HISTORICAL FACTS: 5 | History Defined

Long to-do list looms for new Mayor Johnson

From assembling a staff and cabinet to speeding up police hiring and devising a plan to stop the usual summer surge of violent crime, the new mayor has his work cut out for him. No wonder so many would-be contenders took a pass.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 5, 2023

Supreme Court rejects appeal from Louisiana man on death row

The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from a Louisiana death row inmate seeking a new sentencing hearing

The Independent UK · Apr 3, 2023

Arrests at historic lows, murders up 50% since last election: Next mayor faces daunting challenges on public safety

Brandon Johnson says he’d hire 200 more detectives while Paul Vallas vows to build the detective ranks to 10% of overall staffing. The next mayor will also have to address the controversial spike in people being stopped for traffic violations.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 31, 2023

With Chicago’s police leadership in flux, a new report on the nation’s law enforcement ‘crisis’ offers a path forward

Public trust in police has eroded, the number of officers has dwindled and crime has risen. So what comes next for a department pushing to comply with sweeping reforms?

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 21, 2023

Limited outreach resources for unhoused CTA riders, a City Council recap and more in your Chicago news roundup

Today’s update is about an eight-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 16, 2023

As Chicago’s embattled top cop exits, search for his replacement marks new civilian panel’s first real test

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability said the incoming mayor won’t have outsized influence in recommending candidates and won’t be able to subvert the selection process.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 15, 2023

Crime is a top issue for Chicago voters. Mayoral candidates Vallas and Johnson offer sharp contrasts to public safety

CHICAGO — The Monday after making it into the Chicago mayoral runoff, Brandon Johnson stood in the heart of the Loop by hulking CTA “L” columns that gleamed with a coat of morning rainfall as sharply dressed commuters hustled down the staircase.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 15, 2023

More Chicago mayoral endorsements: Abortion rights PAC backs Johnson; 3 police union supporters on City Council back Vallas

PAC chief says she doesn’t trust Vallas to support women’s reproductive rights, while 23rd Ward Ald.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 14, 2023

Next police superintendent should have 21st century view of policing

There has been a lot of talk about noncompliance with the court-mandated consent decree, but the truth is that while consent decree compliance is a requirement, it should be the floor and not the ceiling. True reform has to be the goal of the next superintendent.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 12, 2023

Lawyers for man bodyslammed by CPD officer say city hid officer’s disciplinary records

CPD Superintendent David Brown said Officer Jerald Williams use of force against Bernard Kersh in 2019 was “massively excessive,” recommended 135-day suspension.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 10, 2023