Afternoon Edition: May 24, 2022 Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories. Chicago Sun-Times · May 24, 2022
One of Lightfoot’s closest City Council allies abruptly resigns The surprise departure of Ald. Michael Scott Jr., Education Committee chairman, gives Mayor Lori Lightfoot the ability to appoint her second alderperson. The first was 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee, who replaced Patrick Daley Thompson. Chicago Sun-Times · May 24, 2022
Casino plan moves forward, but deal still has too many lingering questions Bally’s is not contractually obligated to meet its own revenue projections. The Lightfoot administration agreeing to this reeks to us of haste and desperation. Chicago Sun-Times · May 24, 2022
Mayor asked US attorney to pass along evidence from ex-Alderman Daniel Solis after corruption probe ends CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot may have said she was “deeply offended” by the deferred prosecution deal that federal prosecutors struck with former Alderman Daniel Solis, but she sure seems interested in any dirt he’s been dishing. Chicago Tribune · May 23, 2022
$1.7 billion Bally’s Chicago casino clears key hurdle Thanks to a push from organized labor, a special City Council committee approved an ordinance authorizing Bally’s to build a $1.7 billion permanent casino in River West, preceded by a temporary home at Medinah Temple. Chicago Sun-Times · May 23, 2022
30 City Council members call special meeting for Wednesday on violent crime surge Mayoral challenger Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) is leading the call for the city’s top cop to appear before the “Committee of the Whole” — meaning, all 50 alderpersons. He was joined by 29 colleagues, including several of the mayor’s hand-picked committee chairs. Chicago Sun-Times · May 23, 2022
City Council delays action on Lightfoot’s curfew crackdown Two mayoral allies used a parliamentary maneuver to put off approval of an ordinance that would alter Chicago’s seldom-enforced curfew law, though it is expected to pass at Wednesday’s Council meeting. Chicago Sun-Times · May 23, 2022
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot swept into office as an avowed reformer. Three years later, critics see ‘missed opportunities’ and a mixed record CHICAGO — As a candidate for mayor, Lori Lightfoot promised to transform Chicago’s often corrupt political culture, in part by taking away the near-total power aldermen have over matters in their own wards and by leading a transparent government. Chicago Tribune · May 22, 2022
Two men charged in fatal Chicago shopping district shooting Two men have been charged in a shooting that left two people dead and seven others hurt outside a fast food restaurant just blocks from Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile shopping district The Independent UK · May 22, 2022
Chicago Teachers Union elects new president CHICAGO — Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Stacy Davis Gates was elected president of the union Friday following a monthslong, hard-fought battle against two challengers to succeed outgoing president Jesse Sharkey. Chicago Tribune · May 21, 2022
Lightfoot rushing to get City Council approval of Bally’s casino bid next week It’s an unusual timeline for any legislation to move through the council, and unnecessary at that, said Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), who vehemently opposes Bally’s proposal to break ground at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. Chicago Sun-Times · May 20, 2022
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot calls mass shooting a ‘horrible tragedy,’ blames guns being carried by young people CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Friday blamed too many guns on city streets and parents not keeping track of their children for a week of violence in Chicago that culminated Thursday night with a mass shooting outside a McDonald’s restaurant and CTA station on the Near North Side. Chicago Tribune · May 20, 2022
‘We are awash in guns’: Chicago police superintendent addresses mass shooting on Near North Side and promises more police officers at ‘longstanding’ problem corner CHICAGO — A mass shooting that started with a brawl among two groups of young people left two killed and seven wounded late Thursday, blocks from the Magnificent Mile, according to Chicago police, who say they have one person in custody. Chicago Tribune · May 20, 2022
Lightfoot’s curfew rollback clears committee amid opposition from all sides The Committee on Public Safety approved the mayor’s ordinance by a comfortable vote of 14 to 3 that did not reflect the barrage of concerns raised about a crackdown roundly condemned as a toothless and desperate headline-grabber that will have no impact on youth violence. Chicago Sun-Times · May 20, 2022
Chicago Tribune · May 20, 2022 13-year-old carjacking suspect, apparently unarmed, shot by Chicago police CHICAGO — A 13-year-old who authorities said was involved in a carjacking was shot and seriously wounded as he ran from Chicago police officers in the South Austin neighborhood Wednesday, according to Chicago police and fire officials.
Tribune News Service · May 20, 2022 Griffin’s Citadel nears tipping point on Chicago exit over crime Billionaire Ken Griffin is reaching a tipping point with Chicago, the home to his market maker and hedge fund business, as the city wrestles with rising crime.
Chicago Sun-Times · May 20, 2022 Bally’s to chip in $2 million annually for public safety around temporary casino site — ‘totally insufficient,’ opponents say With crime among the top concerns of a vocal contingent of neighbors vehemently opposed to the development, the $2 million is meant to bolster security around the temporary site at a River North intersection that already has entrenched crime issues, opposing Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) has said.
The Independent UK · May 19, 2022 Filing: Chicago 'two-faced' on acknowledging police abuse Community leaders say the city of Chicago pursues a “two-faced” strategy of acknowledging an ugly history of police brutality in public while directing its lawyers to deny that legacy in court when victims sue
Chicago Tribune · May 19, 2022 Friday’s Chicago Teachers Union election is its most contentious in years. With 3 slates, ‘it’s anybody’s guess’ who will win There soon will be a new president of the Chicago Teachers Union — as three contenders battle for the chance to lead one of Chicago’s most influential unions through a new contract, the historic transition to an elected school board and the persistent COVID-19 pandemic.
Chicago Tribune · May 19, 2022 Mayor Lightfoot’s youth curfew law sent to Chicago City Council to put earlier restriction on the books CHICAGO — Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot will seek City Council approval for the 10 p.m. weekend curfew for minors that she announced after a teenager was shot and killed at Millennium Park on Saturday.
Chicago Sun-Times · May 19, 2022 As violence spikes, CPS taking need to provide activities for students ‘very seriously’ — and says teens shouldn’t get all the blame District education chief Bogdana Chkoumbova said it’s important kids feel welcome and safe in the city: “We definitely want to engage them because they’re looking for social opportunities after two very tough years.”
Chicago Sun-Times · May 18, 2022 Pollution ‘sacrifice zones’ must end, groups say in pushing new law A coalition of environmental and social justice organizations say they will write a proposed law to fight the addition of polluting businesses in already stressed communities.
Chicago Sun-Times · May 18, 2022 Lightfoot’s pre-election budget shortfall now $561 million lower, due to surging tax revenues, held over federal relief Nearly a year ago, a $866.8 million shortfall had been projected for 2023. But a top city official warned Wednesday that the revised shortfall of roughly $306 million is still “very preliminary” and easily could rise.
Chicago Sun-Times · May 18, 2022 Now that air pollution hotspots have been identified, let’s find solutions Superimpose a map of tree coverage on the pollution map. Trees use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They also remove pollution out of the air.
Chicago Sun-Times · May 18, 2022 Chicago to restart voluntary water meter installations after three-year pause amid concern about elevated lead levels A new state law kicks off Jan. 1 requiring lead service lines be replaced with non-lead lines when a meter is installed. That increases the cost of the meter installation, so the city is rushing to install as many meters as possible by year’s end.