BIZARRE: 12 | Mind Blowing Facts

Afternoon Edition: New police union contract approved at tense City Council meeting

Plus: Plans for Thompson Center makeover, how the Chinatown Gateway became a Chicago icon and more.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 13, 2023

Police contract approved, arbitrator’s disciplinary ruling rejected at another stormy City Council meeting

Mayor Brandon Johnson was forced to call for a recess after public observers gathered in the third-floor gallery overlooking the City Council chambers banged on the glass and shouted from their seats.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 13, 2023

Brandon Johnson’s Board of Ed looks to move away from school choice, toward neighborhood schools

This would be a radical departure for a school system built around allowing parents to choose where their children attend. But it would be a welcome change for public education advocates.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 13, 2023

No excuse for political horse trading when it comes to crime-ridden West Loop encampment

The murder of a man near the encampment is the latest example of surging crime in the area. The Johnson administration can’t engage in any quid pro quo with public safety at stake.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 9, 2023

Could Bears stay on lakefront? Team researching Soldier Field parking lot for new stadium

The Bears’ decision to have a surveyor examine the South Lot of Soldier Field, as a source confirmed Thursday, is the latest example of the team exploring options for a new stadium outside of Arlington Heights.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 7, 2023

Vacant Catholic schools, even churches, could be used to house migrants

With all the Catholic school and parish consolidations, these buildings could be retrofitted for migrants, a suburban reader writes.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 7, 2023

Split decision for police union: Council committee OKs contract extension, rejects arbitrator’s ruling on cop discipline

Over strong objection from the Fraternal Order of Police and its Council allies, the committee voted to reject an arbitrator’s ruling that would allow officers accused of serious wrongdoing to bypass the Police Board and hold proceedings behind closed doors.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 7, 2023

City scofflaws and debtors, it’s time to pony up

Chicago has amassed more than $6.4 billion in unpaid fees and fines over the last three decades. It won’t be possible to recoup all that money, but city officials should be aggressive about getting what they can.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 7, 2023

Johnson urged to ‘find solutions that work for the airlines’ to salvage O’Hare expansion

Days after announcing his departure from the job growth agency known as World Business Chicago, Michael Fassnacht urged City Hall and the two major carriers to work out their differences on a massive project that started at $8.7 billion but has ballooned to $12.1 billion.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 6, 2023

Who should decide the fate of Chicago’s most serious police misconduct cases?

A City Council panel this week could allow the main union for cops to contest firings and long suspensions behind closed doors.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 6, 2023