The Latest Breaking News from Joe Ferguson

Chicago’s new police superintendent inherits a department notoriously slow to enact reforms

Larry Snelling, the mayor’s choice to lead the Chicago Police Department, would take over a federally mandated overhaul of the department.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 14, 2023

City Council clears the decks before summer recess

When the 50-member Council meets again in September, it’ll be to begin the possibly contentious process of tackling Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first city budget.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 19, 2023

City Council committee advances 2-term limit on city’s top watchdog

The reforms championed by Ethics Chair Matt Martin (47th) would limit the inspector general to two four-year terms — with firm timelines for picking a replacement and a demand for written explanations if those deadlines are not met.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 13, 2023

Civic Federation’s acting president makes case for major reform of city government

Over the years, the Civic Federation has repeatedly advocated for cutting the 50-member City Council in half, only to have alderpersons protect their fiefdoms.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 22, 2023

Chicago’s inspector general would be limited to 2 terms under reform proposal

Ald. Matt Martin’s plan also sets timelines to avoid watchdog post remaining vacant for long periods.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 22, 2023

19 City Council members push candidate for top cop; head of search calls it ‘completely inappropriate’

The criticism came after the alderpersons signed a letter expressing “disappointment and dismay” that the panel leading the search didn’t give a follow-up interview to the Chicago Police Department’s patrol chief.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 21, 2023

Editorial: Former Chicago IG Joe Ferguson sounds the alarm on police reform. He’s right to do so

The needless, tragic murder of Laquan McDonald, a Black teen, by a white Chicago police officer in 2014 put the city’s Police Department, and the need to reform it, in the national spotlight. McDonald’s death was a driving force behind the federally mandated consent decree that requires the Chicago Police…

Chicago Tribune · Jun 20, 2023

Johnson wins first test of City Council muscle

By a 41-9 vote, Mayor Brandon Johnson reshaped the City Council in his progressive image.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 24, 2023

Will Ramirez-Rosa’s new Council leadership roles be ‘big step forward’ for progressives — or kick in the pants to developers?

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.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 8, 2023

What ComEd trial guilty verdicts could mean for Michael Madigan and Illinois politics

The convictions could affect the bribery trial next year of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and could spark ethics reforms and questions about how politicians are lobbied.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 3, 2023