Midwest
Chicago Teachers Union budgeting millions for ‘political activities,’ according to fiscal report
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The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) appears poised to spend a substantial amount of money on “political activities,” internal documents viewed by Fox News Digital show.
According to CTU’s fiscal report, projecting into June 30, 2026, the union budgeted $3.1 million for “political activities.” In comparison, the union budgeted $152,500 for “training/ workshops,” $260,000 for community events, and $1.2 million for its contract campaign. The largest amount is budgeted for salaries and health insurance.
The Fiscal Year November report, which was obtained by the North American Values Institute (NAVI), was part of a meeting agenda and presentation notes from the CTU House of Delegates meeting held on Jan. 14.
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) appears to spend a substantial amount of money on “political activities,” internal documents obtained by Fox News Digital show. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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“CTU funds are public tax dollars, issued from the paychecks of local and state-funded educators. As a public sector union, its mandate is to represent the professional and bargaining interests of teachers — not to bankroll the political agendas of ideological caucuses. It is time for the State of Illinois to provide rigorous oversight and end the gross misuse of taxpayer resources,” said Josh Weiner, chief strategy officer of NAVI.
The CTU is primarily funded by teachers’ member dues rather than directly by taxpayer dollars. Teachers are employees of Chicago Public Schools, which is funded directly by taxpayers.
The meeting and presentation were politically charged.
During the meeting, Vice President Jackson Potter discussed the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela and Iran and the killing of civilian Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis. “Are you feeling crazy? Cause it is,” a caption says above the slides on the topic.
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Chicago Teachers Union President Stacey Davis Gates delivered an address at the City Club of Chicago on Monday, June 23, 2025. (YouTube Screenshot)
Another slide on the presentation included a flyer titled, “This MLK Day Chicago Resists,” and information about a protest located at Water Tower Park on Jan. 19, demanding on the anniversary of Donald Trump’s inauguration to “abolish ICE,” “stop the wars,” “tax the rich” and “end the genocides.”
This summer, the union plans an “Environmental Justice Freedom School,” a “two-week educational experiential program offered to high school students in the CPS to develop local school climate action plans.”
Neither the Chicago Public Schools nor the Chicago Teachers’ Union responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The union released its list of endorsements on Feb. 5, backing only Democratic candidates in federal and state elections, including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who vows to “stand up to Donald Trump and his MAGA cronies,” in his congressional bid. Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is running for re-election in 2027, was backed by the union in his last mayoral election bid.
The union previously made headlines for supporting social justice initiatives, recently being critical of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement and generally being vocal on political issues.
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The union budgeted $3.1 million for “political activities” for the fiscal year ending in June. (Chicago Teachers’ Union Fiscal Year November Report)
CTU issued a statement accusing the Trump administration of “normalizing terror” and condemning the “teargassing of students and arrest of an educator at Roosevelt High School.”
Earlier this month, CTU faced backlash from The Washington Post for pursuing social justice initiatives in its school district even as student reading and math proficiency continues to decline.
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Detroit, MI
Detroit Zoo welcomes Nguvu the giraffe from Utah
The Detroit Zoo welcomed a new giraffe, Nguvu, to the herd, officials announced on Wednesday.
Officials say 1-year-old Nguvu came from Utah’s Hogle Zoo as part of the zoo’s “long-term plan for the giraffe herd.”
“This move was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Giraffe Species Survival Plan, which promotes the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of giraffe populations in zoos – and we’re eager to support Nguvu as he adjusts to his new home,” the Detroit Zoo says.
Officials say Nguvu has been working with the animal care teams for several days and will be introduced to the herd soon.
According to Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Nguvu was born in February 2025. His name means “strength” in Swahili.
Milwaukee, WI
VIDEO: Celebrating Milwaukee, LIVE at Anodyne (Feat. Dan Shafer, Kristin Brey, Angela Lang and special guests) – Civic Media
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signs gun ban ordinance
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed a new ordinance that carries a ban on assault weapons but won’t take effect unless there are major changes to state law.
Minneapolis gun ban ordinance signed
What we know:
The Minneapolis City Council approved the ordinance during its meeting last week.
The firearm regulations ordinance includes a ban on assault weapons, ghost guns, binary triggers, and high-capacity magazines. The ordinance also includes safe storage provisions for firearms.
Big picture view:
Many of the provisions in the law won’t go into effect unless there is a change in state law. Currently, Minnesota law prevents municipalities from enacting gun regulations.
Minnesota law only allows cities to bar the discharge of firearms within city limits and adopt regulations that are identical to state laws. Any regulations that go beyond state law are voided, according to state statute.
Local perspective:
Action on the gun ordinance was spurred by last year’s shooting at Annunciation Church and School. Two students were killed while attending morning mass at the church and more than two dozen students and parishioners were hurt in the barrage of gunfire.
Last week, parents of Annunciation students spoke out in support of the ordinance at a public hearing.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus threatens lawsuit
The other side:
Last year, St. Paul passed a similar law. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus filed a lawsuit shortly after the ordinance was signed. Arguments were heard last month on the case and a judge has set a trial for next year.
In a statement last week, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said it was evaluating its legal options in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Chair Bryan Strawser said:
“The City of Minneapolis is attempting to make a political statement with an ordinance it has no legal authority to enact. Minnesota law clearly preempts the entire field of firearms regulation, and local governments cannot simply ignore state statute because they dislike the policy outcome.
“If the City Council moves forward with this unlawful ordinance, we will evaluate every available legal option to challenge it, just as we did in Saint Paul.
“The law is not optional, even for Minneapolis.”
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