A group of aldermanic and mayoral staffers sent a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the City Council Tuesday urging them to support a call for a ceasefire in the Middle East.

While the letter was sent by at least 35 staffers Tuesday, by Wednesday morning 54 staffers from aldermanic offices, the mayor's office and other city departments had signed the letter, according to an email from the group.

County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, pictured in October, declared a local disaster following the flooding in September in parts of Cook County. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

President Joe Biden on Monday approved a disaster declaration for parts of Cook County that experienced severe flash flooding in September, opening additional avenues to receive financial assistance for those affected in addition to existing state and county assistance. 

The City Council approved Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first budget as mayor on Wednesday. [Don Vincent/The Daily Line]

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion budget, his first as mayor, won easy approval from the City Council Wednesday despite concerns from some alderpeople that the $150 million dedicated to addressing the migrant crisis relies too heavily on funding from the state and federal government that is not guaranteed. 

The City Council voted 36-12 on Thursday to expand paid leave for Chicago workers, granting workers five sick days and five paid time off days per year.

Ald. Samantha Nugent (39) oversees the City Council meeting Thursday. [Erin Hegarty/The Daily Line]

A special City Council meeting Thursday where alderpeople were scheduled to consider whether the city should ask voters if Chicago should remain a sanctuary city descended into chaos after the start of the meeting was delayed as proponents worked to ensure enough alderpeople were present to meet quorum.