The Latest Breaking News from City Council

PHILADELPHIA — National progressives were looking for another big win in Philadelphia this week, but Cherelle Parker, a moderate Democrat born and raised in the city's Northwest section, won the historic nomination.

PHILADELPHIA —There were a lot of reasons Cherelle Parker's candidacy was never seen as a slam dunk.

Lightfoot denounced the City Council as corrupt, then turned around and shamed all 50 members, who were seated behind her, into joining the cheering crowd in a standing ovation for reform,

Reformers were aiming to root out corruption with the advent of the 50-ward system in 1923, but illegal backroom deals have remained all too common for a legislative body that has otherwise seen massive change.

Much of Grant Park will be closed to accommodate NASCAR. Now the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium have announced schedule changes because of road closures and expected crowds.

Rich Guidice, who for 20 years ran the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, said “Chicago Police did the best they could to get to the scene of the incident as quickly as they did.”

At an afternoon news conference, the mayor slammed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for busing new arrivals to Chicago, saying he had “manufactured” a crisis “for cynical political purposes,” and is “unable to see the humanity” in those coming to the United States seeking a better life.

If the new zoning chair and Council floor leader is more pragmatic than some of his critics expect, it could be a positive step for progressive politics in Chicago and developers.

The plan shrinks the number of Council panels from 28 to 20. Pat Dowell, whose switch of support from Lightfoot to Johnson was crucial to his victory, will be finance chair.