BIZARRE: 2 - What They Never Told You

Moving hazardous chemicals by train is far safer than trucks, says top regulator who pushed merger and wants more freight moved by rail

Not even the toxic fireball over an Ohio derailment could shake Martin Oberman’s belief that railroads are a safer way to move hazardous chemicals, and most other freight, than long-haul trucks.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 27, 2023

Soft Sheen’s Edward G. Gardner showed what Black life could be

He built his family a beautiful home on the South Side of the city and co-founded a business that provided steady employment so others could do the same.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 23, 2023

Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products and beloved philanthropist, dead at 98

Mr. Gardner also donated tens of thousands of dollars to causes that sought to end gun violence and helped create the nonprofit Black On Black Love.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 22, 2023

What Vallas, Johnson need to do to win the first mayoral runoff debate

On the eve of the first debate of the mayoral runoff election, the Chicago Sun-Times asked several prominent political strategists and seasoned debate coaches to offer their advice to the two candidates.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 7, 2023

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes in bid for second term; runoff election set for 2 of her opponents

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot conceded defeat Tuesday night, ending her efforts for a second term and setting the stage for Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson to run against former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas for Chicago mayor.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 1, 2023

Lightfoot is out, Vallas and Johnson are in — the April runoff

Mayor Lori Lightfoot finished third in Tuesday’s election with 16.89% of the vote, behind former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas at 33.95% and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson with 20.32%.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 1, 2023

Progressive leaders can blame themselves if Garcia or Johnson fail to make mayoral runoff

Rivals Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia and Brandon Johnson are part of the activist progressive wing that — in another time and place — would be united around one mayoral candidate.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 28, 2023

Chicago mayoral candidates in final push for every last vote

CHICAGO — The Soul Street Collective band was tearing up the Black Fire Brigade’s fundraiser on Chicago’s South Side Sunday when Mayor Lori Lightfoot walked in the door.

Chicago Tribune · Feb 27, 2023

Commentary: Early voter turnout in Chicago elections is high. Will the interest persist?

Chicago voters are turning out. With the Feb. 28 municipal elections just days away, that’s a bright oasis in these democracy-challenged times.

Chicago Tribune · Feb 21, 2023

Forty years ago, Harold Washington shook up Chicago politics

Washington was Johnny Appleseed, spawning a generation of organizers, advocates, judges and members of Congress. Even now, one member of his coalition is running for mayor, and other candidates stand on Washington’s broad shoulders.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 20, 2023