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Chicago played host to a significant City Council meeting on Wednesday, marking their first gathering of the year. This session was particularly noteworthy as it followed the recent approval of the 2026 budget, setting the stage for a variety of issues to be deliberated by city alders.
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The agenda was packed with topics that have piqued public interest and demanded attention. Among these, Alderman Brian Hopkins’ proposal for a teen curfew stood out as a critical point of discussion. The proposal, if passed, would empower the Chicago police superintendent with the authority to impose a curfew on teenagers citywide. This could be enacted at any location across the city, provided that a minimum of 12 hours’ notice is given beforehand.
This meeting and the decisions made therein are poised to have a significant impact on the city’s governance and community dynamics. As the council navigates these issues, the outcomes could set important precedents for Chicago’s future policy landscape.
Teen Curfew
Alderman Brian Hopkins’ teen curfew proposal was set to be up for a vote.
The ordinance would give the Chicago police superintendent the power to declare a teen curfew anytime, anywhere across the city, with at least a 12 hours’ notice.
Mayor Brandon Johnson blocked an earlier version of the proposal with a rare mayoral veto.
The renewed ordinance comes after 14-year-old Armani Floyd was shot to death in the Loop and eight other teens were hurt following a large teen gathering.
Alderpeople said they have mixed feelings about changing the teen curfew as police see fit.
Sixth Ward Alderman William Hall’s social media ordinance, which would accompany Hopkins’ proposal, was expected to be discussed.
Hall claims his ordinance would push social media companies to enforce anti-violence rules that are already part of their guidelines.
SEE ALSO | City’s meters sold to another private company, Mayor Johnson says
Hemp Sales
Alderman Marty Quinn, who represents the 13th Ward, was expected to call for a vote to prohibit the sale of any hemp-derived cannabis products on any location requiring to be licensed by the city.
Court Settlements totaling $22.8M
The Council also considered court settlements on Wednesday, which total about $22.8 million.
The family of Angel Eduardo Alvarez Montesinos will receive $22 million. They claim police recklessly broke department rules as they pursued a fleeing car that fatally struck the 25-year-old in North Lawndale in 2023.
The city’s insurance will cover $2 million, while taxpayers will pick up the rest.
Thirty-fourth Ward Alderman and Finance Committee Vice Chair Bill Conway noted that the $22 million settlement accounts for roughly 25% of the city’s current annual settlement budget.
The other lawsuit is for $875,000 and involves Tim Anderson and other Black Lives Matter George Floyd protesters who claim that they were beaten by Chicago police.
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