8 Burst results for "Brien Hopkins"
WLS-AM 890
"brien hopkins" Discussed on WLS-AM 890
"This morning on the Big 89 W L s yesterday was the first in person Chicago City Council meeting and over a year way talk to Bill Cameron about it, he said Wow was interesting. But Tribune reporter John Byrne has seen his share of City council meetings said This council meeting has everything to have light foot cut off Dick mell was just the cherry on top of an all time bizarre council meeting. Tensions were high. And the mayor spoke to that. Just wondered with the kerfuffle that happening counselor earlier did all the ways in which one e? Can you be more specific? Yeah. Yes, I can the battle over the proposed Ordinance to rename Outer Lakeshore Drive and honor of Jean Baptiste Crucible. Last minute maneuver orchestrated by the mayor, who opposes the name change. Stop the proposal, at least for now, for at least a month, probably too. As alderwoman Sofia King. As for a roll call vote, Lightfoot called on Alderman Brien Hopkins, who then moved for the plan to be pushed back until the next meeting, using a procedure called differ and Publish. When King Challenge Lightfoot for not calling on her, the mayor said, I saw Hopkins hand first. Didn't see you. You know what I saw was that altering Hopkins actually raised his hand at the I think it was the end of zoning and even moments before transportation was called. He had his hand raised digitally. Um, a start of the Transportation committee. I have been told that he wanted to speak to the issue of disable so I honored him as in the order that I saw it, Which was his hand was raised first. Okay? All right. Fine. So when older woman King saw Hawkins get recognized, she yelled Oh, come on export to delete it. Actually, Just put that in there just a spice it up, she said all come on, And then the mayor said you're out of order, please. So then Alderman David Moore, who sponsored the bill was so incensed that he then threatened to pull the same differ and publish maneuver over every single bill. Other bill that came forward. So the tribunes of full story It's really great. That wasn't the end of the political entertainment harbor yesterday because Lightfoot at one point confused Alderman Andre vast quest with Alderman Carlos Ramirez, Rosa Prompting vast was to say. I know we're both socialists, but we're not the same person. The mayor was not amused by that, she said. I don't appreciate the snark and then the cherry on the top. Woz that celebrated Alderman Dig Mel bloggers. Father Law made an appearance to pay tribute to a long time city employees, but apparently his tribute went on a little too long for the mayor. So she called on another alderman who promptly cut off Mels. Shall we say, meandering story? So it was a terrific City council meeting. It's been years since I've watched the City Council meeting live but considering the current environment I might have to, you know, Donate a Wednesday T 02 going over to City Hall and grabbing to see bringing in some popcorn and maybe a diet Coke and enjoying the theatrics Because Lord knows there's a lot of them nowadays. Just wondered, Um, the kerfuffle that happening counselor earlier did all the way in. Which one can you be more specific? Yes. Yesterday, we talked about the fact that his history based on a book that we talked about yesterday is 30 Years old called Culture Wars. History basically proves Beyond a reasonable doubt that culture wars proceed shooting wars. So what does that mean for us and 2021? When the sacking of our capital is seen as just another day in America. What does that mean? What does that portend for the future? Let's talk about that. Next coming up on double Diaz 6 31 Here's Kim. Mayor like that suit for granting an interview celebrating her two year anniversary in office. Toe on Lee Journalists of Color news.
WGN Radio
"brien hopkins" Discussed on WGN Radio
"WGN's Jordan Burn Field reports The man considered the gatekeeper for former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan. Tim Mapes has been indicted for allegedly lying under oath. So a federal grand jury he's charged with one count of attempted obstruction of justice. U. S Attorney's office said in a press release that a federal grand jury is investigating him as an individual acting on the speakers behalf. To obtain private jobs, contracts and payments to influence and reward the speaker. Prosecutors also said Mapes was granted immunity to testify before the grand jury. But because he's now accused of lying, his immunity deal is in jeopardy. Jordan Burn Field. WGN NEWS. A decision on renaming Lakeshore Drive after Chicago founder John Baptiste Point Crucible has been deferred by the Chicago City Council. And it came with a little bit of drama. Alderman Brien Hopkins, second in a second and a motion for deferral. But other men, Sofia King, who was appearing virtually said she had raised her hand first to force a roll call. Their life but cold on Hopkins, who was in the city hall chambers. This is just an equity playing out right here in front of us Way honored in Hawkins police person, Madam president. If I am so recognized, I would join my colleague from Ward 30 and submitting a request to different publish. The ordinance 7918 as amended and contained in the report from the committee on Transportation's The Matter will be deferred in published. Wow, Chairman Broken I Got my Hand up. Deferral means the ordinance will come up at a later date. All Chicago beaches will be opening this Friday. According to the release. A all traditional beach amenities, including concessions will be available with the exception of water fountains and another event is coming back to Chicago. The city says the pride parade and Pride fest will return this fall and beheld the first weekend in October. President Biden wants answers about the origin of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China. Global speculation on the origins of the pandemic has gained speed in recent weeks. It's unclear whether the virus came from animals or some sort of laboratory mishap in Wuhan, Dr Eileen Marty, infectious disease specialist, explains to WGN's Bob Surat why it's important to discover the origin of Cove in 19. We need to know where this came from to prevent another similar event, and if it were actually on purpose, That's one of the key things you want to know, because how are they doing it And how can we keep them from it in the future, right? But I really doubt that I really do think it's it's a natural event. Item released a statement today saying he's directing the US intelligence community to redouble their efforts to collect and analyze information that could bring the US closer to a definitive conclusion. He wants a report back in 90 days. A beauty and sports Here's Kevin Powell, former New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway placed on the ineligible list by Major League Baseball through at least the end of the 2022 season following an investigation. Sexual harassment allegations. Commissioner Rob Manfred did not release the details of what MLB's probe determined, but says in a statement quote I've concluded that Mr Calloway violated MLB's policies and that placement on the ineligible list is warranted. In a report published in February by the athletic, says Calloway quote aggressively pursued several women who work in sports medium and sent three of them inappropriate photos. The Angels, just announcing that they have fired Calloway. He was serving as an employee and most recently as pitching coach, but he's been let go by the Angels. White Sox looking to record their fourth sweep of the season, but they trailed the Cardinals one to nothing in the bottom of the seventh and guaranteed raid field Cubs this season. I three games over 525 and 22 just half a game back. The Cardinals in the central Trevor Williams starts tonight in Pittsburgh and Chicago. Red Stars visit Kansas City Tonight. I'm Kevin Powell, WGN Sports Tom's Skillings forecast from the Perma CIA Weather Center. Mostly sunny today. Warm highs in the mid eighties. Tonight mainly clear temps drop to the lower fifties tomorrow. 60% chance of evening rain highs in the lower sixties cooler lakeside. Then Friday morning, rain likely highs in the upper fifties. Your money on WGN. Dow closed up 10 points. NASDAQ ended the day 80 points. Higher S and P 500 finished seven points higher. More left the on Chicago's.
WGN Radio
"brien hopkins" Discussed on WGN Radio
"As our mayor, the group put together placards with a report card, which gave life foot failing grades on a variety of issues. Including policing, housing, environmental, justice and education. The demonstrators eventually march toward Lightfoot's nearby home, but were stopped by police. Mayor Lightfoot is proud of what her administration has accomplished so far. Mayor town and her success in office yesterday while marking that two year anniversary as the first black woman elected Chicago mayor in the city's first openly gay mayor. This two year anniversary of my administration instead provides us with an important opportunity to acknowledge how far we've come. Chart out our path forward and continue to re imagine a better future for everyone. Lightfoot listed accomplishments that include her vest Southwest Initiative. The violence prevent Invention plan in a program for reducing fines and fees. Parking tickets and utility bill. She also celebrated the fact the city's minimum wage will rise to $15 per hour on July 1st. Several names are being floated his potential challengers toe Lightfoot, Alderman Brien Hopkins has been mentioned. He's acknowledged receiving calls but says his intention right now is defeat, seek a third term as Alderman. Former CBS CEO Arne Duncan is also reportedly weighing a bid. But his spokesperson says his focus right now is on reducing gun violence in the city. And Alderman Roderick Sawyer, whose father was mayor. The 1980 says he's been urged to run. That hasn't made a final decision. Tribune Publishing shareholders will vote today on a buyout from Alden Global Capital. More of that, from WGN's James Here, the hedge fund is offering $633 million for the outstanding shares of the newspaper chain of which it's already the largest shareholder. This includes The Chicago Tribune If the sale is approved album will become the second largest newspaper owner in the U. S. Holden has a history of making deep cuts at other properties to potential rival bidders that have been trying to top its offer ran out of time. James Sirius, WGN New Now with WGN sports, Here's Dave in it. A quarter of the season is over. But the Cubs get their first look at the rival Saint Louis Cardinals Tonight They'll play I'm 19 times, the first series at Busch Stadium, the final Syriza of the year and and the season in October at Wrigley Tonight. Kyle Hendricks starts for the cops who go in after a five to win over Washington. They are without Jason Heyward, who went on the 10 Day injured list after a day off the White Sox back at it tonight in New York, facing the Yankees, who just won three of four in Texas, including two straight shut outs, Carlos Road, Don pitches the opener for the Sox. It'll be the Washington Wizards to face Top Eastern Conference in Philadelphia. The first round of the NBA playoff Sunday. Washington led by as many as 38, 1, 42 1 15 romp over Indiana, Bradley Beal with 25 tonight in the West Memphis of Golden State for the right to face Utah Stanley Cup playoff winners last night, Florida Vegas in Pittsburgh, Montreal to Game one from Toronto. And Corey Connor's began the day with a two shot lead heading into Round two of the PGA Championship. He probably felt two strokes back with five bogeys his first six holes. He's recovered a bit. He's one stroke off the lead. Brennan Grace now no, make that two strokes because Brendan Grace just birdied. He is alone atop the leaderboard. Through seven holes. Today he stands at four under par. They've had it. W GM sport now the forecast from the WGN Chicago Weather Center here's meteorologist Morgan Cook, Mayer. Good morning. We have temperatures this morning starting out in the sixties and seventies. Very mild Start this morning and we'll see warm temperatures and play this afternoon. First southeast winds under 10 MPH to start the day and those will pick up 10 to 15 gusting is highest 25. They will be out of the south Southwest. That and a mostly cloudy sky with an isolated shower or storm possible. We look mostly dry, with highs in the upper eighties. Today, overnight upper sixties slight shower chance of that as we get into tomorrow, upper eighties, another slight pop up showers or storms. From the W GM other center I'm working Coke Meyer Partly sunny and $77 O'Hare 76 at Midway. It's 75 along the lakefront and now your money on WGN here, Steve Alexander. Steve. Here we go Midway through the first hour of trading. We're seeing an across the board rally is the four major averages try to claw back. Their losses from earlier in the week s would be right now Positive territory for the week. After right now gaining about 23 points Deere and Company one of the leading gainers of the SNP, it's up about 3.2% after its earnings report this morning. NASDAQ is Up about 1.2% for the week. Right now, 54 points higher at 5 13,090 its position to break a four week losing streak. The Dow is kind.
WGN Radio
"brien hopkins" Discussed on WGN Radio
"Everyone Life of listed some of the accomplishments of her terms so far, including investments in the South and West. Sides of violence prevention plans and a program for reducing fines and fees for parking tickets and utility bills. She also celebrated the fact the city's minimum wage will rise to $15 per month. On July 1st. Several names are already being floated its potential challengers toe Lightfoot, Alderman Brien Hopkins has been mentioned. He acknowledged he's been receiving calls but says his intention is to seek a third term is Alderman. Former CPS CEO Arne Duncan is also reportedly weighing a bid. His spokesperson says he's focused right now on reducing gun violence in the city, and Alderman Roderick Sawyer, whose father was mayor. The 1980 says he's been urged to run. It hasn't made a final decision. Tribune Publishing shareholders will cast a vote today on a buyout from Alden Global Capital. WGN's James Sears reports, The hedge fund is offering $633 million for the outstanding shares of the newspaper chain of which it's already the largest shareholder. This includes the Chicago Tribune at the sale is approved album will become the second largest newspaper owner in the U. S. Holden has a history of making deep cuts at other properties to potential rival bidders that have been trying to top its offer ran out of time. James Sirius, WGN News and now with WGN sports. Here's David Nick. And good morning that comes of 18 of their last 10 at Wrigley, but they have struggled on the road wouldn't hurt to turn that around. Starting tonight in Saint Louis against the division leading Cardinals, the Cubs coming off of five to win over Washington to give them three of four over. The Nats, backed by Ian, perhaps two home runs five of his six homers this season. Have come the last seven games. She put him in the basket. I'll be all right, I think Yeah. Uh, just we got some some Goodwin last couple days. And finally, some of those balls in the air start to leave the yard. And that's kind of the goal was sitting a couple too many balls on the ground. And once you start getting in the air, you got a chance. The Cubs did put Jason Heyward on the injured list. White Sox started Syria's in New York against the Yankees have won three straight Carlos Road Don starts the series opener for the White Sox and BA play in Washington rolled over Indiana 1 42 1 15 so the Wizards of the eighth seed in the East and will take on top seed Philadelphia. In the first round Stanley Cup playoffs last night. Montreal to Game one from Toronto to toe one Florida state alive or rather cut Tampa Bay's lead to two games to one. The Panthers winning 65 in overtime. Vegas over Minnesota. 52 and Pittsburgh beat the Islanders, 5 to 4 and Northwestern has found a good spot for its 2022 football opener. Wildcats will play their first game outside the United States when they traveled to Dublin, Ireland, and take On the Nebraska Cornhuskers that came over. He played August 27th of next year. Mark your calendar. Dave.
WGN Radio
"brien hopkins" Discussed on WGN Radio
"800 gambler 1 804 to 6 to 537. You're listening to Chicago's afternoon news here on 7 20. W G. N were coming out of it right face for for Chicago suburban Cook County moving toward the suburbs as well. But that doesn't mean things are returning to normal anytime soon. Alderman Brien Hopkins is on the phone line. The team Hochberg phone line Alderman welcome. Morning favor afternoon. Actually, you know what? It's got to be mourning somewhere. Um, right. So I guess one of the first casualties of 2021. It looks like and no big surprise, but we're not gonna have the ST Patrick's Day parades again this year. Yeah. Unfortunately, In fact, the reason I had the Freudian slip morning I was on a morning show about this time last year where I confidently predicted. That 2021 would have the best ST Patrick's Day parade ever to make up for the cancelation in 2020, and I went out at some way that how awesome it was going to be trying to. Ah, you know, sweet and the bitter pill of the cancelation. Last year, which it is very hard because that was really the first major event that we had to cancel a zoo. The result of the pandemic would reality was still just thinking in and here we are a year later and, uh, you know, Amos a predicament. You know, I think even a year ago, it still wasn't really sinking in because a lot of us thought that you know the city was crazy. You know how well how bad can this be? I think it took us a while. Maybe those daily Cuomo news conferences When things were getting really bad in New York and New Jersey toe have it sink in. When they canceled the parade. I was still kind of lost on this whole thing. Yeah, And I remember talking to the mayor's team because, you know, I'm a board member for the Irish Fellowship Club and had a float in the parade and had a party booked and I was gonna lose my deposit. And you know all that, Um and I was saying to her look, even despite all that, I'm still saying canceled us. You know, it's the right thing to do. Even with limited knowledge we had about how the virus was transmitted at the time. It just seemed like it would be a mist Ake to take that type of risk and to sanction Such a large crowd in such a large event and let the chips fall where they make. You can't do that, when lives are at stake now, So you know it was a hard decision back then. It's an easy one now. But it's no less sad and no less regrettable that here we are, You know, a year later and and we're still struggling to get ahead of this thing. You mentioned the Irish Fellowship. We have Nicole Rourke on from time to time to We should get him on to talk about this parade. I'm sure it's a drag for him as well. Yeah. Nick is one of the leaders of the Irish community in Chicago. And he's been very influential in the club over the years, and I'm sure he would have some some thoughts to share about where we're at with this. All right. So this afternoon, Mayor Lightfoot announced that Michelle Harris was her choice as her new floor leader. When you hear that news, um a did you know is coming, I guess, but was it a surprise to you? Or what does it mean for the City Council? It would complete surprise. I had no clue at all that Gil was thinking of resigning or whatever happened there? Um, he sent out a statement saying he'd actually made the decision back in December. He pulled off something very remarkable in City Council and, you know, nobody knew there was no rumor. There was no leak. So for over a month he had made this decision and somehow kept it from getting out there. S so none of us knew, But I'm sure his personal reasons. Whatever it was, well, you just hit. Did you think it was? Are you sure it was his choice? Hey, You know, there's a lot of speculation that there may be other explanations. Um, like we're not going to comment on that because I don't know, but I'll just take it at face value when he says it was his choice, You know, he's my colleague. I'm not going to challenge him on that. But there's always in a situation like this. There's always the backstory to and in whatever it is. There's only two people who know that then that would be harder in Vegas and Mayor Lightfoot and they're certainly not gonna come on your show and talk about it. Well, you know, we'll take him if they want to. Can you put in a word for me? Yeah, I'll mention that. What about Michelle Harris? What's gonna happen there would expect from her. She's she's an outstanding leader. She's doing a great job on the rules committee. This is a position that you have to have loyalty to the mayor. You have to have a new open dialogue. You have to be able to speak honestly and directly. And that might mean disagreeing sometimes and having all that happened. You know, within the confines of a relationship of trust. Alderman Harris is already there so to national choice, and I'm sure she'll be fine. But I should say, though, This position of floor leader. It's it's really more symbolic than substantive. At this point. Chicago's history It's not what it used to be, you know, back during the City Council era, the Richard J. Daley time you know that this was the position that controls all the patronage jobs, and you know it was extraordinarily important and influential position. That era is gone, and so it is not what it used to be. You know, it's still a position with prestige. It still means something but nowhere near what it used to. And you know, it's just about anyone could have stepped in and done. This job was reading today that in Oregon, I think yesterday the new lock up in worse street drugs are now De criminalized. You can get a ticket or fine, but you're not going to go to prison. You're gonna hear small amounts of LSD or heroin. And Jeff Carlin, the producer pointed out that you had a proposal to decriminalize. I think it was pay ot last year. I mean, where is that? Yeah, So actually, it's interesting. There was another thing that I was involved in last year. At this time just before the pandemic hit. We had cast a couple of the physicians in the Department of Public Health who have some expertise. And alternative therapeutic pharmaceuticals, You know, mushrooms and more common vernacular on bears, really a very well documented therapeutic benefit to certain Certain of these substances on but they are being decriminalized all across the country, people who was like a rejuvenation right for hallucinogenic. Absolutely, and we attached a couple of the doctors and public health to do some research on this. Look at what's happening in Chicago on come up with some recommendations for how we could do this. So we put them on the job in late January. We're gonna have a hearing in February and you know something happened and all of a sudden they got really busy. With something else. So that was put on the back burner where unfortunately, it remains at this time, so we'll talk. We get out of this pandemic. We're gonna pick that ball up where we left off. Alderman Brien Hopkins..
WGN Radio
"brien hopkins" Discussed on WGN Radio
"Comparison. What we're going to see I'm Steve Bertrand coming up on the afternoon news today. Congressman Adam Kinzinger has a new view. It's actually an old view of the Republican Party. He will explain a little bit later. Oregon has decriminalized toe. All street drugs is Chicago. Next, We'll talk to all the been Brien Hopkins about that, and also a Siberian hip replacement do over. All those stories coming up. Mary is watching the weather just saw the latest national Weather Service situation report and it's gonna be an extended cold spell. Real cold. Yeah. Nice weekend to stay in. Make chili watch football. I'm okay with it. What do you got today? I just like to be outside the once in a while. Still jogging around the inside of your head? No today actually ventured out your super. Yeah, but I kind of walked JAG. Can I say something? I've been meaning to say this forever because everyone's out walking. That's crazy. This is my public service announcement, and I'm serious when you're in this my wife's thing. But when you're walking on the street, yes, walk against the traffic or if you're running run Against the traffic so you can see the cars coming at you as well as the car's seeing. You were coming at them because it's it's just dangerous to have your back to traffic. I lost a cousin to that. Yeah, and it's like, Oh, my. Yeah, So just keep that in mind. It's not that hard to do just walk against the traffic so that you can see the cars coming at you. And if you're going really early in the morning, and it's dark, put on some reflective something we're late in the afternoon. Actually, it's hard for the cars to see, especially, we're not looked used to looking like we used to. All right. There's that. How's traffic Been today? I get the big car, the truck fire the time I got a weird stuff going on today. I don't know. It's kind of slippery. I think in some areas if you venture off into the shoulder a little bit, you know you could hit a slick spot. So it seems like that might be what's happening. Maybe have a lot to report on today. It seems like it already. Kevin's got a big game in the afternoon today. Yeah, well, we keep it on. That market came for you, Steve. Don't work. I only bring it up because you know, John Liam's is a big bull dog guy. Here's a friendly wager or anything. No, he can't. He gets too worked up to work down that we keep. We can't even watch a game together. First time I watch the game with John was last year to DePaul game. It was a ton of fun. He invited me out. We had a great time, but he does get very animated. I went to a market to Paul Game and he was there too. I was texting him. He wouldn't come see me because he was too here. You already think it ain't nothing? Okay now that was back when market would beat the ball. Big news, though, is speaking of basketball is Candace Parker held her. You know, introductory press conference. That's obviously all done by zoom now, But that's that's huge news. I mean, two time MVP, of course, the Naperville native and joins the Chicago Sky team that figures to be in contention for a championship next season with the addition of Parker's, so that was cool to hear kind of Hear her reflect on coming home after 13 years in L, A, and some big news for the Blackhawks to forward Alex to breaking a defenseman Nicholas Bohdan cleared from the cove in 19. We initially thought they might automatically be out for three weeks. But Jeremy Carlson said they didn't test positive. So there's a shot. Both of those guys could be back tonight. Super Bowl still set for Sunday It is still set for Sunday. So far, just a couple little I should say, couple, little hick. There's no a little covert hiccups, but two players were placed on the covert list, but so far there everything scheduling and I'm gonna get some Super Bowl profits. I'm gonna work in good rest of the week. You know, so much is changing. It's good to know there's something we can count on Kim What's going on in the newsroom Leave. Remember the name Zack Doc. That's what you need to know to get your coronavirus vaccinations that the website I saw Press one site so hard to say, Doc. It's like dot com slash vaccine. It's like trying to say Game stop when you win the next word of stock. Exactly. But Doc Doc, that is a new company. Well, that's it's not a new company. But The city is teaming up with this online healthcare scheduling company to help people get a Corona virus vaccine, and it's supposed to be much easier than people that have been going on line for hours and hours and hours trying to get grabbing appointment somewhere, and I hope so. I was talking to a friend of mine who's an education is getting his vaccine tomorrow? But then his mother in law and father in law can't get an appointment anywhere. It's just been, you know, and they in John's John's done a great job of talking to people as they try to hack it and find ways in and It's just discouraging. It's very discouraging, and that's what I think in frustrating as well. And I think that was Dr are Woody's Focus today is that they shouldn't be folk. You know, this shouldn't be frustrating and take hours and hours and hours to get a new appointment, So hopefully this is going to make it easier once they get to supply figured out. Maybe. Anyway, I got you. This is a big day here on the afternoon news because Kim Gordon after 15 years Working in the WGN news room was saying for a while this afternoon. You said you weren't gonna make me cry. I'm already tearing. I'm gonna make you cry every half hour. So sad. We're gonna mess kit. I'm gonna miss you guys too. You are just a champion in someone who's just been well, you're a great friend, first and foremost, but Your work ethic is really something I've tried to hide from for all 15 years, And we're gonna miss you, Kim your big part of the show. I appreciate it. And as to quote my friend K p It's been an amazing run. I had a good run. I've had a really good run. And I mean, I brought your favorite pizza in because you said no matter what, you wanted pizza on the last day, I appreciate it. Okay. Tell the truth. No, I love pizza. I just don't like sausage and pepperoni and all that. I said So what? I like piece by the pizza. We did get Kim's world famous. What is the Kentucky Derby and manage? Mary made some chocolate cake too? So all around when it comes to the food department, a great day, but satellite, unfortunately. Had the desert right before the pizza. Yeah, we were like Wait. Okay. Now there's pizza. Thanks. All right. So we'll have Kim talk about some of her favorite stories in an effort to further her crying a little bit later in the program, Mary, What do you got? Well, he had a bunch of accidents on.
WLS-AM 890
"brien hopkins" Discussed on WLS-AM 890
"God Willing Creek Don't rise. I was listening to are relatively new morning show today. Bruce ST James, and he had a alderman. It was Alderman Ray Lopez. And I believe Ray is one of the 33 aldermen who have signed a letter essentially saying they're backing Theo the union for lack of a better descriptor. And they don't mind that some of the teachers are hesitant to go back to work goal is to bring everyone to the table and have a discussion and if they leave Equally unhappy. That means you've probably come to a good compromise I agree with so Ray Lopez this morning, said a few things that we have not had any clear vision. Come out of T P s or the mayor's office with regards to how do you continue to educate our Children? During this pandemic, so I thought we ought to check in with one of our favorite alderman. That would be, of course, Alderman Brien Hopkins of the second Ward, who joins us now on double DS your thoughts on the safety concerns. For CPS teacher's going back. They were supposed to go back today for training. A number of them didn't are you upset or are you supported this? Yeah, That's a hard question. Answer. It's it's a mixed bag. I can sympathize with teachers who woke up this morning and just said I'm not comfortable. Um, but at the same time, we need to be doing everything possible to get to the point. We're comfortable. We can't use this as an excuse, for example, to go on vacation, you know, to stay home just because some some of that is also clearly happening. So I can't condemn the teachers who decided on staff who decided they weren't going to come in today, But at the same time, they really have to look at their motivation and get on board here to get to the table rather than just saying schools aren't safe. Tell us what you think you would need to feel comfortable. You know, let's let's just get there because it's possible to say that schools can't be made safe that it's an impossibility is nonsense. The private schools in the parochial schools, the schools in Europe, even in heck have proven otherwise. It's possible to get to a place where schools are safe for Children to return, so we need to focus on that and do what it takes to get there. I don't think it's a science problem. I don't think it's a safety problem. I think it's a union problem. Well, I signed the letter on the reason I signed the letter was because in the briefing I had a couple of weeks ago, I did feel it was a science problem. The questions that I asked, were solely focused on ventilation infiltration. I got the briefing on all the other medications and all the other safety measures that CPS was taken. I find them all to be wholly adequate and sufficient. Where I was not satisfied was in the answers that I got with regard to ventilation and filtration measures. And I told CPS this and that, in fact have been on the phone with them several times today where, you know they're trying to get me to the point where I could say I'm now satisfied and we're making progress. We're making progress. And and I think it is possible that you know before this is over. I may be sending my own letter back to CPS saying, Okay, you guys have done what you need to do. And I'm satisfied with the measures that have been taken to prevent the airborne spread of this virus. When we get several 100 kids and faculty and staff in the same indoor environment, it seems like we're going to a great Deal of trouble and expense to just make up a small portion of the Chicago Teachers union feel a little bit safer. Why don't we say Look, you're you're free to stay home. It's everybody's freedom to stay home and not work If you don't feel safe, but you don't know save inherent right to get paid for not working. Yeah, well, and now you're getting into collective bargaining issues there, you know, and that zoo whole nother can of worms. I don't think we want to open right now. The union is already trying to say that this should be bargaining related is if we were talking about, you know salaries in vacation time. We're not. We're not talking about the conditions of their employment contract. We're talking about the larger environment that teaching happens in. That shouldn't be a collective bargaining matter. But it should. It should, however, be something that all staff whether you're a teacher, Custodian administrator. Anyone who's in the building you are a stakeholder. And the measures that are being taken to make that building safe and you absolutely deserve a seat at the table. But as I said, come to that seat with the idea That we're going to find a way where we can all say OK, we've done it. We can go back to school now and it's safe on. I see foot dragging from the union that suggests, you know they may not be approaching it from a standpoint of good safety. How foolish is it for? Ah Union official to say Oh, no. Follow these safety protocols and then, uh, post photographs of her Caribbean vacation. You know, the optics of that are just terrible on dit contributes to this confrontational environment that we're in right now where you've got the leadership of the union and the leadership of the school system, the administration and the mayor's office. Engaged in this public relations battle TOC who can make each other look bad if there was ever a time where we should all be putting aside our political differences. It's now literally lives are at stake and the health of our Children. Can we can we just put that aside for now and focus on the best interests of our Children? On and put aside all of these political differences. That is what the situation is calling for its calling for leaders to step up in collectively after an act in the best interest of CPS families. Ottoman. Thank you for your time this afternoon. Much appreciated, sir. Happy New Year and we'll have you back soon. I'm sure. Thank you. Happy New Year. Take care Alderman Brien Hopkins from the second Ward here, Joining us on double DLS were getting update on traffic..
WGN Radio
"brien hopkins" Discussed on WGN Radio
"Back everybody to the energy plan to show I'm ELISA bling sitting in for Anna this week. I want to turn our attention for a few minutes. We'll come back to money and covert, I promise. But let's turn our attention to the Chicago Teachers Union. And a little kerfuffle. That happened over the weekend, where a member of the board of the Chicago Teachers union ended up and Going to outside the country, I think was outside the country for a little excursion and how that sort of fell over on everybody versus the Chicago public schools and things that are going on. Beyond that, So anyway, we asked Alderman Brien Hopkins to join us on the phone line today. Um, Alderman, Thank you so much for joining us here in 7 20. I'm glad to be here after New Year Happy New Year to you as well. So I understand that there are 33 aldermen who seemed deeply concerned with the Chicago Public schools reopening plan. Their teachers that air refusing to return. There are some who say that the buildings are in safe there. Some who say that three kids aren't safe. Where do you stand on? All that? Help? Help Shed a little light, maybe set the table for us. Yeah, well first. A lot of the confusion stems from the fact that the leadership of the teacher's union and the leadership of the school system are at such odds, and it's almost become personal on people see that, and they see the leaders that are responsible for the safety of their Children, bickering and arguing and engaging in this public relations battle. It does not instill confidence and when you're talking about the health of your child, that's the last thing you want to see where the people who are ostensibly in charge of it, you know are in this public battle, and it makes everybody nervous, and that's clearly what's going on. That isn't to say there's a lack of substance to the arguments on both sides that they're clearly Are in the reason I signed the letter was primarily my dissatisfaction with the manner in which CPS has addressed the question of ventilation and filtration in the classrooms. They've done a pretty good job on a lot of the other mitigation strategies that they're implementing. But I thought they were falling short on that one and needs a little bit more attention. Especially now that we know this is an airborne virus period. We can say that we couldn't say that over the summer when there was dispute from both of World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control, wouldn't acknowledge that they are now acknowledging it. That is how this virus is spread. So we need to pay a little less attention to hand sanitizers and bleaching surfaces and all that stuff we need to pay a lot more attention to filtering the air and turning over the air in the classroom. That's gonna be the key to a successful reopening strategy. And I just wasn't seeing the level of commitment from CPS to address that that I was comfortable with, and that's the reason I signed the letter back up just a second. So for those people who were reading the Sun times and maybe didn't see this letter, let's summer You sent it. You were part of it. It was sent to Mayor Lightfoot in Dr Jackson. But Can you maybe summarize some of the main points of the so that everybody who's listening understands the breath of the concern. Shall we say? Sure, I'm sure. Every one of the 33 aldermen who signed it had their own individual reason, you know, and I can only give you mine, which was again just a lack of attention to ventilation infiltration, But overall, the theme was just a lack of preparation. And the discomfort with the idea that we're sending Children back, you know, special needs Children first and then kindergartners second over the course of the next couple of weeks at a time when we're looking at positivity rates that are well in excess. Of what was previously being used as the benchmark for when it would be safe to return to school s O all of that just sort of combined to give people in general sense of unpreparedness. And again, you know, you've got this very public battle between the school system in the union. It just doesn't inspire confidence that the concerns were being adequately addressed. Now CPS has responded to our letter with a letter of their own. And you know they're clearly doing their best to attempt to answer these concerns on guy I've been in touch with them all morning. Basically were there trying to assuage the concerns. I have That every classroom will, in fact, have a HEPA filter in it. That's really what I want to hear from them. They checked that box. And and I'd be inclined to drop my opposition to returning to school. You know, I bought a help of filter little machine from Costco over the holidays and You know, it's interesting. I bought it online and they shipped it. They had They had a bunch of there, you know, And now you can't even get gloves again from them. They're all out. But You know, it's interesting how small a space these sort of stand alone happen. Filters really are And you know when you think about what the airlines have gone through to institute and put in these high grade hospital level HEPA filter systems and how expensive that has been and how the government has really helped fund that. Through the cares act and how really there's just no money coming down to the state or local levels across the country. You know, you wonder how Everything is supposed to get done. I mean, do you have any ideas on really how to pay for this sort of thing? Yeah, well, you're right. The federal resource is have been channeled in a lot of other directions. Besides schools, you mentioned airlines. That's.