Heather Cherone
@heathercherone.bsky.social
Senior Chicago politics reporter for @wttw.bsky.social News
Pinned
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Now just four hundred and twelve (412) days
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Now just four hundred and twelve (412) days
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Fun fact: There are four hundred and thirteen (413) days until the next mayoral election in Chicago, set for Feb. 23, 2027.
a cartoon of wendy from peter pan with the words internally screaming below her
ALT: a cartoon of wendy from peter pan with the words internally screaming below her
media.tenor.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:36 PM
<internal screaming intensifies>
Now just four hundred and twelve (412) days
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Now just four hundred and twelve (412) days
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“I am bracing for what could be midyear layoffs,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “We warned people.” @wttw.bsky.social
Johnson Says He Is ‘Bracing for What Could Be Midyear Layoffs’
Mayor Brandon Johnson warned again on Wednesday that the Chicago City Council may have to make emergency cuts if revenue baked into the city’s 2026 spending plan fails to materialize.
news.wttw.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:30 PM
“I am bracing for what could be midyear layoffs,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “We warned people.” @wttw.bsky.social
FULL STORY: A key City Council panel advanced a proposal on Wednesday that is designed to expand the Chicago Police Department’s power to impose a curfew with at least 12 hours’ notice in an effort to stop large gatherings of teens. @wttw.bsky.social
Key City Panel Advances Plan to Expand CPD’s Curfew Power in Effort to Stop Teen Gatherings
A final vote on the proposal by the full City Council could come as soon as Jan. 21.
news.wttw.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:11 PM
FULL STORY: A key City Council panel advanced a proposal on Wednesday that is designed to expand the Chicago Police Department’s power to impose a curfew with at least 12 hours’ notice in an effort to stop large gatherings of teens. @wttw.bsky.social
BREAKING: The Chicago City Council's Public Safety Committee voted 10-4 to advance a proposal to expand the Chicago Police Department’s power to impose a curfew with at least 12 hours’ notice. @wttw.bsky.social
Push to Expand CPD’s Curfew Power Not Necessary, Johnson Says
“I think New Year’s Eve was a testament that we did not need an additional tool in order to ensure that our young people were where they need to be and that our parents and adults who are part of thes...
news.wttw.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:19 PM
BREAKING: The Chicago City Council's Public Safety Committee voted 10-4 to advance a proposal to expand the Chicago Police Department’s power to impose a curfew with at least 12 hours’ notice. @wttw.bsky.social
“Navigating this unimaginable legal process and all the costs — emotional and financial —that come with it, have made running for office much more difficult,” Cat Sharp wrote to supporters, announcing her decision to drop her bid for the Cook County Board of Commissioners. @wttw.bsky.social
Charged With ‘Impeding’ Federal Agent at Broadview ICE Facility, Cook County Board Candidate Drops Out
Catherine “Cat” Sharp said she was ending her bid to represent Cook County’s 12th District on the Board of Commissioners in order to “focus on winning the legal battle against the Trump administration...
news.wttw.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:41 PM
“Navigating this unimaginable legal process and all the costs — emotional and financial —that come with it, have made running for office much more difficult,” Cat Sharp wrote to supporters, announcing her decision to drop her bid for the Cook County Board of Commissioners. @wttw.bsky.social
Reposted by Heather Cherone
CPS OIG: Chicago Public Schools had to pay back nearly $1.2 million to the U.S. Department of Education after an employee repeatedly falsified data on federal grant applications over the course of multiple years.
CPS Paid Back $1.2M to US Department of Education After Years of Falsified Grant Applications, Watchdog Finds
Those findings were included in an annual report published Wednesday by the school district’s Office of Inspector General, which is tasked with investigating allegations of CPS employee misconduct.
news.wttw.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:18 PM
CPS OIG: Chicago Public Schools had to pay back nearly $1.2 million to the U.S. Department of Education after an employee repeatedly falsified data on federal grant applications over the course of multiple years.
“I think New Year’s Eve was a testament that we did not need an additional tool in order to ensure that our young people were where they need to be,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. @wttw.bsky.social
Push to Expand CPD’s Curfew Power Not Necessary, Johnson Says
“I think New Year’s Eve was a testament that we did not need an additional tool in order to ensure that our young people were where they need to be and that our parents and adults who are part of thes...
news.wttw.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:37 PM
“I think New Year’s Eve was a testament that we did not need an additional tool in order to ensure that our young people were where they need to be,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. @wttw.bsky.social
NEW: The city of Chicago spent $250.8M on overtime for members of the Chicago Police Department during 2025 — 151% more than the Chicago City Council set aside for police overtime as part of the city’s annual budget, according to records published by the city’s watchdog. @wttw.bsky.social
Chicago Spent $250.8M on Police Overtime in 2025, 151% More Than Its Annual Overtime Budget: Watchdog
The city of Chicago spent $250.8 million on overtime for members of the Chicago Police Department during 2025 — 151% more than the Chicago City Council set aside for police overtime as part of the cit...
news.wttw.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:14 PM
NEW: The city of Chicago spent $250.8M on overtime for members of the Chicago Police Department during 2025 — 151% more than the Chicago City Council set aside for police overtime as part of the city’s annual budget, according to records published by the city’s watchdog. @wttw.bsky.social
Fun fact: There are four hundred and thirteen (413) days until the next mayoral election in Chicago, set for Feb. 23, 2027.
a cartoon of wendy from peter pan with the words internally screaming below her
ALT: a cartoon of wendy from peter pan with the words internally screaming below her
media.tenor.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Fun fact: There are four hundred and thirteen (413) days until the next mayoral election in Chicago, set for Feb. 23, 2027.
NEW: A key City Council panel is set to vote Wednesday on two proposals designed to stop large gatherings of teens by expanding the CPD’s power to impose a curfew with at least 12 hours’ notice and to crack down on social media platforms used to promote the events. @wttw.bsky.social
Votes Set on Push to Expand CPD’s Curfew Power, Social Media Crack Down in Effort to Stop Teen Gatherings
The proposals, set for a vote at the 10 a.m. Wednesday meeting of the Public Safety Committee, were prompted by the killing of 14-year-old Armani Floyd on Nov. 21 during a large gathering downtown aft...
news.wttw.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:20 PM
NEW: A key City Council panel is set to vote Wednesday on two proposals designed to stop large gatherings of teens by expanding the CPD’s power to impose a curfew with at least 12 hours’ notice and to crack down on social media platforms used to promote the events. @wttw.bsky.social
Reposted by Heather Cherone
What are you most looking forward to in Chicago in 2026?
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan. Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan. Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
January 5, 2026 at 7:51 PM
What are you most looking forward to in Chicago in 2026?
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan. Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan. Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
Chicago police officers used force against members of the public 1,645 times during the first six months of 2025, an increase of nearly 10% as compared with the first half of 2024, according to Chicago Police Department data published Tuesday. @wttw.bsky.social
The Number of Times CPD Officers Used Force Against People Increased 10% During 1st Half of 2025: Data
The report published by the Chicago Police Department acknowledges that the number of times officers used force against members of the public “continues to trend upward.”
news.wttw.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Chicago police officers used force against members of the public 1,645 times during the first six months of 2025, an increase of nearly 10% as compared with the first half of 2024, according to Chicago Police Department data published Tuesday. @wttw.bsky.social
Reposted by Heather Cherone
Chicagoans will get a small break on their grocery bills but will be forced to pony up to cover a host of tax and fee hikes as part of the new budget that goes into effect tomorrow.
Here's a look at what's included. https://to.wttw.com/4q1LibL
Here's a look at what's included. https://to.wttw.com/4q1LibL
Chicago’s 2026 Budget Takes Effect, Forcing Chicagoans to Pay More for Shopping Bags, Uber Rides, Booze, Online Gaming — But Grocery Tax Eliminated
Chicagoans will get a small break on their grocery bills but be forced to pony up to cover a host of tax and fee hikes that a deeply divided Chicago City Council approved to fill a massive budget shor...
to.wttw.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Chicagoans will get a small break on their grocery bills but will be forced to pony up to cover a host of tax and fee hikes as part of the new budget that goes into effect tomorrow.
Here's a look at what's included. https://to.wttw.com/4q1LibL
Here's a look at what's included. https://to.wttw.com/4q1LibL
An absolute must read to kick off your 2026:
“Icing up terribly, can you help me sir?”
That was the pilot’s final transmission before a plane crashed into a Chicago home in 1963. On the anniversary, this is the story of loss, survival and tragedy I first learned about at my summer block party.
That was the pilot’s final transmission before a plane crashed into a Chicago home in 1963. On the anniversary, this is the story of loss, survival and tragedy I first learned about at my summer block party.
‘Icing Up Terribly’: The Tragic 1963 Flight That Crashed Into a Chicago Home
On an icy January evening in 1963, a Cessna returning from Florida crashed into a brick ranch home across from Luther North High School in Portage Park. Four people were killed, including the pilot’s ...
news.wttw.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:09 PM
An absolute must read to kick off your 2026:
When graphic design is your passion
January 1, 2026 at 1:17 AM
When graphic design is your passion
Reposted by Heather Cherone
What part of Chicago would you like to explore in the new year?
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan.
Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan.
Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
December 30, 2025 at 5:45 PM
What part of Chicago would you like to explore in the new year?
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan.
Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan.
Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
Chicago is ready for the national spotlight on New Year’s Eve —but Chicago Police officers will be prepared to enforce Chicago’s curfew, which starts at 10 p.m. and applies to everyone 17 years old and younger, the mayor and the city's top cop said. @wttw.bsky.social
Chicago Ready for High-Profile New Year’s Eve Celebration: Mayor, Top Cop
The festivities will take place along the Chicago Riverwalk at Wacker Drive from Wells Street to Lake Street, with a main stage located at Wacker and Franklin, officials said.
news.wttw.com
December 30, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Chicago is ready for the national spotlight on New Year’s Eve —but Chicago Police officers will be prepared to enforce Chicago’s curfew, which starts at 10 p.m. and applies to everyone 17 years old and younger, the mayor and the city's top cop said. @wttw.bsky.social
Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his “full and complete endorsement” on Monday to a push to name one of Chicago’s snowplows “Abolish ICE,” clearly linking the humorous pun to efforts to oppose President Donald Trump’s mass deportation effort. @wttw.bsky.social
Mayor Johnson Backs ‘Abolish ICE’ to Win Annual Snowplow Naming Contest
Previous winners include “Mrs. O’Leary’s Plow,” “Casimir Plowaski” and “Snower Wacker.”
news.wttw.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his “full and complete endorsement” on Monday to a push to name one of Chicago’s snowplows “Abolish ICE,” clearly linking the humorous pun to efforts to oppose President Donald Trump’s mass deportation effort. @wttw.bsky.social
NEW: A steep drop in homicides in the 12 South and West side neighborhoods that had ShotSpotter sensors lasted a full year after Mayor Brandon Johnson scrapped the city’s controversial gunshot detection system, an updated analysis of Chicago crime data shows. @wttw.bsky.social
Steep Drop in Homicides Continued for Full Year After ShotSpotter Was Removed: Analysis
Supporters of the gunshot detection system said it helped officers save lives when shootings were not reported to emergency services. ShotSpotter was never used to dispatch paramedics.
news.wttw.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:15 PM
NEW: A steep drop in homicides in the 12 South and West side neighborhoods that had ShotSpotter sensors lasted a full year after Mayor Brandon Johnson scrapped the city’s controversial gunshot detection system, an updated analysis of Chicago crime data shows. @wttw.bsky.social
NEW: Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Tuesday designed to prevent the Chicago Police Department from spending unlimited sums of taxpayer money on overtime after the Chicago City Council declined to approve his crackdown. @wttw.bsky.social
After City Council Rejects Effort to Crack Down on CPD Overtime, Johnson Imposes New Limits
The city budget, which will take effect Jan. 1, will double CPD’s overtime budget from $100 million to $200 million, the first increase since 2020, when the budget for police overtime went from $95 mi...
news.wttw.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:26 PM
NEW: Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Tuesday designed to prevent the Chicago Police Department from spending unlimited sums of taxpayer money on overtime after the Chicago City Council declined to approve his crackdown. @wttw.bsky.social
.@mayorofchicago.bsky.social: “This decision doesn't just protect Chicago—but protect cities around the country who have been threatened by Trump's campaign against immigrants and Democratic-led cities."
.@govpritzker.illinois.gov: “Today is a big win for Illinois and American democracy. This is an important step in curbing the Trump Administration's consistent abuse of power and slowing Trump’s march toward authoritarianism."
FULL STORY: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown. @wttw.bsky.social
December 23, 2025 at 9:48 PM
.@mayorofchicago.bsky.social: “This decision doesn't just protect Chicago—but protect cities around the country who have been threatened by Trump's campaign against immigrants and Democratic-led cities."
.@govpritzker.illinois.gov: “Today is a big win for Illinois and American democracy. This is an important step in curbing the Trump Administration's consistent abuse of power and slowing Trump’s march toward authoritarianism."
FULL STORY: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown. @wttw.bsky.social
Supreme Court Upholds Block of Trump’s National Guard Deployment in the Chicago Area, For Now
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area to support its immigration crackdown.
to.wttw.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:21 PM
.@govpritzker.illinois.gov: “Today is a big win for Illinois and American democracy. This is an important step in curbing the Trump Administration's consistent abuse of power and slowing Trump’s march toward authoritarianism."