The City of Chicago’s Committee on Public Safety advanced a bill this month that would increase trespassing fines to between $250 and $1,000, up from between $100 and $500. The amendment to the current trespassing ordinance will now be discussed at the next full city council meeting scheduled for late September.

The ordinance, sponsored by Ald. Ronnie Mosley (21) is intended to take aim at squatters, but also can be used against those who trespass at other places. In the July 24 committee meeting, Mosley said it is aimed at someone who “is not only trespassing but is trying to conceal the fact by using forged documents or simply lying about their identity.”

Chicago alderpeople called for more aggressive action to oppose federal immigration activities in Chicago during a committee meeting Thursday, arguing the Trump administration is violating due process rights with detainments and deportations.

The upcoming selection of Zoning chair is setting up a proxy battle between the City Council’s Black and Latino caucuses, both who believe the coveted position should go to one of their members.

Mayor Brandon Johnson will be tasked with selecting his third zoning chair in August because of the departure of 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett. While the heads of the Black and Latino caucuses believe the spot should go to one of its members, vice chair Ald. Bennett Lawson, 44th, who is white, has also indicated he wants the job.

Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen has announced that she will not seek a third term in 2027, opening a third spot on the County Board. Degnan, joins Commissioners Kevin Morrison and Donna Miller in deciding not to run for reelection to the board.

Chicago alderpersons weighed the benefits of legalizing video gaming terminals (VGTs) for gambling in city limits during a meeting Monday and considered other proposals for bringing in more city tax dollars.

While most of the media attention for who will replace Walter Burnett at the end of the month when the longtime 27th Ward Alderman steps down has been on his son, who he is pushing to be appointed, a longtime resident who ran against Burnett in 2019 wants Mayor Brandon Johnson to consider her for the upcoming vacancy.

The Cook County Democratic Party endorsed Lyons Township Assessor Patrick Hynes for Cook County Assessor, backing him over incumbent Democrat Fritz Kaegi and setting up a primary fight for the city’s top property tax official.

A coalition of Chicago alderpeople and advocacy groups unveiled a sweeping "Senior Tenants Bill of Rights" on Wednesday, aiming to address widespread complaints of neglect in housing for residents aged 60 and older. The ordinance (O2025-0018701), spearheaded by Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20), would impose strict new requirements on landlords and revive a standalone Department on Aging, separating it from the Department of Family and Support Services for the first time since 2011.

A proposal to legalize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) citywide without requiring zoning changes was “deferred and published” during Wednesday’s City Council meeting, delaying a final vote until at least September.

A compromise ordinance (O2025-0016750) from Ald. Bennet Lawson (44) was scheduled for a vote after the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards approved the ordinance Tuesday, but opponents Ald. Marty Quinn (13) and Ald. Greg Mitchell (7) successfully moved to stall the measure.

The City Council meets June 18. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council on Wednesday could give final approval to proposed changes to a city program that sells vacant lots for cheap to develop homes, a resolution urging federal financial support for a local technical and trade school, a new comptroller appointment and a safe youth transportation pilot program in Austin.

Additionally, a South Side alderperson plans a second attempt to get the council to vote to remove a rule that allows alderpeople to participate and vote at meetings virtually. The council will meet at 10 a.m.

Ald. Bennett Lawson (44) speaks during a City Council meeting on March 12, 2025. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council on Wednesday could give final approval to an ordinance legalizing the establishment of coach houses and attic and basement conversion units citywide after an ordinance was approved 13-7 by the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards Tuesday.

Finance Committee Chair Pat Dowell (3) is pictured at a City Council meeting on June 12, 2024. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council Committee on Finance on Monday approved city financial assistance for several projects, the appointment of a new comptroller and multiple million-dollar settlements but narrowly rejected an effort to require a supermajority of the council to approve new debt issuance.

Ald. Matt Martin (47) is pictured during a City Council meeting on Oct. 9, 2024. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council’s ethics committee on Monday approved a revised version of a measure aimed at addressing concerns about alleged Department of Law interference in Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigations as well as the department’s alleged lack of cooperation with some investigations.

Ald. Marty Quinn (13) is pictured during a City Council meeting on January 15, 2025. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council Committee on Finance on Monday will consider the mayor’s appointment for city comptroller, multiple legal settlements, disbursements of city financial assistance and an ordinance giving the City Council greater say over bond issuances. 

The finance committee will meet at 10 a.m. in council chambers.

Ethics Chair Matt Martin is pictured at a City Council meeting on Oct. 9, 2024. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

This story was updated at 8:50 a.m. to reflect developments over the weekend.

Following an agreement struck over the weekend with the city's law department, the City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight on Monday will consider a new version of a proposal aimed at addressing concerns about alleged Department of Law interference in Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigations as well as the department’s alleged lack of cooperation with some investigations.