Afternoon Briefing: Johnson RTA board nominee withdraws name
Good afternoon, Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s nominee for the Regional Transportation Authority board, West Side pastor Rev. Ira Acree, withdrew himself from consideration today after activists and some aldermen argued he was unqualified for the position.
Acree, pastor of Austin’s Greater St. John Bible Church, is a close ally of Johnson’s and a civil rights activist. As his nomination advanced in the City Council’s Transportation Committee earlier this month, Acree struggled answering questions about the transit system and its looming financial challenges during a tense hearing.
The former nominee described the aldermen who resisted his nomination as “so-called allies” who are “enemies of African American advancement and empowerment” in an interview with the Tribune Friday.
“These people, they mince every word you say, everything you do. I don’t need that. I can find a better use of my time as a civil rights leader and as a pastor,” he said.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy
After 11th hour plea from Mayor Brandon Johnson, Senate president likely to put school closing bill on hold
Johnson wrote that the legislation, originally aimed at protecting selective enrollment schools from closures, “seeks to solve problems that do not exist,” and promised that selective enrollment schools are not being targeted. Read more here.
More top news stories:
As Arlington Heights proposes to eliminate all billboards in the village, Bears one could remain
Mayor Tom Hayes said that the Bears’ electronic billboard is unique and unlike the billboards on Rand Road the board wants removed. Read more here.
More top business stories:
Illinois legislature passes bill to limit cost of inhalers to $25 a month
Former Chicago Bears safety DeAndre Houston-Carson sells in Hawthorn Woods, buys in Barrington Hills
Chicago baseball report: Luis Vázquez gets the call from Cubs — and White Sox exec Josh Barfield helps honor the Negro Leagues
Infielder Luis Vázquez had a feeling his opportunity with the Chicago Cubs might be coming. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
Chicago Blackhawks move up in 1st 2 rounds of NHL draft in a trade with the New York Islanders
Six local legends join Gary Sports Hall of Fame; induction ceremony slated for July
‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ review: Anya Taylor-Joy tastes hot asphalt and cold, cold revenge
The best of it is spectacular, tapping into so many different ways to create and assemble images in contemporary big-budget filmmaking, you can barely keep track. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
The bodies of 3 more hostages are recovered from Gaza by the Israeli army
Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of at least 39 more, while 17 bodies of hostages have been recovered. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
