The Latest Breaking News from Scott Waguespack

With Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa departing as zoning chairman and floor leader, Mayor Brandon Johnson has to select a replacement who can help the City Council function effectively and solve the city’s many challenges.

Robberies in the Shakespeare District, which includes the Bucktown, Wicker Park and parts of Logan Square neighborhoods, are 93% higher than in 2019.

Finance Committee Chair Scott Waguespack is among the committee chairs who could be pushed out in favor of more chairs loyal to Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson.

Jason Lee, a senior adviser to Johnson’s transition team, refused to pinpoint specific changes amid reports that several committee chairs could lose those posts.

Former Inspector General Joe Ferguson had pushed for a more independent Council, but slammed this approach as a “pre-emptive power move of the status quo wrapped in a package that includes meaningful reforms.”

Three committee chairs are working behind the scenes to reorganize and empower the City Council before a new mayor and Council are seated.

Some City Council members were furious over plans to settle the lawsuit by the mother of Sharell Brown, noting the Civilian Office of Police Accountability concluded Brown was armed and posed a threat to Chicago police officers.

Chicago mayors and their City Council allies routinely put innocuous referendums on the ballot to keep off more controversial questions.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is pushing for a final City Council vote on her financing plan before Dec. 31 to meet the requirement for federal matching funds. But it could be a rough ride, judging from the earful Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice Cox got about the project while testifying at…