Protests

Mayor Rahm Emanuel

With the prospect of thousands of NATO protesters hitting Chicago’s streets looming, it’s no secret that Mayor Rahm Emanuel doesn’t want them to rain on his parade. He’s already proposed poorly received new ordinances in an attempt to thwart protests, which included soaring fines for protesters. Critics said the proposed ordinances violated the Bill of Rights, and the city quickly revised the proposals. But Emanuel is still taking steps to prepare for protesters: he bought Chicago Police more than $190,000 worth of protective gear at the request of the Fraternal Order of Police.