The Latest Breaking News from Jesse Sharkey

Inauguration Day: Prayers, promises and a party

Many who attended the swearing-in ceremony said they were excited for Brandon Johnson to take office because they felt he would bring positive change to Chicago.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 16, 2023

Brandon Johnson fleshes out senior staff, shows continued influence of Preckwinkle, Chicago Teachers Union

Annette Guzman, budget director for Cook County, will be city budget director under Johnson. Jennifer Johnson, chief of staff at the CTU, where Brandon Johnson has been a paid organizer, will serve as deputy mayor for education.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 11, 2023

Fresh off Brandon Johnson’s election, how will the Chicago Teachers Union move from outside agitators to insiders?

The union has spent years fighting the policies of the political establishment. Now, one of its own must deal with the realities of governing.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 7, 2023

CTU leadership wins reelection as Stacy Davis Gates becomes president

The 25,000-member union remains in the hands of leaders who have fought for social justice inside and outside classrooms while creating a constant power struggle against the mayor’s office and Chicago Public Schools leadership.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 21, 2022

CPS chief tests positive for COVID-19

“This is a good opportunity to remind our CPS staff and families to please get vaccinated and boosted,” CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said. “Because of the vaccine, I expect that I will be fine.”

Chicago Sun-Times · May 13, 2022

CTU election could shape schools, city for years to come

CPS educators next week will choose between competing visions for the union: Should the group continue fighting for social issues inside and outside the classroom, or should it instead focus on classic teacher concerns like pay preparation time and pensions?

Chicago Sun-Times · May 11, 2022

Parents protest school budget cuts as CPS CEO defends against ‘incomplete’ claims

About 150 parents with several community groups rallied outside CPS’ Loop headquarters Wednesday ahead of the monthly Board of Education meeting to decry budget cuts at their schools.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 27, 2022

Chicago Teachers Union tells labor board CPS violated COVID-19 safety agreement

CHICAGO — Officials with the Chicago Teachers Union argued Monday that the halting of the universal masking requirement at Chicago Public Schools last month violated their COVID-19 safety agreement by rescinding a key tenet of the plan without reopening collective bargaining.

Chicago Tribune · Apr 26, 2022

Chicago Teachers Union suit claims group is a ‘front’ working for the ‘benefit of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’

The Chicago Teachers Union is suing a former top adviser to Mayor Lori Lightfoot and a “Jane Doe” over their alleged interference in the May election of union officers.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 24, 2022

CTU sues Lightfoot ally, accuses her of interfering in union’s elections

Lisa Schneider Fabes said she has not had an opportunity to review the lawsuit from CTU but believes she “acted at all times consistent with applicable law.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 24, 2022