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Despite claims they were essentially approving a "hush money" payment to the family of a "coke-fueled" gang-banger, the City Council Finance Committee on Wednesday signed off on a $1.2 million settlement in the death of Heriberto Godinez, who died during an arrest for burglary four years ago.
With recreational marijuana becoming legal on Jan. 1, Cresco Labs, owners of MedMar Lakeview, are seeking to build a new dispensary at 3524 N. Clark St. so it can expand its current operations.
The settlements include a $1.2 million payment to the family of a man who died in police custody and a $125,000 payment to a witness to the Laquan McDonald shooting.
Proposed settlements in four more lawsuits accusing police officers of misconduct will put taxpayers on the hook for nearly $3.5 million, including two wrongful death lawsuits on tap before the City Council Finance Committee next week.
"We are surrounded by impropriety; at the state level, at the county level, and in this body," Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) said.
Despite opposition from many progressive aldermen that her spending plan does not include more taxes on the wealthy, the City Council approved the mayor's $11.65 billion budget plan by a 39-11 vote on Tuesday.
Lightfoot was able to close an $838 million budget shortfall without a major property tax hike, though some of her revenue projections remain uncertain.
As her 2020 budget plan moved one step closer to final approval on Wednesday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot shrugged off criticism that it relies in part on federal funding that remains uncertain.
"We have seen actually four different proposals from Uber, all of which have been extremely questionable," Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Rosa Escareno said.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot's budget plan for 2020 cleared its first hurdle on Monday, including her plan to raise the city's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021, on a unanimous vote by the City Council Budget Committee.
With recreational marijuana becoming legal in Illinois next year, Mayor Lori Lightfoot is moving to end the city's practice of impounding cars found with pot inside, and to reduce the fines for using marijuana in public.
A handful of aldermen suggested the department instead should be considering an increase in the community policing budget, given its focus on improving its relationship with the community.
Calling himself "a Chicago guy through and through," Johnson said he's been proud to serve as a police officer on the same streets where he grew up.
"I think this is a historical opportunity, and it's a great opportunity for the city of Chicago," Ald. David Moore (17th) said.
The ordinance setting limits on where recreational marijuana businesses can operate in the city passed by a 40-10 vote.
Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Illinois next year, but on Tuesday, what seemed like a routine City Council Zoning Committee vote was suddenly blocked when the Black Caucus demanded a closed-door meeting.
The new facility will feature office space for Blue Cross employees and a community health center.
The ordinance would exempt the spouses of fallen police officers, firefighters, and paramedics from paying the city's portion of their property tax bills -- usually 20% to 25% of the total due.
In both cases, city attorneys conceded that officers had no legitimate reason to break into the victims' homes.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot noted Cook County leads the nation in Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, with many of those cases tied to unpaid debt to the city.
The city also would prohibit marijuana sales within any designated residential zoning district, any building with a residential unit, or within 500 feet of a school.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot says the city of Chicago is stepping up efforts to prevent kids from vaping, amid a growing number of deaths and serious illnesses nationwide connected to electronic cigarette use.
The Chicago City Council on Wednesday officially designated the rainbow pylons and Legacy Walk on the Boystown strip of North Halsted Street as a landmark.
"Oh, back again," Lightfoot whispered from her seat on the dais in the City Council chamber. "This is this FOP clown."
Ald. Carrie Austin (34th) has been scarce since the raid by FBI agents on her ward office. She even canceled a town hall meeting set for Thursday night in her ward.
Burglars targeted three businesses on the same street of Chicago's Southwest Side within minutes of each other early Tuesday morning.
Police said the driver was shot in the head, causing his car to crash into a building and then a parked car.
An over 11% increase compared to last Thanksgiving is expected at O'Hare Airport.
Tuesday's temperatures will drop from the 20s to 30s with breezy northwest winds, prompting wind chill values in the teens.
Walmart is rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of major corporations doing the same after coming under attack by conservative activists.
Walmart is rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of major corporations doing the same after coming under attack by conservative activists.
While Henyard had no trouble getting into the giving spirit, there is something she simply can't get going — a trustee meeting. Some trustees are deliberately denying her a quorum.
Johnson had planned to eliminate dozens of positions in charge of overseeing the reforms in order to cuts costs from the city budget.
In the poll, a total of 800 Chicagoans were asked a dozen questions about city leadership, finances, and ways to balance the budget.
Madigan is facing a slew of charges—including racketeering, conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud.
So far, despite several requests, the woman has not been able to get a hold of her medical records to send to her new doctors.
Those in the industry who spoke to CBS News Chicago said their margins are already so slim that an increased liquor tax could drive business owners to close their doors.
Robin McElroy said she loves everything about her Morgan Park home—except for the panic-inducing surprises she has been getting in the mail about her supposedly unpaid taxes.
Scammers often get financial information and personal details, or lure in veterans with videos that claim they can win lots of money,
It's the season of giving, but if you're not careful with finances, you could be getting a hefty bill at the end of the holiday season.
Annesley Clark and Christine Corso were determined to say their vows before it was too late. So when Clark's nurses at Northwestern Medicine heard the couple's story, they jumped right into action.
Little Penelope Lo Destro's parents were about to start their family when there was a terrible diagnosis.
Lattes and other espresso-based drinks may not be available at some McDonald's restaurants due to a glitch with coffee machines.
The FDA sent a warning letter flagging "significant violations" of manufacturing regulations for Tom's of Maine toothpaste.
The 65-year-old actor and stand-up comedian, best known for portraying Joey Gladstone on "Full House," said he first noticed symptoms in October.
The team says it is still focusing on a new stadium in the city of Chicago.
Owner Ricky Burns made a big dream come true in the tiny space on Western Avenue in West Ridge.
Those in the industry who spoke to CBS News Chicago said their margins are already so slim that an increased liquor tax could drive business owners to close their doors.
The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation is working to create everlasting change—and has a vision specifically for the commercial corridor at 115th and Halsted streets.
Wonder Group, a New York-based food ordering company that touts "fast fine" dining, is set to be Grubhub's new owner.
The 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist's new album features 12 songs.
The British pop star is bringing her Brat 2025 arena tour to the Allstate Arena on April 28 at 7 p.m
Ravyn Lenae, a rising R&B star from the South Side of Chicago, is among the artists announced Wednesday for the popular California desert music festival.
Speaking to American Theatre in 2018, Vire said he arrived in Chicago as a "lapsed actor," and fell into theatre criticism "through the back door."
"America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars," Conan O'Brien said.
According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel over Thanksgiving. AAA said close to 6 million people will fly domestically this Thanksgiving. Chicago's O'Hare Airport is expecting a huge surge in passenger traffic. An over 11% increase compared to last Thanksgiving is expected.
According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel over Thanksgiving. AAA said close to 6 million people will fly domestically this Thanksgiving. Chicago's O'Hare Airport is expecting a huge surge in passenger traffic. An over 11% increase compared to last Thanksgiving is expected.
Meteorologist Laura Bannon has the extended forecast.
The Bears have been focusing their plans on a new stadium in the city of Chicago for some time now, but they have also just reached a deal with the Village of Arlington Heights on property taxes for the old Arlington International Racecourse property. Charlie De Mar reports.
Scott is giving $15 million to the Community Investment Corporation, a nonprofit lender that helps buy, rehab, and preserve affordable rental housing.
Police said the driver was shot in the head, causing his car to crash into a building and then a parked car.
An over 11% increase compared to last Thanksgiving is expected at O'Hare Airport.
The team says it is still focusing on a new stadium in the city of Chicago.
While Henyard had not trouble getting into the giving spirit, there is something she simply can't get going—a trustee meeting. Some trustees are deliberately denying her a quorum.
Burglars targeted three businesses on the same street of Chicago's Southwest Side within minutes of each other early Tuesday morning.
Police are already looking ahead to the Thanksgiving Day Parade later this week.
The 29-person team will advise the prosecutor's office on everything from handling gun violence cases to wrongful convictions to public corruption.
Cook Cook State's Attorney Kim Foxx sat down with CBS News Chicago to reflect on her legacy after eight years in office.
A judge released Constantin Beldie on electronic monitoring in October, after he allegedly beat and tried to kidnap his estranged wife. He's now accused of killing her weeks later.
So far, despite several requests, the woman has not been able to get a hold of her medical records to send to her new doctors.
Louisville transfer Tre White also scored 16 points and Will Riley added 13 for Illinois (5-1).
The team says it is still focusing on a new stadium in the city of Chicago.
It was the second championship for the second-seeded Wildcats (23-1-0), who have played for the title in four straight seasons.
Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight.
Pippen, playing in the arena where his Hall of Fame father's retired number hangs, had 26 points in the first three quarters for Memphis, which has won three of its last four.
Burglars targeted three businesses on the same street of Chicago's Southwest Side within minutes of each other early Tuesday morning.
Police are already looking ahead to the Thanksgiving Day Parade later this week.
Investigation into each of the shootings remains under investigation.
Video obtained by CBS News Chicago shows the 19-year-old being transported on a stretcher out of the department store.
The shooting happened as crowds were packing downtown for the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza.
