The Latest Breaking News from Lori Lightfoot

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has moved millions in pensions and other costs to CPS before it becomes independent, run by an elected board. Those new payments and longstanding financial challenges could lead to dire choices once federal pandemic relief runs out.

The few campaign promises the mayor has kept — like passing civilian oversight of the police or removing the carveouts from the city’s sanctuary ordinance — happened only after significant pressure from grassroots activists and community organizations.

U.S Rep. Danny Davis called for “a massive infusion of cash money, resources to really reconstitute urban communities on the West Side of Chicago” and across the country — “the same kind of money” being sent to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

The mayor is proposing to beef up the Office of Climate and Environmental Equity — from six employees to 10 — and take it out of the mayor’s office, placing it under a director who would be confirmed by the City Council.

In a letter to the mayor, Streeterville Organization of Active Residents President Deborah Gershbein declared her group “strongly opposed” to closing Clark Street between Grand and Kinzie, in part because of its proximity to the proposed interim casino at Medinah Temple.

“Last night’s shooting reminds us that there are too many weapons of war available to criminals,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday.

CHICAGO — Officers from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s security detail intervened during a robbery Tuesday morning and exchanged gunfire with the suspects, according to Chicago police. No one was struck by gunfire, but an officer suffered minor injuries.

The Finance Committee approved the property tax levy, but must reconvene Wednesday to reconsider the revenue ordinance. As proposed, it would cut some vehicular fines in half to comply with a court decision, but if Ald. Brendan Reilly has his way, those fines will remain at $500.

CHICAGO — U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia took two key steps toward announcing a campaign for Chicago mayor this week, amending his campaign committee to support a City Hall run and filing an economic disclosure statement as he continues weighing a challenge to Mayor Lori Lightfoot.