The Latest Breaking News from Lori Lightfoot

Lightfoot to Biden administration on environmental racism claims: See you in court

“If a voluntary resolution can’t be reached, HUD may initiate administrative proceedings or refer this matter to the U.S. Department of Justice for enforcement,” the agency says.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 23, 2022

Lightfoot accused of scrapping CFD promotion list to punish controversial City Council member

Ald. Jim Gardiner — a Chicago firefighter on a leave of absence — is accusing the mayor, with whom he has clashed repeatedly, of scrapping a CFD promotion list because he was second in line to be promoted to lieutenant.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 22, 2022

Chicago’s newest City Council member: Just call him ‘Timmy’

The name was part of an emotional and potentially high-risk coming out for Timmy Knudsen after he graduated law school and joined a buttoned-down Chicago firm he was not at all certain would welcome an openly-gay attorney.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 22, 2022

Newly seated Ald. Knudsen touts youth, role in LGBTQ community: ‘Representation matters’

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd) was confirmed, sworn in and started voting Wednesday, becoming Chicago’s youngest alderperson. His predecessor, Michele Smith, offered an impassioned defense of the role of council members.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 21, 2022

Too late to hit brakes on NASCAR, but Reilly moves to curb future special events

Among other things, the ordinance would require a City Council order for any athletic event or special event that allows the closure of a state route, an arterial street or more than four blocks of any other public way.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 21, 2022

City Council poised to protect right to abortion by declaring Chicago a ‘bodily autonomy sanctuary city’

The new ordinance would prohibit Chicago police or any other agency of local government from cooperating in investigations that seek to criminalize women who come to Chicago seeking abortions and other reproductive care.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 21, 2022

Chicago’s sewage district fails to warn gardeners free sludge contains toxic forever chemicals

CHICAGO — Bags of the earthy muck are labeled organic or natural. Sometimes it is billed as exceptional quality compost. Industry held a nationwide contest years ago and decided to call it biosolids, a euphemism that beat out black gold, geoslime and humanure.

Chicago Tribune · Sep 21, 2022

Zoning out? Lightfoot’s choice to replace Smith in 43rd Ward to step down from zoning panel

Attorney Timmy Knudsen is expected to be confirmed by the full City Council on Wednesday and sworn in immediately so he can take his seat and cast his first votes. If Tuesday’s Rules Committee meeting was any indication, there might just be only one dissenting vote: Southwest Side Ald. Marty…

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 20, 2022

Mayoral challenger touts ‘Bank of Chicago’ as way to create 10K homeowners, ‘repopulate’ South, West sides

Ja’Mal Green’s version of a public bank would start with $500 million in assets — half from the city’s “cash on hand,” the rest possibly from federal stimulus funds.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 20, 2022

Zoning change? Lightfoot taps zoning appeals board chair Knudsen to replace retired Ald. Smith in 43rd Ward

The appointment is expected to give Knudsen a running start in next year’s aldermanic elections in the affluent North Side ward, which typically sees heavily contested races. The nomination goes before the City Council Rules Committee Tuesday and the full Council Wednesday.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 20, 2022