EXPLAINED: 10 | Vintage Vibes

‘Stickler’ defense? Opening statements wrap in Burke trial, feds begin calling witnesses

Prosecutors kicked off their case with Elmhurst University political science professor Constance Mixon, who began to explain Chicago city government to the jury.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 17, 2023

Ed Burke’s corruption trial to shift into high gear, jury seated, opening statements to begin soon

U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall, prosecutors and defense attorneys have chosen 12 jurors at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse who will hear evidence that was used in 2019 to level criminal charges against Burke in a push against old-school, Chicago-style corruption.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 16, 2023

Mayor Johnson gets a green light on budget, but kicks the fiscal can down the road on migrant spending

With the city spending $40 million a month on the migrant emergency and no assurance of more state or federal aid, the long-term financial impact of Johnson’s budget is still very much up in the air.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 16, 2023

Ramirez-Rosa narrowly escapes City Council censure — with help from mayor and Ald. Mitts

Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the tie-breaking vote against censure of his former floor leader, accused of “manhandling” Ald. Emma Mitts while trying to prevent her entrance to Council chambers.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum to reduce homelessness through tax on high-end property sales clears City Council

Tuesday’s 32-17 vote is a major political victory for Mayor Brandon Johnson. Next comes a battle between Johnson’s progressive coalition and the business community and real estate industry.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

Shouts, tears, boos from crowd force recess of City Council committee meeting during heated migrant debate

Several people in the gallery were escorted out by security after an observer singled them out as supporters of welcoming migrants. Later, the full Council voted to accept donated land at 115th and Halsted streets that will become the temporary site of a winterized tent camp for migrant.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

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

Ed Burke corruption trial off to slow start as once powerful politician faces those who may decide his fate

Burke wore a gray suit and tie with an American flag pin on his lapel. From time to time he could be seen reviewing paperwork, including questionnaires filled out by the potential jurors. But he mostly seemed to be taking it all in.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 7, 2023

Carlos Ramirez-Rosa resigns as Zoning chair and mayor’s City Council floor leader

On Friday, Ramirez-Rosa was frantically trying to persuade alderpersons not to enter the Council chambers to prevent Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) and Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) from reaching a quorum they needed to continue a specal Council meeting.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 6, 2023

Black City Council members call for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ‘bullying’ floor leader to give up post

The Black Caucus, which includes 20 of the Council’s 50 members, issued a statement condemning what they termed “bullying” by Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) against Caucus member Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), the longest serving woman in the chamber.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 4, 2023