The Latest Breaking News from the City Council

Ald. Beale takes a page from Texas Gov. Abbott’s playbook on migrant emergency

Ald. Anthony Beale wants voters to consider undoing the city’s Welcoming City ordinance, a move that panders to Gov. Greg Abbott and the anti-immigrant crowd.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 27, 2023

There's a new police superintendent in Chicago. The city council chose the ex-counterterrorism head

Chicago’s City Council has unanimously confirmed Larry Snelling as the city’s police superintendent, elevating the department’s counterterrorism chief

The Independent UK · Sep 27, 2023

Making the city’s hate crimes ordinance stronger is long overdue

Statistics show hate crimes in Chicago are at a nearly 30-year high. The proposed “Chi vs. Hate” ordinance will allow the city to report and track non-criminal hate incidents that are often precursors to hate crimes.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 21, 2023

Mayor’s pick for top cop asks for collaboration from community at public forum: ‘We have to be partners in this’

Larry Snelling calls on the public to be partners with the Chicago Police Department in addressing deep-rooted community problems and fighting crime.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 8, 2023

America's small towns are disbanding police forces, citing hiring woes. It's not all bad

America is in the midst of a police officer shortage

The Independent UK · Sep 5, 2023

Can a tree be historic?

Residents in the Palmer Square neighborhood want a city ordinance to protect American elm trees dating to the 19th century that are among the handful that survived Dutch elm disease.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 4, 2023

Talking off-cycle elections on the Ballotpedia podcast

Welcome to the Monday, August 21, 2023, Brew. 

Ballotpedia · Aug 21, 2023

All candidates for Indianapolis City Council District 13 complete Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey

Both of the candidates running in the Nov. 7, 2023, general election for Indianapolis City Council District 13 — Jesse Brown (D) and Elizabeth Glass (Libertarian Party) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.

Ballotpedia · Aug 17, 2023

Larry Snelling, mayor’s pick for top cop, vows to help both ‘forgotten’ crime victims, disenchanted officers: ‘We have to love them’

Snelling’s appointment by Mayor Brandon Johnson must be confirmed by the City Council. Before that crucial vote, he is expected to be introduced to Chicago residents — and face questions — during at least one public hearing.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 13, 2023

City Council sees the writing on the wall — and takes the right step to protect historic signs

The best of these vintage signs were part of the urban fabric and contributed as much to a neighborhood’s identity as a landmark building or an important open space, Lee Bey writes.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 4, 2023