HISTORICAL FACTS: 8 | History Defined

Chicago task force recommends removal of monuments, including Christopher Columbus statues, and the addition of others. Now what?

CHICAGO — Two years ago, as the city of Chicago reeled from a bloody battle between police officers and protesters over a prominent statue of Christopher Columbus, Mayor Lori Lightfoot launched an ambitious review of public monuments she said would be “a racial healing and historical reckoning project.”

Chicago Tribune · Aug 19, 2022

Columbus statues should not return to Grant Park and Little Italy, mayor’s monument commission recommends

It is not clear if the city will follow the recommendations of the Chicago monuments project advisory committee. In May, Mayor Lori Lightfoot hinted strongly at ignoring them.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 19, 2022

Give Columbus a second chance and bring back the statues

Rather than burying history, City Hall should recognize the complex and continuing legacy of Columbus.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 18, 2022

Tribune, news organizations fighting Chicago Park District's effort to seal lawsuit alleging Mayor Lori Lightfoot made obscene, defamatory comments

CHICAGO — A coalition of news organizations convened by the Chicago Tribune is seeking to block the Chicago Park District’s efforts to seal a pending lawsuit alleging Mayor Lori Lightfoot yelled obscenities at and defamed a Park District attorney during a call about a controversial Christopher Columbus statue.

Chicago Tribune · Apr 27, 2022

Artist completes replica of Baltimore’s toppled Christopher Columbus statue. A group is now looking for its new home

A Maryland sculptor has completed a replica of Little Italy’s controversial Christopher Columbus statue, and a local group plans to bring it back to Baltimore.

Tribune News Service · Apr 27, 2022

Are Columbus statues a free speech issue?

Mayor’s concern over threats to police is not the best reason to keep them off city streets.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 10, 2022

Lightfoot’s monuments panel recommends permanently sidelining 3 Columbus statues, removing Balbo monument

Ald. Nick Sposato (38th), who served on the 30-member committee, said the outcome was pre-determined by the makeup of the committee.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 8, 2022

News briefs

English professor sues UF, saying it stripped him of classes after criticizing COVID policy

Tribune News Service · Apr 7, 2022

Chicago monument committee won’t recommend return of Christopher Columbus statues, sources say

CHICAGO — Late last month, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she “fully expects” to return a controversial statue of Christopher Columbus to its former pedestal in Grant Park.

Chicago Tribune · Apr 7, 2022

Congress must keep COVID-19 money flowing to help the uninsured

Chicago has sponsored hundreds of events to ensure equitable access to vaccines and testing. The announcement that all funding of these resources for the uninsured will end undermines this work.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 2, 2022