The Latest Breaking News from Lori Lightfoot

City Council member warns about possibility of fraud in gas, Ventra card giveaways

Ald. Brendan Reilly said a constituent who had received one of the gas cards told him he was able to overcharge the card by “$50 or $60” and sent him the receipts. Reilly now wants to know “how many others are out there.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 18, 2022

Lightfoot campaign raises $1 million in three months — but spends more than half of it

The mayor spent $607,449 of the $1 million she raised during the three-month period ending Sept. 30. Insiders call that a “burn rate,” and it could cause problems for her when the race shifts into high gear.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 18, 2022

CTA has work to do to get past line in the sand over Red Line extension

No matter how potentially vital the Red Line extension may be, the CTA must help its case for getting the money by better tending to the system as it exists now.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 18, 2022

Chicago may end natural gas hookups for new homes, businesses

The recommendation is among more than two dozen as Chicago tries to eliminate fossil fuel use.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 13, 2022

Chicago’s 2023 budget must focus on helping all residents

Public libraries, street paving and snow removal should be budget priorities.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 13, 2022

Ald. Matt Martin urges City Council to shake off rubber-stamp reputation

Last month, the 47th Ward Council member introduced a resolution calling for making himself chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, replacing retired chair Michele Smith.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 13, 2022

To live and buy on La Salle St: Plan for housing, other uses of financial district is worth watching

Given the changes on La Salle Street — not all of them good — the city’s new effort to rethink the historic thoroughfare makes sense. Downtown and the central area are still the economic engine and lifeblood of the city.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 12, 2022

Civilian police oversight off to slow start

Adam Gross, executive director of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, told City Council members that out of 14 positions in the 2022 budget, only one other person besides Gross is “hired and on staff.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 11, 2022

Commentary: Chicago is doing something the US should do: Provide paid parental leave for both parents

Starting Jan. 1, all 32,000 employees of the city of Chicago will be eligible to take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave whether they are the birthing or nonbirthing parent.

Chicago Tribune · Oct 11, 2022

Columbus Day arrives, and still no Columbus statues

In August, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans demanded that Columbus statues be returned to Grant and Arrigo parks by Columbus Day and protected at city expense. It didn’t happen, but the two sides are talking.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 10, 2022