Chicago's New Progressive Mayor Faces Challenges of Violence and Change

Brandon Johnson, a former school teacher and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, will be sworn in as Chicago's 57th mayor on Monday. He faces the challenge of rampant crime in the city, with more than 800 homicides recorded in 2021, the most since 1996. Johnson has pledged to chart a new strategy for public safety, including reopening mental health clinics and funding year-round youth employment. However, he has come under scrutiny for his apparent support of the defund the police movement. Johnson has vowed to add 200 detectives to the force and end the city's ShotSpotter program.