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Staff and supporters of the Chicago Reader rally on April 21 outside the East Lakeview home of Reader investor Leonard Goodman (Chicago Tribune photo by Brian Cassella)
By ROBERT CHANNICK Chicago Tribune
The Chicago Reader completed its transition to a nonprofit organization Monday, May 16, starting a new chapter for the iconic 51-year-old alternative newspaper.
The sale to the nonprofit Reader Institute for Community Journalism follows months of turmoil, as the owners who rescued the money-losing newspaper from insolvency battled over its direction. An agreement to move forward as a nonprofit was reached last month when co-owner Len Goodman relinquished control and three board members stepped down from the Reader.
Tracy Baim, who became publisher of the Reader in 2018, called the shift to nonprofit "Independence Day" for the newspaper, but said the task ahead remains challenging.
"No doubt this is a big shift that we're making," Baim said Tuesday. "But we have some track record that there is support of the Reader and its legacy."
The Reader had been stuck in limbo since December over censorship allegations about an opinion piece written by Goodman, a Chicago criminal defense attorney. Goodman's November column expressed concerns about vaccinating his 6-year-old daughter against COVID-19, which created backlash on social media for some disputed scientific claims.
The Reader hired an outside fact-checker for a post-publication edit, but Goodman objected to pulling or revising the piece, and the original version remained online. Goodman then pushed for an investigation into the matter and more representation on the successor board.
Last month, as employees protested in front of his Lakeview East home, Goodman agreed to let the Reader transition to a nonprofit, citing an "unresolvable impasse" with fellow co-owner Chicago real estate developer Elzie Higginbottom. Board members Dorothy Leavell, Sladjana Vuckovic and Carol Bell, who were aligned with Goodman's concerns, also announced they were stepping down.
In 2018, Goodman and Higginbottom bought the Reader from the Chicago Sun-Times for $1 and the assumption of debt. Goodman contributed about $2 million, while Higginbottom put in $1 million and provided free office space for the publication. Each was entitled to appoint two members to the for-profit board and recommend candidates for the 11-member nonprofit board.
On Monday, they completed the sale of the Reader archives and other assets for a "token amount," following approval by the nonprofit board May 13.
A longtime Chicago journalist and cofounder of the Windy City Times, Baim became publisher of the Reader under the new owners in 2018 and created the planned transition to a nonprofit organization.
On Tuesday, she expressed gratitude to Higginbottom and Goodman for rescuing the Reader.
"The Reader would have folded multiple times over the last three and a half years without them stepping up," said Baim, 59. "It's very clear that what Len and Elzie did over the last few years bridged the Reader to this next era in a way that without them would have been impossible."
Baim said she was saddened the ownership situation "deteriorated" during the transition to nonprofit status, but hoped the relationship with Goodman can be repaired. The Reader will leave all 21 columns written by Goodman online, but is planning to add an editor's note to the controversial November piece about COVID-19 vaccinations, she said.
Launched in 1971 by a group of Carleton College graduates as a free weekly, the Reader has changed hands several times in the new millennium as it struggled with declining advertis ing revenue in the digital age.
The shift to a nonprofit model is a growing trend in the struggling newspaper industry, with the Salt Lake Tribune the first major daily newspaper to make the transition in November 2019. In January, the Sun-Times became a nonprofit newspaper when it merged with public radio station WBEZ-FM 91.5 under the banner of Chicago Public Media.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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