The Latest Breaking News from Joe Ferguson

When the 50-member Council meets again in September, it’ll be to begin the possibly contentious process of tackling Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first city budget.

The reforms championed by Ethics Chair Matt Martin (47th) would limit the inspector general to two four-year terms — with firm timelines for picking a replacement and a demand for written explanations if those deadlines are not met.

Over the years, the Civic Federation has repeatedly advocated for cutting the 50-member City Council in half, only to have alderpersons protect their fiefdoms.

Ald. Matt Martin’s plan also sets timelines to avoid watchdog post remaining vacant for long periods.

The criticism came after the alderpersons signed a letter expressing “disappointment and dismay” that the panel leading the search didn’t give a follow-up interview to the Chicago Police Department’s patrol chief.

The needless, tragic murder of Laquan McDonald, a Black teen, by a white Chicago police officer in 2014 put the city’s Police Department, and the need to reform it, in the national spotlight. McDonald’s death was a driving force behind the federally mandated consent decree that requires the Chicago Police…

By a 41-9 vote, Mayor Brandon Johnson reshaped the City Council in his progressive image.

If the new zoning chair and Council floor leader is more pragmatic than some of his critics expect, it could be a positive step for progressive politics in Chicago and developers.

The convictions could affect the bribery trial next year of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and could spark ethics reforms and questions about how politicians are lobbied.