Latest news with #U.S.-IsraelWarMachine
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chicago Columbus statues could return as city faces art controversy
The Brief Some Chicago aldermen are questioning why Columbus statues remain in storage while controversial artwork is allowed to stay. Ald. Anthony Napolitano introduced an ordinance to reinstall the statues removed in 2020. The debate comes as the city defends an art exhibit criticized as anti-Semitic. CHICAGO - Some Chicago aldermen are renewing efforts to reinstall statues, including monuments of Christopher Columbus, that were removed in 2020 amid nationwide protests against racial injustice. The push comes as city officials refuse to take down a controversial art exhibit, prompting criticism over what some see as inconsistent policies on public art. What we know On Wednesday, Ald. Anthony Napolitano introduced a plan to restore the Columbus statues and other monuments that were taken down nearly four years ago. The statues were removed following protests over the murder of George Floyd and the police shooting of Breonna Taylor, and they have remained in storage ever since. The ordinance is being proposed as city officials defend the presence of an exhibit titled U.S.-Israel War Machine at the Chicago Cultural Center. The artwork, which depicts Uncle Sam and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as murderers, has been criticized as anti-Semitic. Despite the backlash, Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Clinee Hedspeth has defended the display, stating that art is designed to stir emotion and should never be censored by government, even if some find it offensive. What they're saying Some aldermen see a contradiction in the city's stance on public art. "It's funny how some people feel that it's okay for this art to stay, but yet art that has been up in the city for 90 years and 50 years, meaning the Columbus statues, had to come down," said Ald. Nicholas Sposato of the 38th Ward. What's next If Napolitano's ordinance passes, the Columbus statues and other monuments would be restored to their original locations within 60 days.
CBS News
20-02-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Italian American group says Chicago Columbus statues need to be reinstalled as expressions of art
Back in 2020, then-Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot had three statues of Christopher Columbus removed in Chicago. For all the time since, Italian American groups in the city have been fighting to put them back. They continue to do so, and now call the removal of the statues "selective censorship." A few weeks ago, there was an uproar at City Hall over a piece of art on display at the Chicago Cultural Center. The display, titled "U.S-Israel War Machine," is part of an exhibit on puppets, and a group of alderpeople have called it antisemitic and want it removed. At a City Council committee meeting earlier this month, "U.S.-Israel War Machine" sparked a heated debate about what should or should not be allowed on city property. But Ron Onesti of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans said there was no such debate about the Columbus statues. "There was no outrage by City Council back in 2020," he said. On July 17, 2020, a group of protesters clashed with police officers at the Christopher Columbus statue in Chicago's Grant Park. Some of the protesters tried to wrap a rope around the statue and tear it down. A week later, the Grant Park Columbus statue was removed, to the cheers of people who said monuments to Columbus are insults to Indigenous Americans. A Columbus statue in Arrigo Park at Polk and Loomis streets in Little Italy, and a third statue that was part of a fountain at 92nd Street and Exchange Avenue followed soon afterward. Ron Onestim, president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, was infuriated. "How can you just flippantly remove something without any discussion?" he said. Onesti said it troubles him to see the site of the Grant Park Columbus statue still left as an empty pedestal five years later. "This is owned by the citizens, and this is artwork, and this is free speech," he said. The controversial puppet art at the Cultural Center was kept up in the name of art. This week, 10 aldermen supported an order that would get the Grant Park Columbus statue out of storage. The Columbus statue and other monuments would also get reinstalled for "expression of art." "The order put forth by Alderman [Anthony] Napolitano (41st) today really extends our emotions about this whole thing," Onesti said. "We're giving them 60 days to replace the statues based on the comments from the commissioner of DCASE [the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events] — the fact that controversial art should be protected by the city, and the government shouldn't get involved in any of this free speech stuff." Onesti argued the Columbus statue may be controversial to some, but for that reason, it falls under art protection. His organization has been fighting since 2020 with attorneys. "I think actually what we did back then kind of set the tone for what's going on now," Onesti said. Onesti said Italian Americans are long overdue to correct what he called a wrong, and said it is time for Mayor Brandon Johnson to take a stance. "He's been very specific about dodging it, frankly," Onesti said of the mayor. In August 2022, a panel created by Mayor Lightfoot called the Chicago Monuments Project recommended that the three Columbus statues should be removed permanently — along with several other public monuments they deemed as "problematic" on the grounds that they honor white supremacy or disrespect Indigenous people. No other monuments have been removed in the years since.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chicago mayor's office facing backlash after allegedly attempting to censor City Council meeting video
The Brief The mayor's office is accused of attempting to censor video footage from a controversial City Council meeting about censorship. A video of the meeting, featuring a chaotic exchange between aldermen over controversial artwork, was taken down and later restored by City Clerk Anna Valencia. A mayoral staffer allegedly requested edits to the video, prompting concerns about transparency, which Valencia later addressed by re-uploading it. CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's office is under fire for allegedly trying to censor video of a contentious City Council meeting. What we know The mayor's office is facing accusations of trying to censor a meeting about censorship. This comes after City Clerk Anna Valencia said a video of the meeting was improperly removed from public view. The video in question shows Tuesday's City Council hearing on controversial artwork at the Cultural Center. The meeting turned chaotic when 25th Ward Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez appeared to call 34th Ward Ald. Bill Conway a "white supremacist." This followed a heated debate over controversial artwork at the Cultural Center, which some aldermen have condemned as anti-Semitic. Conway and Sigcho-Lopez were arguing over Sigcho-Lopez's involvement in a protest before the DNC that included a burned American flag. After a few moments, 41st Ward Ald. Anthony Napolitano and 38th Ward Ald. Nick Sposato called out Sigcho-Lopez for his remarks and removed him from the meeting. "You gotta go," shouted Sposato. "You can't call someone a white supremacist. You gotta go." Videos of all City Council proceedings are posted on the City Clerk's website. But last night, the video of Tuesday's hearing was missing. Valencia said a mayoral staffer improperly contacted her office, asking a staff member to edit the video. The clerk's office employee declined, instead removing the video entirely. What they're saying Valencia stated she did not approve the removal and restored the video on Wednesday. "I am, always have been, and always will be, committed to building transparency and trust with our residents, and will ensure this does not happen again," Valencia said in a statement. "We are here as public servants to ensure our residents have complete access to their government and as long as I am here, that will remain." As soon as the meeting recessed, Sigcho-Lopez and Conway went into a private room with top mayoral advisor Jason Lee to clear the air. The backstory Thirty people spoke about an art exhibit at Chicago's Special Events committee meeting this week. The piece is controversial, and 27 council members have already called for its removal. The protest puppet is in the Chicago Cultural Center. It portrays Uncle Sam and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as murderers, calling out U-S support of Israel's involvement in Gaza. The exhibit was titled "U.S.-Israel War Machine." The alderpersons signed a letter calling on leaders to remove it because it was offensive. Some members of the public agreed with calls to remove the artwork. "As a citizen of Chicago, this is dangerous for my community. It is harmful and it is not something that should be displayed in a public building. Bigotry like this actively harms the Jewish community, which has a large presence in Chicago," a representative from the American Jewish Committee said. The other side Others said that censorship of public art is not something that Chicago's elected officials should get involved in. "To hear that there has been such an uproar about this puppet is shocking and honestly, a waste of everyone here's time," one resident said. "The demand to remove this puppet sets a dangerous precedent that Chicago elected officials can dictate which artwork is allowed to be displayed in our city and which is not, based on whether they agree with the artist's politics. As a proud member of Chicago's Jewish community, I urge you to spend your time actually governing our city." Changes were made to the display. Officials added a warning that the exhibition contains sensitive content. READ MORE HERE The Source FOX 32's Paris Schutz reported on this story.
Politico
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Commotion in the Council
Presented by Illinois Retail Merchants Association Happy Wednesday, Illinois. It's gonna be a cold one. At the Hideout Thursday: Chicago Chief Operating Officer John Roberson will talk about how City Hall has prepared for the Trump administration. Tickets here TOP TALKER DEATH OF DECORUM: Vulgar attacks and bickering erupted during a Chicago City Council committee meeting Tuesday, revealing the deep political divide that continues to rankle the council. The chaos occurred during a debate by members of the Committee of Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation — probably the most non-controversial panel of the entire council. How it started: There was a heated debate about the First Amendment and whether a politically charged piece of artwork titled 'U.S.-Israel War Machine' should be displayed on city-owned property, the Chicago Cultural Center. 'No one disputes that people have the First Amendment right to burn flags or even display swastikas in their private homes,' said Ald. Bill Conway (34th), adding it's different when that imagery is in a taxpayer-funded building. Mention of the flag seemed to trigger Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th), who a year ago took heat for speaking in front of a burning American flag. He responded to Conway saying, 'Talk about the process. White supremacist.' The phrase shocked: The room erupted in yelling, and Committee Chair Nicholas Sposato (38th) called on the sergeant-at-arms to direct Sigcho-Lopez out the door. 'We're not gonna take that. We're not gonna stand for that,' Sposato said. 'You disrespected a colleague. ... Get out of here.' Oh Lord: Sigcho-Lopez called it a misunderstanding before leaving the chamber. During a break, he, Conway, mayoral adviser Jason Lee and Ald. Will Hall (6th) huddled in a side room to talk out the disagreement. Hall, who's a minister, suggested they pray. But we hear Conway wasn't up for a peace circle. Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) has now called for Sigcho-Lopez to be censured. The backstory: The dust-up shows deep divisions remain on the council a year after the aldermen narrowly passed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Middle East. The tie-breaking vote on that resolution was Mayor Brandon Johnson, an ally of Sigcho-Lopez. Raising eyebrows: The City Council's video of the hearing seems to be deleted from the city's website, but the Tribune's Jake Sheridan has a copy here. More details from the meeting by the Block Club's Melody Mercado. RELATED: Buffalo Grove Village President Eric Smith criticizes Stevenson High School over a pro-Palestinian display, by the Daily Herald's Steve Zalusky ALSO IN CITY HALL During a Q&A with reporters, Mayor Brandon Johnson stopped short of saying whether he would ban Jan. 6 rioters from being hired in city government. 'We have not made any decisions around any particular group that we would consider restricting,' Johnson said, adding: 'Our standard for public service has to remain high because the people in Chicago have to be able to trust the people who show up every day on their behalf have their best interests at heart.' Last week, Gov. JB Pritzker directed state officials not to hire those who participated in the Jan. 6 attack. STILL NO DECISION to announce on whether the mayor will attend a Feb. 11 congressional hearing in Washington, addressing sanctuary cities. Johnson's campaign pledge to ban no-knock warrants uncertain amid renewed talks on Anjanette Young ordinance, by the Tribune's Alice Yin Mayor outlines new gift policy after critical report from inspector general, by the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman THE BUZZ SCOOP: Brian Johnson, the CEO of Equality Illinois, is stepping down at the end of June after more than eight years in the post. Under Johnson's direction, the Chicago-based LGBTQ+ civil rights organization has expanded to a statewide advocacy organization. Equality Illinois is a much sought-after political endorsement, too. Johnson's exit comes at a critical time as the Trump administration has issued a series of executive orders that curtail diversity, equity and inclusion education and the rights of trans people in the military. No word on Johnson's next move. He'll continue as a senior adviser to help with the transition. Equality Illinois annual gala is Saturday. There'll be lots to talk about. If you are Jason Lee, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB At the State Capitol at 10 a.m. to sign into law the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act WHERE's BRANDON No official public events Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a complaint? Email skapos@ THE STATEWIDES — Pritzker stresses importance of federal education funding amid latest threats from Trump: The governor says eliminating the Education Department could deprive Illinois of essential federal funding, by the Tribune's Jeremy Gorner. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Gov. JB Pritzker sent out a video message to state employees, expressing 'deep gratitude' for the work they do 'delivering on the programs that people need all across our state — despite the fact that the federal government tried to cut off those programs,' he said, referring to President Donald Trump's move last week to freeze federal funding to programs. Trump pulled back on the effort at least for now. Watch it here. — Federal transit dollars for Chicago, Illinois could be jeopardized via Trump administration directive, by the Sun-Times' David Struett. — Illinois' Public Health chief Dr. Sameer Vohra responds to Trump's withdrawal from the World Health Organization, via statement — Digitizing: The Dirksen Congressional Center will receive nearly $200,000 in federal funds to digitize and place online thousands of records from the careers of Sen. Everett McKinley Dirksen, House Minority Leader Bob Michel and Congressman Ray LaHood. — Illinois National Guard General assigned to new position in Korea, via The Southern CHICAGO — Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office at critical juncture with caseload pile-up, new Trump directives: 'These former federal prosecutors are among the contenders for the U.S. attorney role: Andrew Boutros, Mark Schneider, and Jeff Cramer,' by ABC 7. — Johnson continues push for Bears lakefront stadium: 'It's the top tourist location in the state. This museum campus and green space that we have to open up along the lakefront is paramount. We need it anyway,' the mayor told reporters Tuesday. Crain's Justin Laurence reports. — Amid deportation fears, hundreds of patients skip appointments at one Chicago health clinic, by WBEZ's Kristen Schorsch — Chicago brewers fear Trump tariffs will hit Canadian suppliers: 'I can't see any good for us,' by Block Club's Mack Liederman — Shakira, Peso Pluma to headline Sueños Festival 2025: 'The festival returns to Chicago's Grant Park over Memorial Day Weekend, with tickets on sale Thursday,' by WBEZ's Morgan Ciocca. COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark drops out of race for Thornton Township supervisor: 'Clark said the challenges facing Harvey, including $165 million of debt, demand his full attention, leading him to drop out of the township race,' by the Daily Southtown's Olivia Stevens. — Dolton employees are without life insurance after premiums go unpaid; Mayor Tiffany Henyard skips meeting, by the Daily Southtown's Mike Nolan — Naperville council candidates weigh in on electricity contract, sustainability efforts at NEST forum, by the Naperville Sun's Tess Kenny HIGHER-ED — Northwestern University under investigation by Education Department for 'antisemitic harassment: The U.S. The Education Department is investigating Northwestern and four other schools for what the federal agency is calling 'widespread antisemitic harassment' after mass student protests that broke out last spring against the Israel-Hamas war, by the Tribune's Nell Salzman. — More Illinois colleges are offering full tuition scholarships. Are they too good to be true? By Northern Public Radio's Peter Medlin TAKING NAMES — Akash Vyas, assistant chief counsel with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has been appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. Reappointed to the commission are: John Kim, who is associate general counsel for Edward Jones; Cook County Judge Bonita Coleman; Taft partner John F. Kennedy and Thompson Coburn partner Kurt E. Reitz. Reader Digest We asked what government department needs shaking up. Mike Gascoigne: 'On the state level, improvements could be (and maybe have been) made to the Department of Employment Security. I'm still a little bitter that they denied me unemployment when I got fired.' Mark Heffington: 'Start with the U.S. Department of Education and work through a long list.' Charles Keller: 'Department of Education, EPA, USAID, IRS and any other department DOGE wants to delete.' Kevin Kious: 'The Department of 'Defense.'' Jason Liechty: 'DOGE: a fake department, operating illegally, that has obtained terrifying access to the federal government's most sensitive information.' Matthew McLoughlin: 'Easy: DOGE.' Joan Pederson: 'Department of Homeland Security: once-distinct parts flung together as part of the War on Terror, and just as unmanageable and unaccountable.' Dennis Rendleman: 'DOGE.' Next question: What is a simple habit you adopted that's changed your life? Email skapos@ THE NATIONAL TAKE — Trump says U.S. will 'take over the Gaza Strip,' by POLITICO's Eli Stokols — Mass deportations haven't arrived but Trump's PR blitz has, by POLITICO's Myah Ward and Jessica Piper — 37 ways Project 2025 has shown up in Trump's executive orders, via POLITICO — 'They've done their homework': The unexpected power of Musk's digital assault on Washington, by POLITICO's Derek Robertson TRANSITIONS — Erin Harkey will be CEO of Americans For the Arts. She was commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for the city of Chicago. — Dr. Travis Gayles has been named CEO of Howard Brown: 'Gayles was chief health officer at Hazel Health, a school-based telehealth provider. He's also served as a public health official in Maryland and the District of Columbia,' by the Tribune's Lisa Schencker. EVENTS — Friday: Environmental expert Michael Tiboris and Tribune environment reporter Michael Hawthorne address Chicago's lead pipe problem ats a University of Chicago Institute of Politics forum. Details here TRIVIA TUESDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Ed Mazur for correctly answering that Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak once said 'I didn't come over on the Mayflower, but I came as soon as I could!' He was responding to William 'Big Bill' Thompson, who was with the Irish power structure, who made an ethnic slur about Cermak's name. TODAY's QUESTION: Where and when did the Beatles first perform in Chicago? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Outgoing DNC Chair Jamie Harrison, Senate Dems Director of Operations Reena Tandon, RubyRose Strategies founder DeRondal Bevly, photographer Suzette Bross Bulley, reform activist Lowell Jaffe and Regal Rexnord content leader Hannah Alani. -30-
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Residents call out Chicago officials for 'harmful' display depicting Uncle Sam, Netanyahu as murderers
A controversial art display divided Chicago residents during a city council meeting this week, with some accusing a local museum of harboring antisemitism. The art display, which is called "U.S.-Israel War Machine," is on display at the government-run Chicago Cultural Center. It depicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Uncle Sam as murderers, showing the figures with blood-stained faces, bombs and other violent imagery. During a meeting held by the city's special events committee on Tuesday, numerous residents spoke up about the artwork, including some who accused the piece of being antisemitic. A representative from the American Jewish Committee said that the art piece was "dangerous for my community." "It is harmful and it is not something that should be displayed in a public building," the resident said, according to FOX 32 Chicago. "Bigotry like this actively harms the Jewish community, which has a large presence in Chicago." Anti-israel Groups Spray-paint Columbia University Building, 'Cemented' Sewage System But other residents voiced support or indifference to the artwork, with one resident calling the discussion "shocking and, honestly, a waste of everyone here's time." Read On The Fox News App "The demand to remove this puppet sets a dangerous precedent that Chicago elected officials can dictate which artwork is allowed to be displayed in our city and which is not, based on whether they agree with the artist's politics," the resident said, per FOX 32. "As a proud member of Chicago's Jewish community, I urge you to spend your time actually governing our city." Israel Orders Unrwa To Cease Operations In Country Over Terror Ties: 'Miserably Failed In Its Mandate' The display has been a center of conversation for weeks in the Windy City. At the end of January, the alderman of Chicago's 34th Ward wrote a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson arguing that the art piece "is not the type of thing we as the government should promote." "It perpetuates a stereotype we should not be perpetuating," alderman Bill Conway said. Fox News Digital reached out to the Chicago Cultural Center for article source: Residents call out Chicago officials for 'harmful' display depicting Uncle Sam, Netanyahu as murderers
