Latest news with #BlackChicagoans
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Trump Commutes Sentence of Chicago Gang Leader Larry Hoover, But it's Not What You Think at All...
President Donald Trump seems to be fond of handing out pardons to people who apparently make nice to him or to people who seem to not deserve it. We see it with the current batch of crooks he's letting loose, including 1,500 January 6 rioters; two Washington D.C. cops who killed a Black man; and most recently, reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley who flexed $30 million in fraud. Trump is getting headlines for commuting the sentence of Larry Hoover, co-founder of Chicago gang Gangster Disciples, who was sentenced to prison in 1973 for ordering the murder of a drug dealer. Trump said that these people and a list of others were victims of a 'weaponized' criminal justice system, but there are others who he has not yet explained why they are being released. Hoover was hit with between 150 and 200 years and was federally convicted in 1997, receiving a life term. He must still serve the state charges, so currently there's no sign he'll walk Trump's decision to commute Hoover's sentence is a mixed bag. Here's why: Hip-hop has advocated for Hoover's release for quite some time now. In 2021, Kanye West and Drake performed in a benefit concert for him, that was put together by Rap-a-Lot founder J. Prince. Many in hip hop have been part of an effort to gain awareness of Hoover's efforts to reform the GDs (which he proclaimed in the 90s to mean 'Growth and Development' and helping to form a record label and a nonprofit organization. 'There definitely was more to it than just him being a gangster. He was a real leader, and he was trying to lead people in the right direction,' Larry Hoover Jr. told WBEZ last year. On the other hand, nobody can deny what the Gangster Disciples meant in the streets of the Chi for many years. The GDs were one of a number of South and West side gang sets, which are still infamous. While the GDs evolved from other gangs that formed to push back against racist gangs terrorizing Black Chicagoans, the latter result was Black Chicagoans still living in terror. The GDs were not responsible for all of this, but they did have their share, and it was largely the result of what emerged from Hoover's actions. Okay, so Trump is saying Hoover is done serving time as far as he's concerned. But if he's granting him a reprieve, presumably because of the unfairness of the justice system, then can the governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York do the same for Assata Shakur, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and Joy Powell, respectively? Or at least get the FBI off Shakur's back? Not to mention the people ICE is 'disappearing' from the country just for being Latino or Muslim. Although the three names mentioned are state cases, the evidence is clear that what Trump considers justice means it's time to question the entire justice system. ————————————————— Madison J. Gray is a New York-based journalist. He blogs at For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Justice Department investigating Chicago Mayor Johnson for alleged racially motivated hiring
CHICAGO — The U.S. Department of Justice began an investigation into Mayor Brandon Johnson Monday over allegations of race-based discrimination, citing his recent remarks at a Woodlawn church in which he emphasized how many Black people he's hired in his administration. Johnson received a letter from assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon saying there is 'reasonable cause' to believe the mayor 'made hiring decisions solely on the basis of race,' in potential violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The probe was the latest attack on Johnson, a freshman progressive mayor, from Republican President Donald Trump since he returned to the White House this year and began cracking down on liberal-leaning cities. Dhillon's letter quoted several examples of what she said suggests discriminatory hiring practices from the mayor's Sunday panel with Bishop Byron Brazier of Apostolic Church of God. The appearance was part of a series of stops Johnson has been making on the South and West sides to shore up his Black voter base. 'You 'highlight(ed) the number of Black officials in (your) administration,'' Dhillon wrote, quoting Johnson. 'You then went on to list each of these individuals, emphasizing their race. … You then said that you were 'laying' these positions 'out' to 'ensure that our people get a chance to grow their business.'' Dhillon said, 'Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern of practice of discrimination as set forth above,' saying she will look into both high-ranking and lower-level jobs. Johnson's press secretary, Cassio Mendoza, confirmed the mayor's office received the letter on Monday but declined to immediately comment. Johnson in his Sunday remarks shouted out six of his top deputies as Black women or men, sparking outrage from conservative social media accounts. The mayor has touted the Black representation in his administration in many of his interviews this month commemorating the two-year anniversary of his time in office, saying it's part of protecting the interests of Black Chicagoans and beyond. 'There are some detractors that will push back on me and say, 'The only thing the mayor talks about is the hiring of Black people,'' Johnson said Sunday. 'No. What I'm saying is when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else. We are the most generous people on the planet. I don't know too many cultures that have play cousins.' Since his second term started, the president has often placed Chicago and other Democratic cities in his crosshairs over issues including immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Johnson is also being sued by Trump's Justice Department for Chicago's sanctuary city policy for immigrants who entered the country illegally, and the city and Chicago Public Schools are facing a separate federal probe over alleged antisemitism. How Johnson, who has tried to position himself as the progressive vanguard against Trump in urban America, responds to these threats will define much of his next two years in office. Hanging in the balance is about $3.5 billion in federal grants and other aid that Chicago is due annually. The section of the Civil Rights Act that the DOJ is basing its investigation on prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex and other identities. The landmark 1964 law was a defining moment of the civil rights crusade against segregation for Black Americans, but conservatives have recently begun citing it to allege that white or Asian people are being unfairly treated in employment or educational opportunities. Trump's anti-DEI campaign has sought to punish education systems, including CPS, that he says discriminate against one race over another. Johnson last month said, 'We're gonna sue,' after the Department of Education issued a notice demanding school districts sign a pledge disavowing DEI policies before the mayor's press office walked the legal threat back. Johnson has long touted his staff's diversity as a point of pride. In March, he said his leadership brought in 'more Black and brown folks' to top city spots and in the City Council during a news conference. 'And even with more Black and brown folks, it's not like non folks of color are losing,' he added. Weeks earlier at a news conference, Johnson marked Black History Month by calling on Chicagoans to 'remember the vital importance of diversity.' 'Diversity is the acknowledgment that our nation is a incredible space for the globe to have varied life experiences and perspectives that carry a richer, more vibrant society. In Chicago, we honor our city's diversity, and we will always remain an inclusive city,' he said. Asked about issues retaining staff in an interview with the Tribune earlier this month, Johnson responded by again touting his administration's diversity. His staff includes 'some of the most talented people' and is 45% Black, 25% Brown, 8% Asian and 30% white, Johnson said. 'Our administration is one of the most diverse administrations in the history of Chicago,' he said. _____
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Justice Department investigating Mayor Brandon Johnson for alleged racially motivated hiring
The U.S. Department of Justice began an investigation into Mayor Brandon Johnson Monday over allegations of race-based discrimination, citing his recent remarks at a Woodlawn church in which he emphasized how many Black people he's hired in his administration. Johnson received a letter from assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon saying there is 'reasonable cause' to believe the mayor 'made hiring decisions solely on the basis of race,' in potential violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The probe was the latest attack on Johnson, a freshman progressive mayor, from Republican President Donald Trump since he returned to the White House this year and began cracking down on liberal-leaning cities. Dhillon's letter quoted several examples of what she said suggests discriminatory hiring practices from the mayor's Sunday panel with Bishop Byron Brazier of Apostolic Church of God. The appearance was part of a series of stops Johnson has been making on the South and West sides to shore up his Black voter base. 'You 'highlight[ed] the number of Black officials in [your] administration,'' Dhillon wrote, quoting Johnson. 'You then went on to list each of these individuals, emphasizing their race. … You then said that you were 'laying' these positions 'out' to 'ensure that our people get a chance to grow their business.'' Dhillon said, 'Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern of practice of discrimination as set forth above,' saying she will look into both high-ranking and lower-level jobs. Johnson's press secretary, Cassio Mendoza, confirmed the mayor's office received the letter on Monday but declined to immediately comment. Johnson in his Sunday remarks shouted out six of his top deputies as Black women or men, sparking outrage from conservative social media accounts. The mayor has touted the Black representation in his administration in many of his interviews this month commemorating the two-year anniversary of his time in office, saying it's part of protecting the interests of Black Chicagoans and beyond. 'There are some detractors that will push back on me and say, 'The only thing the mayor talks about is the hiring of Black people,'' Johnson said Sunday. 'No. What I'm saying is when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else. We are the most generous people on the planet. I don't know too many cultures that have play cousins.' Since his second term started, the president has often placed Chicago and other Democratic cities in his crosshairs over issues including immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Johnson is also being sued by Trump's Justice Department for Chicago's sanctuary city policy for immigrants who entered the country illegally, and the city and Chicago Public Schools are facing a separate federal probe over alleged antisemitism. How Johnson, who has tried to position himself as the progressive vanguard against Trump in urban America, responds to these threats will define much of his next two years in office. Hanging in the balance is about $3.5 billion in federal grants and other aid that Chicago is due annually. Johnson has long touted his staff's diversity as a point of pride. In March, he said his leadership brought in 'more Black and brown folks' to top city spots and in the City Council during a news conference. 'And even with more Black and brown folks, it's not like non folks of color are losing,' he added. Weeks earlier at a news conference, Johnson marked Black History Month by calling on Chicagoans to 'remember the vital importance of diversity.' 'Diversity is the acknowledgement that our nation is a incredible space for the globe to have varied life experiences and perspectives that carry a richer, more vibrant society. In Chicago, we honor our city's diversity, and we will always remain an inclusive city,' he said. Asked about issues retaining staff in an interview with the Tribune earlier this month, Johnson responded by again touting his administration's diversity His staff includes 'some of the most talented people' and is 45% Black, 25% Brown, 8% Asian and 30% white, Johnson said. 'Our administration is one of the most diverse adminstrations in the history of Chicago,' he said.
Chicago Tribune
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Justice Department investigating Mayor Brandon Johnson for alleged racially motivated hiring
The U.S. Department of Justice began an investigation into Mayor Brandon Johnson Monday over allegations of race-based discrimination, citing his recent remarks at a Woodlawn church in which he emphasized how many Black people he's hired in his administration. Johnson received a letter from assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon saying there is 'reasonable cause' to believe the mayor 'made hiring decisions solely on the basis of race,' in potential violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The probe was the latest attack on Johnson, a freshman progressive mayor, from Republican President Donald Trump since he returned to the White House this year and began cracking down on liberal-leaning cities. Dhillon's letter quoted several examples of what she said suggests discriminatory hiring practices from the mayor's Sunday panel with Bishop Byron Brazier of Apostolic Church of God. The appearance was part of a series of stops Johnson has been making on the South and West sides to shore up his Black voter base. 'You 'highlight[ed] the number of Black officials in [your] administration,'' Dhillon wrote, quoting Johnson. 'You then went on to list each of these individuals, emphasizing their race. … You then said that you were 'laying' these positions 'out' to 'ensure that our people get a chance to grow their business.'' Dhillon said, 'Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern of practice of discrimination as set forth above,' saying she will look into both high-ranking and lower-level jobs. Johnson's press secretary, Cassio Mendoza, confirmed the mayor's office received the letter on Monday but declined to immediately comment. Johnson in his Sunday remarks shouted out six of his top deputies as Black women or men, sparking outrage from conservative social media accounts. The mayor has touted the Black representation in his administration in many of his interviews this month commemorating the two-year anniversary of his time in office, saying it's part of protecting the interests of Black Chicagoans and beyond. 'There are some detractors that will push back on me and say, 'The only thing the mayor talks about is the hiring of Black people,'' Johnson said Sunday. 'No. What I'm saying is when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else. We are the most generous people on the planet. I don't know too many cultures that have play cousins.' Since his second term started, the president has often placed Chicago and other Democratic cities in his crosshairs over issues including immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Johnson is also being sued by Trump's Justice Department for Chicago's sanctuary city policy for immigrants who entered the country illegally, and the city and Chicago Public Schools are facing a separate federal probe over alleged antisemitism. How Johnson, who has tried to position himself as the progressive vanguard against Trump in urban America, responds to these threats will define much of his next two years in office. Hanging in the balance is about $3.5 billion in federal grants and other aid that Chicago is due annually. Johnson has long touted his staff's diversity as a point of pride. In March, he said his leadership brought in 'more Black and brown folks' to top city spots and in the City Council during a news conference. 'And even with more Black and brown folks, it's not like non folks of color are losing,' he added. Weeks earlier at a news conference, Johnson marked Black History Month by calling on Chicagoans to 'remember the vital importance of diversity.' 'Diversity is the acknowledgement that our nation is a incredible space for the globe to have varied life experiences and perspectives that carry a richer, more vibrant society. In Chicago, we honor our city's diversity, and we will always remain an inclusive city,' he said. Asked about issues retaining staff in an interview with the Tribune earlier this month, Johnson responded by again touting his administration's diversity His staff includes 'some of the most talented people' and is 45% Black, 25% Brown, 8% Asian and 30% white, Johnson said. 'Our administration is one of the most diverse adminstrations in the history of Chicago,' he said.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Daywatch: Hundreds of misclassified properties fixed
Good morning, Chicago. Nearly half a billion dollars in taxable real estate value has been added onto the Cook County rolls after the county assessor fixed hundreds of mistakes identified in an investigation by the Illinois Answers Project and Chicago Tribune. The corrections come as Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi's office in recent months audited key records tied to thousands of properties across the county following last August's report, which found the office had misclassified and undervalued properties by missing new construction and significant property improvements. In all, using publicly available sales and satellite data, the Tribune and Illinois Answers found the office had failed to accurately assess at least 620 new or renovated properties during the 2023 tax year. In some instances, Kaegi's office assessed mansions as vacant lots and missed the bulk of two new subdivisions in a far south suburb. Read the full investigation from the Tribune's A.D. Quig and Illinois Answers Project's Alex Nitkin. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including Mayor Brandon Johnson doubling down on outreach to Black Chicago, a proposal to fix the Tokyo Series and a look back at a place found on no modern Chicago maps: Kilgubbin. Today's eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Mayor Brandon Johnson has made weekly rounds with Chicago's Black media outlets and embarked on a 'Faith in Government' tour this year, arenas where he's evidently felt more comfortable antagonizing naysayers and casting his dust-ups as part of an existential battle against a political establishment that doesn't want Black Chicagoans to prosper. The strategy, while not wholly new for Johnson, comes as the Black and progressive bases that formed his road to victory in 2023 show early signs of eroding. Gov. JB Pritzker's proposal, which is now incorporated into bills introduced in both the state House and Senate, would require school districts to adopt guidelines to prohibit students from using cellphones during instructional time, while providing secure and accessible storage for the devices, before the 2026-27 school year. In February, slow zones covered some 30% of the rail system, up from 13% five years earlier. Slower trains mean slower trips for riders, yet another source of frustration the CTA must contend with after years of complaints about service, conditions and safety. It is also one more hurdle for the CTA to overcome as the agency faces ridership that has still not returned to prepandemic levels, talk of transit reform in Springfield and looming local and federal financial concerns that could affect funding for work to bring trains back up to speed. In just a few months, more than 30,000 other immigrants in Illinois may be uninsured once again as Gov. JB Pritzker has proposed eliminating funding for the program that began in 2022 for noncitizen immigrants ages 42 to 64. While coverage would continue for noncitizen immigrants 65 and older, cutting the program for the 42-to-64 age group is a significant piece of Pritzker's plan to balance a $55.2 billion state budget proposal. The governor estimates it will save $330 million as costs are rising and growth in income and sales taxes is slowing, developments that continue to strain the state's finances and force difficult decisions to ensure the state lives within its means, Pritzker has said. For decades, Marian 'Cindy' Pritzker, the matriarch of one of Chicago's wealthiest and best-known families, was a mainstay in Chicago's philanthropic, cultural and civic communities. Pritzker, who was 101, died Saturday, according to a family spokesperson. She was Gov. JB Pritzker's aunt and had homes in the Streeterville neighborhood and Rancho Santa Fe, California. The University of Chicago is among over 50 higher-education schools under investigation for alleged racial discrimination as part of President Donald Trump's effort to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which his administration says exclude white and Asian American students. Trump Justice Department sends letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson about alleged antisemitism on campuses Candidates to be the next mayor of Arlington Heights all want to bring the Chicago Bears to the village, under the right circumstances — but they differ slightly on the details of how to make that happen. The three candidates spoke to a packed auditorium at the Village Hall Thursday, vying to succeed Mayor Tom Hayes, who is retiring at the end of his term this spring. From the Editorial Board: Our endorsement for Arlington Heights mayor The Chicago Bears aren't the only NFC North team that invested in the line of scrimmage during a whirlwind start to the NFL's new year, writes Brad Biggs. They're just the team that has done the most work in the trenches after a 5-12 season, the sixth time in the last 11 years they finished last in the division. Illinois coach Brad Underwood said he loved the location of his team's NCAA Tournament draw Sunday evening. The Illini earned the No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region and will play their first-round game at 8:45 p.m. Friday in Milwaukee. That means Illini fans can drive to the team's fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance in a matter of a few hours from Champaign — and less from Chicago. Underwood said he's excited to play in 'Big Ten country' in Wisconsin. Major League Baseball needs Japan as its closest friend and most avid consumer of MLB products, including jerseys, caps, bobbleheads and Topps cards, writes Paul Sullivan. Playing an actual series in Japan every year makes a lot of sense, and it probably should always feature the Dodgers as one of those teams for at least the length of Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million contract. But opening day? Chicago Cubs experience electric atmosphere in 3-0 exhibition loss to Hanshin Tigers Photos: Chicago Cubs lose 3-0 to Hanshin Tigers in exhibition game at Tokyo Dome Kilgubbin won't be found on modern-day maps of Chicago, but there once was a place known by that name — a settlement of Irish immigrants on the city's North Side. In the 1850s and 1860s, Kilgubbin was often mentioned in the pages of the Tribune and other Chicago newspapers. The name became symbolic of slums where poor Irish immigrants lived in ramshackle shanties, squatting on property they didn't own. Crowds began forming early Saturday morning in downtown Chicago to kick off the city's St. Patrick's Day weekend, with thousands lining Wacker Drive from Wolf Point to DuSable Lake Shore Drive to watch the traditional dyeing of the Chicago River. Despite the cold and snow, South Side Irish Parade organizers estimate 77,000 turn out
