Columnist John Kass Plans November Exit from JohnKassNews.com
John Kass plans to shutter his website, JohnKassNews.com, by Thanksgiving, citing his struggles with brain fog, Axios reported. In a message sent to contributors, Kass stated that he will publish a “winding down” column before closing the platform. It’s not that I want to, but I have to,
Kass wrote, describing his struggles with brain fog.
Contributors Named in the Site Closure Announcement
In his farewell message, Kass thanked contributors who helped him keep the website running. Those acknowledged by the columnist include former Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas, comedian Mike Houlihan, and his brother, Nicholas Kass.
If you believe that government does not grant us our rights do you cover politics for CNN? Do you believe in a fairy tales? Read this critically important column by Chicago writer, my friend James Banakis for johnkassnews It’s your country, for now. https://t.co/bPV6bIfxdE
Decades at the Chicago Tribune Preceded Digital Venture
Kass spent 38 years at the Chicago Tribune, becoming a columnist after the legendary Mike Royko died in 1997. He departed the publication in 2021, accepting a buyout amid a wave of departures following the newspaper’s acquisition by the investment firm Alden Global Capital. His exit followed a 2020 controversy in which the Tribune newsroom union accused him of invoking antisemitic tropes in a column about billionaire George Soros—allegations that Kass denied.
Declined Comments Point Toward Dan Proft
When reached by Axios, Kass declined to comment, saying, I’ll talk to Dan Proft.
Kass concluded his announcement to supporters by reflecting on his career and audience: And now it’s time to say goodbye to the readers and to thank them for this voyage that we’ve all been on together.
Frequently Asked Questions About the JohnKassNews.com Shutdown
When is JohnKassNews.com scheduled to close?
John Kass plans to publish a “winding down” column before closing JohnKassNews.com on Thanksgiving.
What reason did Kass give for shutting down the website?
Kass cited his struggles with brain fog, telling contributors in a message that It’s not that I want to, but I have to.
Who did Kass thank in his farewell message to contributors?
He thanked former Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas, comedian Mike Houlihan, and his brother, Nicholas Kass, for helping him keep the website running.
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