J. Niimi

A lifelong Chicagoland resident and the author of R.E.M’s Murmur, part of the 33 1/3 book series, J. has also contributed music and arts writing to the Chicago Reader and nationally syndicated Village Voice Media alt-newsweeklies, among many other print and online outlets.

Disability Rights

The continuing adventures of Joe Myers: Chicagoland’s transit system offers a route to discovery for a young man with autism

Joe's mother Kate Zrenner Myers on why she allows him to ride public transportation independently: "The kindest thing you can do for someone you love, is to make the world bigger."

J. Niimi

September 18, 2026

Station Accessibility

Fresh Kermit: Checking out the CTA Green Line’s new, ADA-compliant Austin Station

J. Niimi

August 14, 2026

CTA

All aboard the CTA Holiday Train

Hard-boiled Streetsblog reporter J. Niimi hitches a ride with Santa Claus during a trip on the Blue Line's Forest Park branch.

J. Niimi

December 24, 2024

CTA

Mind your manners: How can we improve conditions and etiquette on the CTA?

J. Niimi

December 3, 2024

Streetsblog Chicago

Forest Park branch revisited: J. Niimi checks the pulse of the Blue Line route, two years after he stopped commuting on it

Two years ago when ridership was lower, taking the train across the West Side after work meant frequent encounters with smokers and drug users. What's it like now?

J. Niimi

October 22, 2024