Sales of recreational marijuana will begin in Chicago – and across the state – on Jan. 1. Or will they? A group of aldermen on Wednesday explained why they want to put the brakes on pot in Chicago.
Stories by Paris Schutz
Eddie Johnson: ‘I Did Not Intentionally Mislead Mayor’
Former Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson is making his first public comments a day after Mayor Lori Lightfoot abruptly terminated him amid claims that he “repeatedly lied” to both the mayor and the public.
Federal Monitor: CPD Lagging Behind in Consent Decree Compliance
Federal monitor Maggie Hickey on Friday released the first semiannual report for the Chicago Police Department’s consent decree, saying that the department is not in compliance with a majority of the reforms.
Lightfoot Claims Uber Paid Off African American Ministers
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday alleged that ride-hailing giant Uber offered to pay off black ministers to the tune of $54 million if they would join a campaign to publicly oppose a $40 million ride-hailing tax proposal – a claim the company denies.
Spotlight Politics: Johnson’s Retirement Will Set Off Political Fight for Next Superintendent
A big change could be coming to the Chicago Police Department. Our politics team digs into that story and more in our weekly roundtable.
State Elections Board: ‘We’re Under Constant Threat’ from Foreign Interference
The 2020 election is just under a year away, and both federal and state election authorities say the threat of foreign interference is ramping up.
Spotlight Politics: Assessing Political Fallout of Teachers Strike
Who will be the political winners and losers of the Chicago teachers strike? Our politics team digs into that story and more in our weekly roundtable.
In Chicago Speech, Former FBI Director Comey Dishes on President Trump
Former FBI Director James Comey spoke Tuesday in Chicago, a day after the person who fired him, President Donald Trump, visited the city to speak at a conference of police chiefs.
The Week in Review: End in Sight for Chicago Teachers Strike?
The Chicago teachers strike heads into its second weekend. Will classes resume Monday? Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants help from Springfield to close a budget gap. And the Cubs go back to the future with their new manager.
Lightfoot: No Property Tax Hike If Springfield Chips In
Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivered her first budget address Wednesday at City Hall amid a swirl of protests from striking Chicago Public Schools teachers and support staff outside. How she plans to close the budget gap.
Chicago Public Schools Teachers to Strike Thursday
It's official: Chicago Public Schools teachers are going on strike after CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union failed to reach a contract agreement. Teachers and support staff planned to hit the picket lines at 6:30 a.m. Thursday.
City Releases Inspector General’s Laquan McDonald Investigation
There is new insight into the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald and whether or not there was a large-scale cover-up of the initial incident to protect the Chicago police officer who shot him.
Land Deal Tied to Illinois Senate President Cullerton Under Scrutiny
A North Shore land deal involving Illinois Senate President John Cullerton raises questions about a powerful public official influencing a vote that could enrich him and his son.
The Impeachment Process: How It Works
Now that an official impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump has been launched, how exactly does impeachment work, and what are the next steps?
Illinois Considers Banning Flavored E-Cigarettes
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been critical of the vaping industry, and now Illinois lawmakers are considering statewide action.
City Council Looks to Restrict Vaping, Expand Marijuana
Chicago’s mayor and aldermen are vowing to take strict action on vaping while welcoming the sale of cannabis. Those two vices dominated the discussion during Wednesday’s City Council meeting.
General Iron Deal Spurs Debate About Land Use, Air Quality
A longtime scrap metal recycler reaches a deal with the city to close up shop at its location next to the Lincoln Yards site and move operations to the Southeast Side. But not everyone is happy about it.
Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis Opens Up in Chicago Speech
The four-star general who served as the country’s 26th defense secretary spoke Wednesday in Chicago to promote his new book, “Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead.”
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi: ‘We’re Leaning Into Chicago’
The CEO of Uber is in town for a major expansion of its Chicago offices. We go one-on-one with him on that and explore issues facing the industry.
Lightfoot Outlines $838M Budget Deficit in ‘State of the City’ Address
The number that had been kept under wraps for weeks is finally out in the open. “If it sounds like a large number, that’s because it is,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday during her first “State of the City” address.
Spotlight Politics: Joe Walsh Wages Primary Challenge Against Trump
A long shot presidential candidate from Illinois. Our politics team takes on the 2020 presidential election and more in our weekly roundtable.
Alderman: Budget Gap Could Be As High As $1.3 Billion
Just how big is the city’s budget deficit? And will Mayor Lori Lightfoot propose new taxes to close it? Lightfoot will likely spell out some of that in a much-anticipated “State of the City” address Thursday evening. Here’s a preview.
Federal Election Chair Sounds Alarm on 2020 Election
Federal authorities have repeatedly warned about foreign influence in U.S. elections, but a core federal agency that keeps watch on elections is suddenly without any enforcement ability. We speak with Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen Weintraub.
Mayor, Labor Groups Push for $15 Minimum Wage by 2021
Chicago has seen its minimum wage steadily rise in the last several years, from a hourly rate of $8.25 in 2014 to $13 today. But labor activists and some public officials say it’s not nearly enough.
Pritzker Upset With Harassment Report Findings, But Not With Madigan
More fallout from a report detailing a culture of harassment and abuse in the state capitol on Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan’s watch. But is the speaker getting a pass?
