The Latest Breaking News from Scott Waguespack

Democratic ward committeeperson’s job has lost its luster for City Council members

A growing number of sitting alderpersons are either not running at all or have been forced to withdraw and perhaps run as write-in candidates after failing to gather the number of signatures needed to get on the ballot.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 15, 2024

Mayor Johnson’s next floor leader has to get along with colleagues — and let democracy work

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.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

Surge of brutal robberies has Bucktown neighbors demanding action: ‘It feels like we are under attack’

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

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 28, 2023

Mayor-elect warned: don’t mess with City Council reorganization

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.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 20, 2023

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson tries to influence City Council reorganization

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.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 17, 2023

Lightfoot allies hatch plan to expand power on City Council before she heads out the door

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.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 15, 2023

With Lightfoot a lame duck, City Council looks to declare independence

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

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 13, 2023

$1M settlement in fatal police shooting stalls in committee

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 Sun-Times · Jan 31, 2023

Mayoral allies move to put 3 advisory referendums on Feb. 28 ballot

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

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 8, 2022

Planning commissioner gets an earful about Lightfoot’s plan to create second transit TIF to bankroll Red Line South extension

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…

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 14, 2022