Sexual assaults in Greater Grand Crossing #6WardChicago

[VIDEO] The report you see above is Jim Williams of CBS 2 in Greater Grand Crossing at 77th & Langley talking about a string of sexual assualts in the area. Here's more from the Tribune:

Investigators believe one man may be responsible for all of the attacks, said Cmdr. Ozzie Valdez of the Area Central detective division. In each attack, the man lured the women to a secluded area. There was a conversation between the assailant and each woman before the assaults took place, Valdez said. During each assault, the assailant took out either a gun or a knife and stole the woman’s personal property.

“What we do ask is that everyone be cautious when they are out in that area … if they have to be out that they should be out with others and not be alone," Valdez said. They should try to be in areas that are well lit, and just be cognizant of their surroundings.

The attacks occurred on the:

• 7700 block of South Langley Avenue about 2 p.m. Friday.
• 7400 block of South King Drive about midnight Aug. 6.
• 7400 block of South Vernon Avenue about 5:30 a.m. July 25.
• 7600 block of South Evans Avenue around 5 a.m. July 12.

The man was described as African American, with black hair, 20 to 30 years old, 5-foot-8 to 6-foot-3 and 130 to 160 pounds. The man was last seen in the 6700 block of South Prairie Avenue, wearing a white T-shirt, blue shorts and gym shoes, according to police, who did not specify when he was seen on that block.

The first time I got wind of these assaults was from the instagram page for Alderman Sawyer. Great way of getting some necessary immediate updates.

View this post on Instagram

Please be alert & stay safe 🚨

A post shared by 6 Ward Chicago (@6wardchicago) on Aug 27, 2019 at 10:33am PDT

Mayor Lightfoot's first 100 days

[VIDEO] She discusses her first 100 days in office with this video from the Sun-Times. She made her comments at a press conference at a west side elementary school this morning.

Sun-Times: Why tearing down Englewood to save it hasn’t worked

Sun-Times:

From 2008 through 2018, 861 buildings were razed in Englewood. In West Englewood — Racine Avenue is the dividing line for the two neighborhoods that together make up what’s known in the area as Greater Englewood — the number was 829.

Those are the second- and third-most demolitions of any community area in Chicago. About 74% of the structures that came down were owned by the city.

The only area with more demolitions in that period was West Town, with 933.

But West Town also saw 1,400 new-construction permits issued over the past decade — far more than in Englewood and West Englewood, which together had just 140. The number of permits in greater Englewood accounted for less than 1% of all that were issued citywide.

There's a video to this also [VIDEO]

Karl Mables, 30, who has lived in the 6400 block of South Honore Street for most of his life, discusses the number of vacant lots in his neighborhood, Englewood, on the South Side, Wednesday, July 3, 2019. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Capitol Fax: “Chicago has more lead on average than Flint, Mich., during its 2015 water crisis”

Basically it started with testing of homes on Chicago's south side that has lead service lines connected with their homes. Check it out on CapFax

“Chicago has more lead on average than Flint, Mich., during its 2015 water crisis” https://t.co/FpHB716VNz

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) August 21, 2019

As an added bonus, there are issues with lead in University Park as also seen in a posting at CapFax on Monday.

Chicago Tonight: DJ Booth at 95th Red Line Station Offers More Than Free Music

On Monday, Chicago Tonight did a story about that DJ booth located within the massive newly reconstructed 95th street red line terminal. I've seen it in action and heard the music with a DJ performing their craft. What do you all think of the booth? Do you stop near the booth and dance before continuing your journeys to and from the terminal.

Who else isn't running for re-election? #twill

It seems we've had two significant political stories this week. One of which is certainly more immediate and important the other not so much.

Dorothy Brown is the circuit court clerk who attempted to run for mayor earlier this year and even participated in some candidate forums. Unfortunately she was knocked off the ballot due to petition challenges. Also it doesn't help when authorities have been looking at the activities of her office.

Regardless she won't be running for re-election next year. In the post at CapFax we not only see a story about her stepping down after 2020, we see a comment by a former challenger Jacob Meister. I wonder if he's running again...

Dorothy Brown won’t seek reelection https://t.co/8j9ckAaPpq

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) August 14, 2019

I also wanted to share this exit interview from CBS 2 of Dorothy Brown [VIDEO]

Probably not as important and it hasn't so far been mention by Rich Miller who runs CapFax involves Jesse White. White has been our Secretary of State for over 20 years. The last two elections it was "teased" that he might retire only to run one more time.

Even though the next election for that office is in 2022, it's already being "teased" that he won't run again. Since it's relatively early to discuss election plans for 2022 and knowing that he may change his mind and run again - although he's in his 80s - I get the feeling that this report isn't being taken very seriously.

Although who knows, I'd like to know who'd be willing to take on that role after White's long tenure over among other parts of state gov't issuing our driver's licenses...

Tribune: Blue Cross to bring 550 jobs to South Side, with opening of new center in former Target location

It's great to see one of the two Target stores that closed earlier this year will soon find a new use:

Blue Cross has leased a nearly 130,000-square-foot space that formerly housed a Target at 119th Street and Marshfield Avenue in Morgan Park, the health insurance company announced Monday.

Part of the facility will be offices for Blue Cross workers, and part of it will be used to help people in the community — and not just those with Blue Cross health insurance — such as by offering free yoga or nutrition classes.

The new center is expected to open in the first half of next year.

“It makes us more accessible to our employees who live across Chicagoland and Cook County,” said Jill Wolowitz, vice president of government relations and community affairs at the health insurer. “It makes us more visible and accessible to our members who live throughout Chicago, and we’re looking forward to providing some economic stimulus in a significant South Side neighborhood.”

Most of the 550 jobs will be new ones, but the company is still working out what type of jobs will be included, Wolowitz said.

The company plans to recruit for many of those new jobs from the surrounding communities, through job fairs and other local opportunities, she said.

What do you think of Mariano's?

I'm posting this because over the years some people on the south side whether in Englewood (before the Whole Foods Market opened) and perhaps even residents in South Shore were looking for a Mariano's to come in. I wonder if there is a change of perception as far as Marino's now that they now owned by Kroger's as explored in this roughly 20 min podcast from Crain's Chicago Business:

And here's another article from Crain's:

Many of the changes reflect Kroger's efforts to boost profitability and meet a new challenge from Amazon, which in 2017 acquired Whole Foods, a rival to Mariano's in the premium grocery market. Mariano's changing profile also reflects the influence of former parent company Roundy's, a Milwaukee-based operator of low-end stores like Pick 'n Save.

For a while after Kroger took over, the Milwaukee and Chicago chains continued to operate autonomously, with former Mariano lieutenants Don Rosanova and Don Fitzgerald overseeing the Mariano's stores. That changed in September 2018 when Kroger consolidated leadership teams in the Wisconsin-based unit in a cost-cutting move. Fitzgerald and Rosanova were both gone by year-end.

"If there hadn't been the pressure from Milwaukee, the business could have been run better," Bishop says. "They are subject to the budgetary pressures of the folks in Cincinnati."

"Mariano's continues to innovate and lead in this space, and the larger Kroger organization is bringing elements of our programs into other banners to accelerate their Restock Kroger initiatives," a Mariano's spokeswoman says.

How many of you still want to attract a Mariano's store to other parts of the south side? Also note that Food 4 Less is also part of the Kroger family along with Mariano's.

Capitol Fax: President Trump “I’m thinking about commuting [Rod Blagojevich’s] sentence very strongly”

While Rich Miller is actually on break right now he's been following the major news stories affecting Illinois. I felt the need to mention this since we did follow Blagojevich's impeachment and removal from the office of Governor.

Who knows how popular this might be for most of you, but would you be OK with President Trump possibly commuting Blagojevich's federal sentence for corruption?

President Trump “I’m thinking about commuting [Rod Blagojevich’s] sentence very strongly” https://t.co/kmGHKpMiSP

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) August 8, 2019

78th & Halsted back in 1911 #tbt

Photo via Chicago History Today

It's really fascinating to see some of the locales on the south side and how they used to look years ago. This time we look at 78th & Halsted which should be across the street from the Gresham District police HQ.

The above photo is from Chicago History Today which stated:

 In 1911 the Auburn Gresham neighborhood was Irish American.  The commercial building on the left side of the photo houses a pharmacy and a tailor.  Across 78th Street another commercial building has a first-floor tavern.  Down the block the tower of the new St. Leo Catholic Church is visible.

And of course as happens things change and while you may see some of the buildings remain from the photograph today, you see what has changed. I'll let you go to see the change and read what John Schmidt writes about the changes.

It's safe to say that the police HQ which he doesn't note was very new having been built in the last decade.

Dr. Carl Bell R.I.P

Though not mentioned in the linked article from WTTW, Dr. Bell was head of the now closed Community Mental Health Council. He sought to do research on the affects of witnessing violence on children. Now that he's gone, who will carry on his necessary work? He fulfilled a need that was necessary.

Back to School event -- for ADULTS!!!

Some information from The SIxth Ward blog's friend, Zack Isaacs.

We want to announce a back to school event -- but not for the kids. Rather, it is for adults who need to finish their education, whether for high school, associate's or bachelor's degree.

Meet at the Greater Grand Crossing Libaryary, 1000 E. 73rd Street (73rd and South Chicago).

The tme and date is Saturday August 3, from2:30pm to 4:30pm.

Contact Zack with questions or to RSVP at 708-629-1933 .

More information at www.facebook.com/giftedtree

We hope you can make it out there!

CBS Chicago: Off-Duty CPD Officer Injured By Suspected Drunk Driver On Dan Ryan

[VIDEO] You might have seen this on the CBS 2 over the weekend. An off-duty police officer in a car accident on the Dan Ryan near 79th Street. The driver that hit him was charged with DUI, you will see him in this report struggling with a sobriety test.

NHS Chicago ribbon cutting/grand opening of new south side housing services hub #6WardChicago

I saw this via Nextdoor over the weekend. Sorry to have not been able to advertise this in advance. There were posts from NHS Chicago and Ald. Sawyer on their respective ig pages. The new NHS office is located on the first floor of the Seaway National Bank building on 645 E. 87th Street or actually the office is given an address of 639 E. 87th Street.

The interesting part about the space that NHS now takes up is that for many old timers it used to be the offices for ComEd where customers can pay their electric bill and get a few complimentary light bulbs. It also had been the offices of Seaway National Bank's loan department once ComEd moved out of this space.

Update to the fatal incident at 69th Street from last month

[VIDEO] Here's an update from last month's fatal incident at 69th/State. A CTA Red Line train had fatally struck a commuter who got down to the tracks to retrieve her cell phone.

The video above from CBS Chicago is of the victim's family who spoke out once the news of the CTA motorman or operator being fired from his job as a result of this incident. It aired on the 6:00 PM newscast on Friday.

This report is from the Chicago Tribune which also had video of that said motorman who is seen looking away from the tracks ahead:

And 2nd City Cop doesn't disappoint...

I knew that the blog written for and by Chicago Police officers would offer their perspectives on Mayor Lightfoot's comments directed towards a Fraternal Order of Police official and of course the dustup over the background checks for those who speak at police board meetings.

Here's the post about the "clown" remark caught on a hot mic from Mayor Lightfoot. Oh 2nd City Cop calls her "Groot" that's not nice.

And they discuss the story about background check for members of the public who sign up and speak at police board meetings. It's interesting to learn hear that if you choose to speak to the Chicago City Council they also do background checks.

What other government agencies that offer public meetings do background checks? Why were only the police board meetings singled out?

A proposal for CTA fares to ride Metra

Metrarail.com

There is a proposal to make riding Metra's Rock Island and Electric lines as affordable as a CTA fare. Would this make some of you more likely to take Metra to where you need to go? Via Curbed Chicago

A plan to reduce fares and increase service on South Side Metra lines is moving forward https://t.co/eZZbkIx6VS pic.twitter.com/focQC58Cun

— Curbed Chicago (@curbedchicago) July 24, 2019

A plan to reduce fares and boost service on Metra rail lines serving Chicago’s Far South Side and southern suburbs is building momentum. Officials hope cheaper and more frequent service on Metra’s Electric District and the Rock Island District lines will reverse declining ridership.

If realized, the move would cut ticket prices from the current level of $4 to $5.50 down to $2.50—the same price as a ride on the CTA’s L system. Details such as timing and any financial subsidies from Cook County are still being ironed out, the Chicago Tribune reported this earlier week. Officials are also exploring offering free Ventra transfers between Metra, CTA, and Pace.

A recent mobility study found that although southern Cook County has a higher proportion of transit-dependent residents, the area is lagging when it comes to transit access. Cheaper fares and more frequent service could boost ridership by as much as 33 percent and even lead to a net increase in revenue, according to the study.

I hope they can follow this up with some plans to upgrade some of the Metra stations - especially on the Metra Electric line. Then again we would have to see if these stations see an increase in activity.

Wentworth/Vincennes - 1958 #tbt

Last year I posted a video that showed the last run of CTA's streetcars 61 years ago. The last CTA streetcar was routed from downtown to Vincennes-77th Street now CTA bus route 24. From Chicago History Today (published this on that blog this past March) here's  how the intersection of Vincennes/Wentworth used to look.

From Chicago History Today - Vincennes/Wentworth 1958

Of course if you click through you will see that same place as seen today. I know things change, but I see back in the day a seemingly vibrant neighborhood. It's unbelievable that we're looking at the south side here.

Capitol Fax: “I’m sorry that I said it out loud”

Speaking of the police a hot mic comment was caught from the Mayor with regards to a Fraternal Order of Police official. It's embarrassing and has me wondering if Lightfoot who has been our mayor since May of this year is feeling the stress already. And evidently she went off on another man who wanted her attention as he sought attention for the murders of 75 south side women that he claimed was never seriously investigated by the police.

You can read the round-up at the Capitol Fax

“I’m sorry that I said it out loud” https://t.co/ac0V01ByxR

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) July 24, 2019

For years, Chicago Police ran secret background checks on people who signed up to speak at public meetings.

Heard about this over the radio this morning. You engage in your first amendment right especially to speak before a governmental body and someone presumably before you speak decides to check you out before you speak. And this is assuming that you never stood before this body to speak, ever.

Documents obtained by the Tribune under a public records request show the Police Department gathered the details on nearly 60 people in advance of their speaking at monthly meetings of the Chicago Police Board since at least January 2018. A police spokesman said the background checks go back further, to at least 2013.

The checks appear to be extensive, with police searching at least one internal department database to determine if speakers have arrest or prison records, warrants outstanding for their arrest, investigative alerts issued for them by the department and even if they’re registered sex offenders or missing persons. Police also searched comments that speakers had previously made on YouTube or on their Facebook and Twitter accounts, among other internet sites, the documents show.

Among those subjected to background checks were a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted decades ago by a Chicago police officer, a community activist who gained prominence after the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald by a police officer and a 77-year-old man known for his frequent, flamboyant rants on a variety of topics at public meetings across the city.

In an interview Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Lori Lightfoot slammed the background checks, saying she had been unaware of the practice when she chaired the Police Board before her run for mayor.

Describing herself as “furious and incredulous,” Lightfoot told the Tribune that she had ordered an immediate stop to the background checks and said the Police Department owes the public an apology.

“I want to make sure that we get to the bottom of this and understand who is responsible,” the mayor said in her fifth-floor office.

Here's what our police superintendent said about these checks:

Later Tuesday, as he left a City Hall meeting with Lightfoot on policing strategies, police Superintendent Eddie Johnson punted when asked if the background checks should have taken place.

“To be quite honest, nobody did anything with it,” Johnson told a Tribune reporter.

But he made it clear the practice has come to an end.

“I don’t think we have a reason at this point to continue it," said Johnson, who often attends Police Board meetings with members of his command staff. "It’s done.”

The current Police Board chairman, Ghian Foreman, also blasted the background checks, saying the nine-member board found the practice “incomprehensible.”

Now I want to know what 2nd City Cop says about this, if they choose to say anything.

h/t Newsalert

Capitol Fax: Stop arguing and get to work

On Rich Miller's blog on Friday he does a round-up of police stories in Chicago. He starts off with a feud brewing between the top two vote getters in this year's mayoral runoff which resulted in Lightfoot getting the nod for the 5th floor.

All the same there was a letter from county board president Toni Preckwinkle circulating complaining about how Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson tracks gun crimes and  to"stop misleading the public about why gun violence remains a challenging problem in Chicago". Which leads to repeating the mayoral runoff earlier this year.

Finally the big news from earlier this week four police officers were fired from their jobs for the cover-up with regards to the murder of LaQuan McDonald.

Stop arguing and get to work https://t.co/kG4prr4ZDN

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) July 19, 2019

Quite a few interesting series of stores with regards to the Chicago Police recently. I do hope that Mayor Lightfoot and president Preckwinkle can stop campaigning and work on these police issues. And to quote Miller: "This fight is so tedious. People are dying in the street and “leaders” are relitigating the election."

As the post title states stop arguing and get to work! 

Capitol Fax: Lightfoot picks five casino sites outside downtown

Very interesting to see the other proposed sites for casinos in Chicago. Some of those sites are nearby such as the old South Works sites or along the Bishop Ford (Calumet) Expressway among any proposed sites.

Lightfoot picks five casino sites outside downtown https://t.co/M8Ckwk4tRe

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) July 17, 2019

I know that this has been discussed over the years even through if I recall lately the Daley Adminstration (and I don't remember if Rahm Emanuel ever seriously discussed casinos), however, my thought has always been that a casino shouldn't just be downtown. It should be in the neighborhoods and especially in a neighborhood that could use a "boost".

Finally caught that little gator

[VIDEO] A long way from the south side, but that alligator that was lurking in the ponds of Humboldt Park on the north side has finally been caught. It was lurking those ponds for a week and caught the attention of the entire city.

A former Alderman hit with a federal search warrant

Former Ald. Michael R. Zalewski retired from the city council over a year ago, unfortunately, he's another alderman (well former Alderman) who's been hit with federal search warrants. You can find more articles on this if you click through to Newsalert.

From the reports I've seen it's not known why the feds are looking into former Ald. Zalewski, however, what's noted especially by the Sun-Times is that he's had some issues with the I.R.S.

Now I wonder if anymore current or former Aldermen are under the eye of federal authorities.

Open house #6WardChicago

Sorry for the late notice on this, however, for those of you who live in Ward 6 there is an open house with Ald. Roderick Sawyer tomorrow Saturday, July 13, 2019. Here's an ig post from 6 Ward Chicago

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 6 Ward Chicago (@6wardchicago) on Jul 11, 2019 at 1:13pm PDT

Family of woman struck by train at 69th on Thursday speaks out

[VIDEO] The sister of the victim - Felon Smith - of last Thursday's fatal incident at 69th Street on the CTA Red Line speaks out with regards to leaked surveillance footage of this tragic incident. Smith wasn't able to get back up to the train platform after going onto the tracks to find her cell phone.

Also of issue is the evils of social media which the sister also speaks out on. I believe social media is a great tool and certainly allows everyday people a platform unfortunately a lot of awful comments can be said by a variety of people who know very little of the situation itself. With this said I'm glad I never saw any negative comments of this incident and just stop my thoughts on this at a woman got hit by a train looking for her phone.

Also another issue discussed the above video from CBS 2 is the staffing at these stations. I don't imagine that most stations on CTA are staffed with a lot of people even at peak times. As seen in the stills of the leaked surveillance video there was a K9 security person nearby Smith before the train came, what's not clear if that individual was on duty for CTA at that moment.

I want to reiterate what's stated from the CTA's website that if you drop something of value onto the tracks you should find a CTA employee to retrieve it for you. This tragic incident will keep me off the tracks!

CBS Chicago: Carnival Set Up Near Dan Ryan Expressway Causes Safety Concerns

[VIDEO] While this carnival will be leaving on July 2nd, we see a local resident concerned enough about the closure of Lafayette Avenue and the clearance for traffic going onto the Dan Ryan Expressway. We also see some aspects of the measures made by the company Modern Midways to insure the safety of those who choose to patronize this carnival.

Shooting near 87th & Dan Ryan on Saturday

[VIDEO] This was news from Satuday a shooting at the 87th & Dan Ryan shopping center and also noted was the carnival nearby on Lafayette Avenue. I just had to find more than the above video from CBS 2 about this shooting.

The most recent shooting happened about 2:40 p.m. in the first block of East 87th Street in the Chatham neighborhood. According to preliminary reports, a 21-year-old man was in a parking lot when a vehicle approached and someone inside fired shots in his direction, police said.

He was struck in the abdomen, and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where his condition was stabilized, police said.

Woman struck and killed by train at 69th

[VIDEO] This incident happened earlier today and you might have seen some tweets about it especially an article about this from the Sun-Times and some CTA updates about the commute on the red line. It's interesting to see CTA only refer to what happened as a medical emergency, however, the news media refer to the real details of what happened.

Capitol Fax: Today's Number 30 years

Actually this was posted to Rich Miller's blog yesterday, however, it talks about the health disparities between the wealthy near downtown neighborhood of Streeterville and the low-income south side neighborhood Englewood. Based upon a report that shows that residents of both neigborhoods had a very divergent life expectancy.

Today’s number: 30 years https://t.co/5qsisa7BQs

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) June 24, 2019

It's time for the US Census again...

It's about to be that time for the US Census again. State government is already getting ready for outreach for the US Census that takes place every 10 years. 2020 is the year, and we somewhat remember what happened as a result of the 2010 census.

Census roundup https://t.co/rcyb3QrvCx

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) June 21, 2019

Also from yesterday's CapFax blog, the Chicago area is getting older and less white

Chicago metro area gets older, less white https://t.co/gMtrSEmmDi

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) June 20, 2019

#tbt 87th & Langely street renaming

[VIDEO] In June 2015 I was present for a ceremony that renamed Langley Avenue east of the main branch of Seaway National Bank for it's late & former longtime chairman Jacoby Dickens. I recorded the unveiling of the sign revealing "Honorary Jacoby Dickens Way" which was a bit of a blooper when his widow Veranda Dickens attempted to pull off the cover for the sign and the string snapped. Presumably a bank employee pulled the cover off to the excitement of those who witnessed these festivities.

The event you see above occurred during the year of Seaway Bank's 50th anniversary. It was under the new chairwoman Veranda Dickens who decided to take over the bank not long after Jacoby Dickens had passed away. And some notable thoughts from this events.

Since his names seems to be in the news a lot as of late the former chairman of the city council Ed Burke was at this events and gave some remarks. Unfortunately I have footage, but somehow I have no audio of his remarks. I do recall, however, that once this event was over with he got into an unmarked car that he wasn't driving to leave.

Ms. Dickens remarked with regards to Seaway's location. I do recall she says she doesn't mind the sounds of sirens as an vehicle (presumably an ambulance) did pass by during the program that occurred before unveiling the street sign. Her then President and CEO was also there and made his remarks regarding this occasion unfortunately by the fall he would leave his position.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel wasn't present for this and instead sent someone from his office a deputy mayor to give remarks. I'm searching through my archives to see if I have any footage of this surrogate from the mayor's office at that time.

As you see above Ald Sawyer was there, the bank is in his ward at the time. I don't recall if he himself gave any remarks and I'm looking for any footage if had given any remarks.

Finally, I have to conclude with Seaway failing in January 2017. Currently the bank is now under the ownership of Self Help FCU. It's sad when you consider this event that honored the long-time chairman and owner of Seaway National Bank.

CBS Chicago: Gunman In CTA Bus Shooting Caught On Camera

[VIDEO]  Here's one update to the shooting on the 75th Street bus on Monday evening from CBS 2 that aired Wednesday morning. This shooting injured three people unfortunately in this latest report we don't know the conditions of those victims.

What are the feds looking for in #Ward34?

I found this through CapFax this evening, Crain's political writer Greg Hinz looks into the executive of a search warrant by federal authorities on Ald. Carrie Austin's Ward 34 offices.

According to a knowledgeable source close to the matter, the feds are not looking at alleged official misuse of the office as they were with Ald. Edward Burke, 14th, who has been accused of racketeering and extortion of builders and others. Rather, the current probe relates to use of campaign money, of which Austin had plenty as (until recently) chairwoman of the powerful City Council Budget Committee.

The feds specifically are examining business deals, in both the city and suburbs, involving Austin and members of her staff, my source says. The investigation has been going on for “many months,” is said to be “very solid” and may head in some directions that have not yet become public.

My source says Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who pushed Austin out as Budget Committee chair when the new City Council handed out leadership slots last month, was not specifically aware of the coming raid or charges. If Lightfoot had known, she might not have worked to get Austin the chairmanship of another, if lesser, committee, on contract oversight and equity.

I just had to share this CBS 2 video on the "office raid" on Ald. Austin that aired earlier in the afternoon on the 5 PM broadcast. [VIDEO]

Sun-Times: FBI agents raid ward office of Ald. Carrie Austin #Ward34

I was shocked to see this to be honest:

FBI agents executed a search warrant Wednesday morning on the Far South Side ward office of Ald. Carrie Austin (34th).

The search marks the latest step in ongoing, widespread federal investigations of Chicago aldermen.

Three aldermen who were once the City Council’s most powerful — Edward M. Burke, Danny Solis and now Austin — have either been charged or implicated in the biggest scandal in the City Council’s sordid history of corruption.

So far, Burke (14th) has been indicted on political corruption charges, and former Ald. Solis (25th) has cooperated with the investigation by wearing a wire for the feds and secretly recording conversations. Burke has denied any wrongdoing, and Austin has not been charged with any crimes. Austin, 70, is second in seniority on the City Council after Burke.

After the Sun-Times first reported that Solis was wearing a wire, Austin told reporters: “Not about Danny. I might cry,” Austin said. “You don’t do that. You just don’t.”

I was hoping there was any video anywhere on this raid. All I could find was this video on twitter from CBS 2's Megan Hickey who was outside of Ald. Austin's offices as federal authorities executed their search warrant

Several federal agents just left Carrie Austin’s Ward office with boxes of evidence. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/B84HsnkEMA

— Megan Hickey (@MeganHickeyTV) June 19, 2019

Since we hit upon her response to knowlegde that now former Alderman Danny Solis was wearing a wire to cooperate with federal authorities I see this from fellow Aldermen regarding Ald. Austin:

Austin’s fellow aldermen — including veterans who have served alongside her for years—were keeping their heads down Wednesday afternoon and their mouths shut about the raid on Austin’s ward office.

Aldermen privately complained that the raid on Austin’s office has strengthened the mayor’s hand when it comes to her new drive to strip aldermen of their iron-fisted control over zoning and create an independent commission to redraw Chicago’s ward boundaries to coincide with the 2020 U.S. Census.

Hours after taking office, Lightfoot signed an executive order ending aldermanic prerogative over zoning and permitting. She needs City Council approval to implement a similar change over zoning. Until Wednesday, the City Council was expected to put up a fight.

Not to make a prediction because who knows how these search warrants, informants wearing a wire, indictments and other parts of the justice system process shakes out. However, I got to say if this sticks and Ald. Austin has some dirt for an indictment in addition to whatever Burke and Solis might face once they go through their trials we're going to have a city councils shake-up! 

CBS Chicago: Three People Injured In CTA Bus Shooting In Chatham, Officials Say

[VIDEO] You might have seen this report from the University of Chicago medical center on last night's 10 PM news on CBS 2. An update to yesterday's story on a shooting on a CTA 75th bus along side the Dan Ryan Expressway on State Street near 77th street. The three victims who were injured in this shooting have been hospitalized.

ABC 7 Chicago: 2 shot on CTA bus on South Side

I saw the scene from the red line passing just north of 79th Street. If only I had my phone out to record the scene. I saw police cars blocking off the streets where the bus was located.

Chicago police said two people were shot on a CTA bus on the city's South Side Monday evening. https://t.co/5oB4zNjNlB

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) June 18, 2019

The next question is what happened on that bus?

 The shooting happened on a northbound 75 bus near East 77th Street and South State Street in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood at around 6:30 p.m.

Police said an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man were taken to University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition.

The man was shot multiple times in the chest, fire officials said. The woman was shot in the legs and her condition has been stabilized.

Here's some footage of the scene from ABC 7 shot from a helicopter.

 

UPDATE: Here's a tweet from CBS 2's Greg Kelly

SCENE - 2 people shot on CTA bus at 77th & State. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/dKRKAtBQaA

— Greg Kelly (@CBS2Greg) June 18, 2019

Tribune: Aldermen introduce plan to hike Chicago's minimum wage to $15 in 2021

Introduced in today's session of the Chicago City Council:

Chicago’s minimum wage would increase to $15 in 2021, four years earlier than in the rest of the state, under a proposal aldermen introduced to the City Council on Wednesday.

South Side Ald. Sophia King, 4th, said the higher cost of living in the city than downstate makes the quicker bump necessary. “That is why we are here today,” King said at a news conference to announce the ordinance.

The “Raise Chicago” ordinance would increase the city’s minimum wage to $14 on July 1, 2020, and to $15 on July 1, 2021.

New Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been supportive of the idea of a $15 Chicago minimum wage.

While business groups have argued that the higher wages could lead to layoffs, King said studies have shown no impact on employment levels as minimum wages go up.

In the rest of the state, the minimum wage is expected to go up to $15/hr by 2025. In the city mimimum wage is expected to max out at $13/hr by next month.

The old Gately's store, ruined... #Ward09

[VIDEO] I've never known the Gately's store. By the time I became aware of the landmark that sits no more than two blocks south of 111th & Michigan it was divided up among so many smaller stores. I don't recall ever shopping in those smaller storefronts.

However, what I do know about Gately's and the rest of the shopping district along South Michigan Avenue between roughly 107th & 115th Streets was that it was a very vibrant shopping district. Perhaps it wasn't as profitable as 63rd & Halsted was back in the day, however, there are many who live in years past who remember the vibrancy of Roseland's retail district.

I heard through twitter from Pete Kastanes who posts on FB, IG, and twitter about long gone Chicago businesses once lived in Roseland and remembers Gately's People's Store. He started a blog with one of his first posts about the old store.

He was the one who noted that this landmark was on fire on twitter and was increasingly sad about it. Then I later saw the above video from CBS 2 about it and the fire has proven to be devastating.

Ald. Ed Burke pleads not guilty

[VIDEO] Let's start with last week when the press seems to be abuzz of the new Mayor Lori Lightfoot's smack down of the longtime powerful Alderman Ed Burke during the first council meeting she presided over as mayor. And then the wily Alderman gets indicted and Mayor Lightfoot comes out and states he needs to leave Chicago's city council once he was indicted in federal court.

We shouldn't be too surprised that Burke is pleading not guilty in a case that has charges of racketerer

Pritzker: Forget downtown, put Chicago casino in area that has ‘been left out, left behind’

You know I'm actually for this. A casino doesn't belong anywhere near downtown Chicago, however, why not put one in the neighborhoods. From the Sun-Times:

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday he would prefer a newly-allowed Chicago casino be located separately from the downtown business district and away from McCormick Place.

While stressing the decision on locating the casino belongs to Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City Council, the governor said his preference is for the casino to be put in an area that hasn’t benefited from downtown’s building boom.

Pritzker would not name potential sites, but his comments would appear to help the prospects of the old Michael Reese Hospital property at 31st Street and the lake or the former South Works property at 83rd Street and the lake. Another possibility is the Illinois International Port District land on the Southeast Side.

“I will say that we don’t want to, let’s say, compete with what I think is important about downtown, which is, you know, this is a business town, right? And McCormick Place is a business showplace, and it’s different than other places, right?” Pritzker told the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board.

“You go to Las Vegas for your convention and you know that the people who are coming are not really spending all their time in the show, but love to go because of all the entertainment and everything else. I think in Chicago people come here to do business, and so you want to make sure that they’re separated, let’s say,” he added.

Reese, South Works and the port authority land all have potential and drawbacks as a casino site. They offer plenty of land for what must be a large casino; state legislation authorizes 4,000 gaming positions, or more than three times of the size of any single Illinois casino. But the sites also have drawbacks.

What say you?

CapFax: Chicago’s population plunge has stopped

I've thought about this in terms of the next ward remap. What you see over at CapFax is that the city is gaining over 10,000 people in the past decade. Rich Miller contends that the increase could be far worse given the past.

Probably something worth looking at for our new mayor.

Chicago’s population plunge has stopped https://t.co/N40oOBaDZp

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) May 23, 2019

Mayor Lori Lightfoot

[VIDEO] As of Monday Chicago has a new mayor in Lori Lightfoot. Last month she defeated county board president Toni Preckwinkle to occupy city hall's fifth floor as mayor of Chicago succeeding Rahm Emanuel.

Emanuel I hear already has a new gig as a contributing editor to The Atlantic and a contributor to ABC News.

Meanwhile we're already two days into Lightfoot's mayorality and is already busy putting her staff into place. She also attempting to chip away at Aldermanic prerogative.

Above is her inaugural address from Monday, which is one speech I never had a chance to fully follow. It's just about 40 minutes so it's a long haul to follow. I'm curious about her agenda as mayor for the next four years.

Curbed Chicago: Rahm Emanuel’s top accomplishments as mayor of Chicago

Rahm Emanuel is leaving office soon and last week Curbed Chicago wrote about some of his accomplishments. Of course they still look at some of the issues that remain.

With this said, best wishes to the new Mayor Lori Lightfoot as she tackles some of he pressing issues of our city. As always for the Windy City, hoping for the best!

Rahm Emanuel’s top accomplishments as mayor of Chicago https://t.co/EXkDUmB0ad pic.twitter.com/TAZtz4t4n5

— Curbed Chicago (@curbedchicago) May 17, 2019

Metra upgrades and slashing Metra Electric fares...

[VIDEO] As there is a bill being proposed in Springfield that would fares on the Metra Electric line in the city, perhaps I should share this story. This aired on CBS Chicago on May 9, 2019 and was shot at the Metra station at 115th Street or in Metra parlance Kensington. It illustrates the need for upgrades to Metra stations.

The aforementioned bill to cut fares to ride the Metra Electric line within the city limits is designed to make riding that route within the city a more attractive option and was introduced by local state representative Marcus Evans (D - 33rd District). From the Tribune on May 7, 2019:

The bill, introduced by Illinois State Rep. Marcus Evans, Jr., a Democrat, would set fares for Metra Electric trips within the city as equal to CTA rail fares, which are $2.50 at the regular rate. Metra Electric fares within the city currently range from $4 to $5.50 for a single ride.

South Side community activists have long discussed converting the Metra Electric line, which runs from downtown into the south suburbs, into a rapid-transit line with more frequent stops to make up for a lack of rapid transit options on the far South Side.

“It’s a quality-of-life issue,” said Linda Thisted, co-chair of the Coalition for a Modern Metra Electric, which supports the bill. “A lot of people can’t afford Metra Electric fares so they take really slow buses. This could transform the South Side and the South Shore.”
...
Expansion of South Side service through Metra could be less expensive than a parallel expansion of the CTA’s Red Line south from 95th Street to 130th Street, which will cost about $2.3 billion. The CTA is planning the extension, though it does not yet have the money to pay for it.

Metra said it was willing to discuss the proposal, which also would allow Metra Electric riders to use the Ventra card to get on the train.

“We would look forward to working with Rep. Evans and others to determine whether doing this is feasible and affordable,” said Metra spokesman Michael Gillis.

On The Table at Urban Partnerhip Bank THIS Tuesday

I apologize for this late post, as the information was sent much earlier.

But if you are able to attend, there is at least one open On The Table event in the Chatham area.

If you have additoinal #OnTheTable events, or want to report on yours AFTER the event, contact us at blog+blog@thesixthward.us

Here is the press release for the event

----

Nonprofit Utopia, Providence Bank Invite Local Stakeholders to Write a Memo to the Mayor

Nonprofit Utopia, the ideal community for emerging leaders, and Providence Bank & Trust will host a meetup, On the Table: Memo to the Mayor on May 14, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at Urban Partnership Bank. The bank is located at 7801 South State Street in Chicago. Guests will write a memo to the Mayor, reflecting the results of each table’s conversation, including collective points-of-view; recommendations and ways the Mayor and her administration may address problems, make something better or otherwise follow up.

The target communities for discussion include Chatham, Avalon, Auburn-Gresham, West Chesterfield, Park Manor and Greater Grand Crossing. Guests will break out into 4 groups to discuss issues of concern as they relate to how Mayor Lightfoot can implement policies for individuals around investment and wealth creation; economic development; job creation and affordable housing and related policies.

"Every idea is important", said Valerie F. Leonard, the Founder of Nonprofit Utopia, LLC. "Therefore, our memo will take into account all the ideas shared On the Table". Depending on the pleasure of the group assembled, the memo can be made up of words only; it might include a photo; a vision board; it might even include a poem. It is the guests' opportunity to cast a vision for their local community.

On the Table is sponsored by the Chicago Community Trust, and is a daylong civic conversation involving thousands of people all across Chicago and neighboring communities. All events will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at times convenient to local groups. Friends, co-workers and even strangers gather that day for mealtime conversations about topics that matter to them. This year’s theme is Memo to the Mayor.

Learn more about Nonprofit Utopia at https://nonprofitutopia.mn.co and www.nonprofitutopia.com.

Learn more about Providence Bank & Trust at https://www.providence.bank. Providence Bank & Trust is a Member of the FDIC and is an Equal Housing Lender.

Learn more about On the Table events at http://onthetable.com.

Photo: Hurley Green, III

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-the-table-discussion-with-nonprofit-utopia-and-providence-bank-trust-tickets-60304042013

On the Table Discussion with Nonprofit Utopia and Providence Bank & Trust Tickets, Tue May 14, 2019 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite Eventbrite - Valerie F. Leonard presents On the Table Discussion with Nonprofit Utopia and Providence Bank & Trust - Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Urban Partnership Bank, Chicago, IL. Find event and ticket information. www.eventbrite.com

On the Table Discussion with Nonprofit Utopia and Providence Bank & Trust Tickets, Tue May 14, 2019 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite Eventbrite - Valerie F. Leonard presents On the Table Discussion with Nonprofit Utopia and Providence Bank & Trust - Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Urban Partnership Bank, Chicago, IL. Find event and ticket information. www.eventbrite.com

Valerie F. Leonard 

Founder, Nonprofit Utopia

Phone: 773-571-3886

E-mail:   valeriefleonard@nonprofitutopia.com Website: https://nonprofitutopia.mn.co

Podcasts: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nonprofitutopia

Coming Soon: Capacity Building Blocks Online

Capitol Fax: Lightfoot, Rush appear to move on from the past #ChiMayor19

Lightfoot will take her place on city hall's 5th floor on May 20, 2019 and we're already seeing some indication of her relationship with some of Chicago's US Congressmen (or Congresswomen). Today we talk about her future relationship with 1st Congressional District congressman Bobby Rush who made some very racial incendiary remarks about Lightfoot before she won last month's runoff election for mayor.

Read about it at CapFax

Lightfoot, Rush appear to move on from the past https://t.co/Dx7uMlYTGd

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) May 9, 2019

Rant: Community Organizations and the 6th Ward

Worlee Glover shared this rant on Concerned Citizens of Chatham yesterday. Is there truly a disconnect in the 6th Ward between say the western part of the 6th Ward and the eastern part? Basically between say Englewood & Chatham?

Capitol Fax: Senate income tax roundup

This was posted to the CapFax yesterday. A roundup of coverage for the state senate passing Gov. Pritzker's plan for a graduated or progressive income tax. How many of you know that Illinois' income taxes are flat? I never realized the political implications of attempting to insure a graduated or progressive income tax in this state.

The flat rate had been increased in this state in 2017 and earlier in 2011 which was allowed to expire in 2014. And if you've followed Pritzker's campaign for Governor last year he's always talked about insuring that the high-income earners - or the rich - pay their fair share in this state.

BTW, it should be noted to change the flat tax to a graduated tax on income. It requires a constitutional amendment so one of the bills that passed the state senate allows whether or not to change the constitution for this will go through the state house and ultimately we'll see it on the ballot in the next election. The curiosity is what will the state's voter's decide on this issue.

Senate income tax roundup https://t.co/lb8QdcKvtm

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) May 2, 2019