🚌 A CTA Bus Every 10 Minutes? Where?

CTA Makes More Promises. Will They Follow Through?

Eight major South and West side bus lines can expect a bus every 10 minutes or sooner, the transit agency announced. The increase in frequency is attributed to more bus operators. [Block Club]

• Chicagoans’ frustration with public transit goes back years. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

DOGE Cuts Hit Illinois Buildings

The Trump Administration aims to reduce the number of government buildings across the U.S., prompting the so-called Department of Government Efficiency to cancel federal leases across Illinois. The cuts could impact downtown Chicago’s already-struggling office market. [WBEZ]

Are Chicago’s Sanctuary City Laws at Risk?

Mayor Brandon Johnson is in Washington, D.C. and will testify tomorrow in front of a House oversight committee about Chicago’s welcoming city laws. Learn more about what this could mean for Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Highland Park Shooter Pleads Guilty

Robert E. Crimo III pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges for the shooting at the 2022 Independence Day parade in the North suburb. Crimo is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison. [CNN]

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a desire to clean house in City Hall saying in an appearance Feb. 10, “If you ain’t with us, you gotta go.” Some high-profile departures followed, but big vacancies in city government go back a few months.

Here’s what you need to know about the current state of city leadership.

Chicago Park District and City Council

Rosa Escareño announced Feb. 26 she’s stepping down as CEO of Chicago’s parks. Two days later, Johnson announced Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa would take over the role.

The move leaves an open City Council seat in the 35th Ward in Logan Square, which Johnson will appoint. The leading candidate is Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada, WTTW reported.

Aviation Department

Jamie Rhee announced in February her retirement as aviation commissioner effective April 15. Rhee was appointed in 2018, overseeing numerous projects at O’Hare and Midway.

It’s unclear who Johnson might tap for the role as he seeks to push a major O’Hare expansion.

Office of Emergency Management and Communications

It was announced Feb. 13 that Executive Director of OEMC Jose Tirado will transition out of his position. OEMC said Tirado's exit had been planned since January when the Cook County State's Attorney's office offered him a position, Block Club reported.

Francisco Velez, Deputy District Chief and Special Events Liaison, will serve as interim executive director.