Mayor Brandon Johnson defended Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez's appearance in front of a charred American flag, calling censure "fascist" and emphasizing the importance of protected speech. Sigcho-Lopez's comments and presence at a pro-Palestinian rally have sparked controversy among City Council members, with some demanding his removal as committee head. The debate has brought disorder to the council, with Sigcho-Lopez receiving violent threats and demanding an apology from his critics.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker criticizes Chicago City Council's Gaza cease-fire resolution for not holding Hamas accountable for violence, while Mayor Brandon Johnson defends the council's action, stating that they can address both international crises and local issues. The resolution passed by a narrow margin, making Chicago the largest U.S. city to call for a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel.
Chicago City Council narrowly passed a resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Mayor Brandon Johnson's tiebreaker vote lifting the measure to 24 yays and 23 nays. The resolution, sponsored by 1st Ward Ald. Daniel LaSpata, calls on Congress and the president to facilitate a lasting peace in Gaza starting with a permanent ceasefire. The measure was supported by pro-Palestinian groups and some Jewish groups, but denounced by other mainstream Jewish groups and the Israeli Consulate in Chicago. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a weeklong November ceasefire and negotiations for a two-month ceasefire and the release of hostages, but gaps between the two sides remain wide.
The Chicago City Council, with Mayor Brandon Johnson casting the tie-breaking vote, approved a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The resolution, which makes Chicago the largest city in the U.S. to pass a Gaza ceasefire resolution, faced heated debate and criticism for not sufficiently addressing Hamas' violence. The final version calls for a permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, and humanitarian assistance in Gaza, but also led to a raucous council meeting with protesters and a divided council.
Chicago City Council narrowly passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza, with Mayor Brandon Johnson casting a tiebreaking vote in support. The measure, introduced by alds. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez and Daniel La Spata, called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" and the release of all hostages. The vote followed a tense debate and saw the mayor clear the council gallery after repeated interruptions. The resolution's passage makes Chicago the largest U.S. city to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, but it was intensely divisive, with some alderpeople expressing concerns about contradicting U.S. foreign policy.
Hundreds of Chicago Public Schools students walked out of class to protest the Israel-Hamas war and demand a cease-fire in Gaza. The students gathered outside their schools, marched, and chanted, with some proceeding to City Hall to protest and blocking traffic at one point. The walkouts come ahead of a Chicago City Council vote on a resolution demanding a Gaza cease-fire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The protests have drawn criticism from the Anti-Defamation League for alleged antisemitism, while CPS CEO Pedro Martinez emphasized the district's commitment to student participation in civic life while condemning harassment and discrimination.
Tensions rose at a Chicago City Council meeting during a resolution to support Holocaust Remembrance Day, with divisions deepening over a separate resolution supporting a cease fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Pro-Palestinian supporters booed those backing Israel, leading to heated exchanges among council members. Despite the controversy, Mayor Brandon Johnson is expected to introduce the cease fire resolution at the next council meeting.
The Chicago City Council rejected an arbitrator's ruling that would have allowed police officers recommended for firings or suspensions to bypass the Police Board in favor of an arbitrator. The decision has reignited tensions between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The Council also approved a police contract extension that includes higher pay raises for officers. The split decision sends the ruling back to the arbitrator, potentially leading to an FOP lawsuit. Progressive Council members argued that the ruling would undermine police accountability, while FOP warned of potential legal consequences.
The Chicago City Council meeting will address the ongoing migrant crisis and the fallout from the scrapped plans to build a migrant camp in Brighton Park. Several aldermen are calling for the resignation of members of Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration over the debacle. The council will discuss a resolution regarding work permits for migrants, as hundreds continue to live in and out of police stations. The Archdiocese of Chicago is working on a lease to house around 300 migrants in a closed school.
Former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis agreed to work with the FBI after being presented with evidence in 2016, leading to the recordings that helped indict former City Council member Edward M. Burke on racketeering charges. The FBI initially targeted Solis in connection with then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, but Solis also provided information for a separate racketeering case against Madigan. Solis, who left office in 2019, struck a deal with prosecutors to potentially avoid a conviction. Defense attorneys for Burke, who is currently on trial, have called Solis a prime example of corruption but prosecutors do not plan to call him as a witness.
Mayor Brandon Johnson's $16 billion budget, which includes no property tax increase, is expected to smoothly pass through the Chicago City Council. The budget prioritizes investments in affordable housing, mental health services, and environmental justice, while also allocating funds for hiring 300 civilian positions within the Chicago Police Department. It does not include new taxes or fees and continues pension contributions from the city. However, the $150 million allocated for incoming migrants may not be enough, and Mayor Johnson plans to seek additional help from the state and federal government.
A City Council meeting in Chicago was forced into recess after an angry crowd disrupted proceedings during a heated debate on whether to place a referendum on the March ballot regarding the city's response to the migrant crisis. Mayor Brandon Johnson's allies attempted to pass their own version of a non-binding referendum but were shouted down by the crowd. The meeting was eventually recessed until November 16th. The public anger stems from efforts to silence voices and prevent people from having a say in the matter. The Council also voted to acquire a site for a temporary migrant camp.
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is facing accusations of threatening to block development in certain City Council members' wards, leading to calls for his censure. Ramirez-Rosa has stepped down from his positions as Mayor Brandon Johnson's floor leader and chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards. The accusations include physical and verbal harassment, as well as abuse of power. Ramirez-Rosa denies the allegations but has apologized for his actions. The City Council may censure him for his behavior.
Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa has resigned from his positions as chairman of the City Council's Zoning Committee and as Mayor Brandon Johnson's Council floor leader following accusations of "manhandling" Alderwoman Emma Mitts. Ramirez-Rosa apologized for his actions and expressed a desire to rebuild trust among his colleagues. The incident has sparked tensions between the Black and Hispanic communities, and Mayor Johnson could not afford to support Ramirez-Rosa. Negotiations to save Ramirez-Rosa's job were unsuccessful, and Johnson has agreed with Ramirez-Rosa's decision to step down. The mayor now needs to find a new floor leader and Zoning chair.
Members of the City Council's Black Caucus in Chicago are calling for Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa to resign from his leadership position after allegedly physically restraining Ald. Emma Mitts during a Council meeting. The Caucus condemned Ramirez-Rosa's actions as "bullying" and highlighted the challenges faced by African-American women in the Council. Ramirez-Rosa, who chairs the Council's Zoning Committee, has not responded to the accusations. The incident underscores racial tensions in the city and comes as Chicago grapples with issues related to immigration and disinvestment in Black communities. The Council is set to meet again on Tuesday.
