Chicago political notebook: Will Durbin run for reelection? Where will CPS/CTU negotiations go?
Durbin, originally from downstate Illinois, is the fifth most senior member of the U.S. Senate.
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Durbin, originally from downstate Illinois, is the fifth most senior member of the U.S. Senate.
A new year has begun, but several loose ends still need tying up in the Chicago and Illinois local political scene—from trials to retirements and contracts still being hammered out. Political Reporter Chris Tye reports.
Insiders said talk of a Chicago teachers' strike is not as loud as we've seen in past contract years.
Insiders said talk of a strike is not as loud as we've seen in past contract years. Political Reporter Chris Tye reports.
Despite the school district being on winter break, CPS and CTU bargaining teams have met for 8 of the past 10 days, and still can't finalize a deal.
The finger-pointing has continued in the first few days of 2025, with each side blaming the other for holding up negotiations.
CPS denied doing any such thing—insisting it is bargaining in good faith.
CPS denied doing any such thing—insisting it is bargaining in good faith.
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez accused school board members of "hijacking" negotiations and trying to intimidate his team.
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez accused school board members of "hijacking" negotiations and trying to intimidate his team, and also of huddling with the Chicago Teachers Union rather than CPS. Political Reporter Chris Tye reports.
Martinez's lawyer says he is asking a judge to guarantee that no one can stand in the way of Martinez doing his job while he is still in office.
As it stands, Martinez will be able to stay in his role as CEO for another six months. As Sabrina Franza reports, Martinez's lawyer says he is asking a judge to guarantee that no one—not someone on the Board and not a possible co-CEO—can stand in the way of Martinez doing his job for those six months.
Also in political headlines, three key members of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s inner circle are leaving. Political Reporter Chris Tye reports.
Several City Council members have called the school board's vote to fire Martinez without cause reckless and irresponsible.
Following a 90-minute closed-door session at Friday night's special meeting, the board voted 6-0 to terminate Martinez without cause and ended the meeting without further discussion.
Because Martinez was fired without cause, his contract allows him to stay on the job for another six months, and receive 20 weeks of severance pay.
The school board unanimously voted to provide the funding needed to keep seven Acero charter schools open next year, before transforming five of them into district-run schools starting in the 2026-27 school year.
Santa got an assist from Chicago Public Schools’ Children First Fund to make the holiday happen for the kids from preschool to third grade.
Martinez was at Luther Burbank Elementary, 2035 N. Mobile Ave., as the Special Olympics recognized the school for excellence in inclusive sports programming.
It was business as usual for Martinez on Thursday, as he visited Burbank Elementary as the school was honored by the Special Olympics.
Many, including alderpersons and the members of the incoming elected school board, are denouncing the planned agenda.
Many, including alderpersons and the members of the incoming elected school board, are denouncing the planned agenda. Sara Machi reports.
Chicago Public Schools are in the thick of a new security plan, after removing police officers from schools this school year.
Sean Harden was sworn in as a CPS board member last week.
It was not clear Thursday night whether Sean Harden will be president of the board.
