lightfoot Takes Aim at Rivals: ‘Another Man Who Thinks He Can Do This Job Better Than Me’

 Upon news that Ward 6 Ald. Roderick Sawyer is throwing his hat in the ring to challenge Mayor Lightfoot in 2023.

But shortly after kicking off the city’s celebration of Pride month by dedicating Chicago’s AIDS Garden along the Lakefront near Belmont Harbor, Lightfoot brushed off the criticism leveled by Sawyer, former CPS CEO Paul Vallas, state Rep. Kam Buckner, businessman and philanthropist Willie Wilson and Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward).

“Another day, another man who thinks he can do his job better than me,” Lightfoot said.

Lightfoot tapped Sawyer to serve as the chair of the City Council’s Health and Human Relations Committee, and his candidacy is a stunning rebuke of Lightfoot and her leadership. Sawyer was first elected to the City Council in 2011.

Sawyer served as the chair of the Black Caucus under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and charted a moderate path during his administration. In 2019, Sawyer was forced into a runoff, but retained his seat, winning nearly 54% of the vote.
...
Sawyer and Lightfoot clashed over a number of issues during the past three years, including efforts to create an oversight board of Chicagoans to oversee the beleaguered Chicago Police Department as well as a push to study whether and how the city should pay reparations to Chicagoans who are the descendants of enslaved African Americans.

In the face of opposition from the mayor, Sawyer dropped his push to create a commission, and agreed to form a subcommittee of the Health Committee. That body met only once, and Sawyer regretted bowing to the mayor’s wishes, telling WTTW News she had “stonewalled” his efforts.

And what seems to be a typical Lightfoot tactic:

Nearly a year ago, Lightfoot told “Chicago Tonight” that 99% of the criticism she faces is spurred by racism and sexism.

Lightfoot told WTTW News on Thursday that nothing has changed during the past year.

“Women are always going to be judged by a different lens, and people of color are always judged by a different lens,” Lightfoot said. “That’s just the reality of our lives.”

Lightfoot, Chicago’s first gay mayor, said members of the LGBTQ-plus community also face unwarranted criticism because of who they are.

“I’m a big believer in playing the cards that were dealt,” Lightfoot said. “I’m going to keep doing what I think is right on behalf of the residents of the city.”

Unwarranted criticism or just plain the direction of this city needs a change? 

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Another mayoral contender in 2023

Before the 2012 remap Ald. Roderick Sawyer was my Alderman (or Alderperson or Alder ewwww) about one year before the 2023 mayoral race he throws his hat in the ring via Sun-Times

The son of former Mayor Eugene Sawyer said Wednesday he will give up his City Council seat to join the growing field of candidates vying to turn Lori Lightfoot into a one-term mayor.

“I don’t think she’s the right fit for Chicago in this role. … She doesn’t play well in the sandbox with others. … The authoritativeness. The mean-spirited demeanor. That’s not how you run a government,” Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th) told the Sun-Times Wednesday, in a wide-ranging interview from the barber chair.

“I want to give the people a more collaborative option, where every voice matters. The current administration’s style of governing is a top-down form of government. It’s not taking into consideration her partners, which is us as aldermen. Also, the citizens of Chicago.”

I want to add the response of Mayor Lightfoot to another mayoral contender it was a bit of a shot at former Schools CEO Paul Vallas who also ran for mayor in 2019. A bit of a zinger delivered by a surrogate found via CapFax yesterday. 

NBC Chicago: Jewel-Osco Stores Reinstate Mask Mandate for Employees Due to High COVID Transmission

 So you won't be surprised when you see workers at your local Jewel stores masked up:

As a new subvariant of omicron continues to spread across the country and COVID cases continue an uptick in Illinois, Jewel-Osco stores are asking employees to once again wear masks.

"Jewel-Osco continues to follow the guidelines set by the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health," a spokesperson from Jewel-Osco said in an email statement to NBC 5. "Due to current high COVID transmission rates in the counties where we have stores, the Distribution Center, and the corporate office we are requiring associates and vendors to wear a mask."

As of Tuesday, 15 counties in Illinois are currently at "high community transmission.

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

CapFax: Please don't screw this up

 Rich Miller shared his recent syndicated column on the Capitol Fax blog today. BTW, I hope you all had a very happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.

Well the gist of this column is regards to the issue of crime and of course as you all know eyes are on the city of Chicago and the gun violence that's been making the news. And we have a sitting Democrat Governor running for re-election for whom the crime issue could become a major problem.

I don't know how many readers of this blog may view the crime issue however the headlines are mostly talking about gas prices, inflation, or even the prices for items at your local grocery store. However many of us might be worried about a carjacking and certainly the issue of roving gangs doing smash and grabs.

How many of you view crime as a major issue in this year's elections?

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

9th Ward Summer Clean out fair June 16th

From Ald. Beale's fb page:

The 9th Ward's Annual Summer Clear Out Fair is June 16th! Shredding, electronic recycling, prescription pill disposal, and collection of any junk items will be accepted. Help us keep the community clean by disposing of your items the correct way.

  • Pullman Community Center
    10355 S Woodlawn
    Chicago, IL 60628
    Thursday, June 16, 2022
    10 AM to 2 PM 



Friday, May 20, 2022

Capitol Fax: It’s time to try something besides simply reacting angrily to crises, Mayor Lightfoot

 Bear in mind she's talking about running for re-election, Lori Lightfoot has all but announced it. When she does officially throw her hat into the ring we'll have a decision to make. Via CapFax

Saturday, May 14, 2022

FOX Business: FOP national VP calls on Lori Lightfoot to resign over Chicago's 'lawlessness'

 

[VIDEO] Joe Gamaldi discusses the latest news out of Chicago as far as crime on FOX Business and calls for Mayor Lightfoot to resign. All I can say is good luck with that as she's stated her intent to run for re-election. In 2023 voters will decide if she will get another term.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Sun-Times: Compromise on new City Council ward map could take issue away from Chicago voters

 The vote on this new map will take place when the City Council meets next week. You can check out what the ward remap looks like here.

From Sun-Times:

A deal has been struck on a new Chicago City Council ward map that, if approved, will keep the decision out of the hands of voters.

Under the deal, which still must be cemented by a City Council vote next week, the map will create 16 Black majority wards and 14 Latino majority wards, according to Ald. George Cardenas (12th).

Faced with a May 19 deadline to work it out themselves, the agreement calls for one fewer majority-Latino ward than the council’s Latino Caucus had wanted.

The proposed map also contains the city’s first ward with an Asian American majority.

Demographics are key to ward map negotiations. The city’s Black population is shrinking while the city’s Latino population is growing.

“There’s no need to bring the house down. We can own the house,” Cardenas said, referring to the next remap — in 10 years.

“Our day is coming for sure. We have to be patient and humble,” he said.

Cardenas offered a “kudos” to Mayor Lori Lightfoot for her work on Monday to facilitate the agreement and get all sides to sign on to the map.

Cardenas is grateful the map won’t go to a referendum — a step that, he said, would have siphoned energy from council members dealing with other pressing issues, including crime and a city casino.

Here's how our part of town looks in the new ward map. If you live in Altgeld Gardens, that development will now be in Ward 10.