Renderings of the 1901 Project show an elevated pedestrian plaza and park space outside the United Center. [RIOS]

Mayor Brandon Johnson is backing a nearly $55 million tax break for the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar mixed-use project planned for the area surrounding the United Center. 

Comm. George Cardenas (D-1) and political consultant Liz Nicholson prevailed in the Democratic primary for Board of Review last week. [Provided]

One of two incumbents on the Cook County Board of Review prevailed at the ballot box last week, with one commissioner that’s been the subject of multiple scandals ousted by voters.

Renderings of the proposed apartment development at 1415 N. Dayton St. [Chicago Department of Planning and Development]

The Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday approved new housing developments on the Near North Side and in Fulton Market and approved the absorption of two new properties into an existing planned development in Hyde Park.

Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26) is pictured during a City Council meeting in October 2023. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

After being delayed last month, the City Council on Wednesday approved an ordinance (O2025-0020004) enabling the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) to formally investigate alleged violations of Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance by police.  

“This is a common-sense measure that will maintain the trust that we have built between law enforcement and the community, especially our immigrant communities,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said of the ordinance at a news conference after the meeting.  

While the item passed via voice vote, it occurred after some discussion among alderpeople and after a failed attempt to send it back to committee.

The City Council meets on Dec. 16, 2024. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line] 

The City Council on Wednesday approved the creation of a new local taxing district meant to spur increased tourism and large events, two major mayoral appointments, millions of dollars of city financial assistance for various park, school and housing projects, a measure creating a group to study a citywide proactive apartment inspection policy, changes to the city’s animal cruelty code and a massive legal settlement to the family of a woman killed by suspects fleeing police.

Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at a press conference at City Hall on Jan. 15, 2025. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council on Wednesday voted to freeze the city’s tipped wage escalator, reversing an ordinance put in place almost three years ago, but Mayor Brandon Johnson has vowed to veto it.

Lyons Township Assessor Pat Hynes and County Board President Toni Preckwinkle won the Democratic nominations Tuesday in their respective primary races. 

Just one of two top incumbents prevailed in competitive Cook County Democratic Party primary elections Tuesday night. Board President Toni Preckwinkle secured a fifth term as county executive, but Assessor Fritz Kaegi failed to secure a third term, falling behind a challenger who had the backing of the county party.

Cook County Comms. Bridget Gainer (D-10) and Frank Aguilar (D-16) both lost their bids for reelection Tuesday against primary challengers. [Provided]

With four open races and the defeat of two incumbents Tuesday, the 17-member Cook County Board of Commissioners will have at least six new members next term, according to unofficial election results from the Cook County Clerk's Office and Chicago Board of Elections. 

Ald. Samantha Nugent (39), president pro tempore of the City Council, is pictured at a council meeting on Nov. 15, 2023. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council on Wednesday will consider two major mayoral appointments, millions of dollars of city financial assistance for various park, school and housing projects, a measure creating a group to study a citywide proactive apartment inspection policy, changes to the city’s animal cruelty code and a massive legal settlement to the family of a woman killed by suspects fleeing police. 

Alderpeople will also take up a measure to allow one of the city’s police oversight agencies to investigate allegations of Chicago police collaborating with federal immigration authorities, which was deferred last month, and a group of council members will attempt to pass a measure freezing the tipped wage escalator. The council will meet at 10 a.m.

From left, Board of Ethics appointees Esther Nieves and Bob Glaves face the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight on March 16, 2026. [Livestream]

Two appointments to the seven-member Board of Ethics were approved by the City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight Monday but not without a plea from the committee chair for the mayor’s office to address persistent lengthy vacancies on the board.

A rendering shows the first phase of the Morgan Park Commons project. [Chicago Department of Planning and Development]

The City Council Committee on Finance on Friday approved a $27 million settlement to the family of a woman killed as the result of a high-speed police chase, multiple allocations of tax increment financing (TIF) funds for parks and school projects and new financial assistance for several housing developments.

Acting COPA Chief Administrator LaKenya White has been nominated to lead the agency on a permanent basis. [City of Chicago]

The City Council Committee on Police and Fire on Friday advanced the nomination of the person proposed to lead the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) on a permanent basis, just over a year after the last leader departed. 

Her appointment will go before the full council this Wednesday.

Ald. Nick Sposato (38), chair of the Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation, is pictured during a City Council meeting on October 11, 2023. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation on Friday approved multiple expenditures of Open Space Impact Fee funding to various sports fields and outdoor recreation projects at local schools.

Sam Barth, left, supervising attorney at the Law Center for Better Housing, speaks to the Committee on Housing and Real Estate on March 12, 2026. [Livestream]

The City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate on Thursday approved a measure to explore launching a city program to proactively inspect rental housing, an appointment to the Low-Income Housing Trust board and a lease renewal for city office space.

Chicago City Hall is pictured. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

The City Council Committee on Finance on Friday will consider multiple new allocations of tax increment financing (TIF) dollars and a large legal settlement resulting from a police chase. The finance committee will meet at 10 a.m. in council chambers.