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Proposed Chicago police resource cuts could land city in court, top officials warn

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Proposed Chicago police resource cuts could land city in court, top officials warn

Illinois’ Democratic attorney general and a court-appointed monitor are among those warning Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson that his administration’s proposed cuts to police resources may land the crime-wracked city in litigation.

During a status hearing last week, monitor Maggie Hickey told Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer that cuts to the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD’s) Constitutional Policing division could “could be a devastating blow to the future of CPD reforms” under a legally-mandated consent decree, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

State Attorney General Kwame Raoul separately warned Johnson that adopting cuts proposed in his new budget would place Chicago “at significant risk of being held in contempt of court for failing to comply with the consent decree.”

In 2017, then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, then-Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and then-Illinois Democratic Attorney General Lisa Madigan entered into the consent decree after the Justice Department reportedly found evidence of systemic civil rights violations within CPD.

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The Chicago skyline. (Getty)

Verbal warnings for use-of-force and requirements to render first aid were among the other agreed upon terms besides the funding. The decree came after Madigan sued Chicago for oversight of its police department, which effectively mooted a separate plan from then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions — who reportedly opposed consent decrees — according to NBC News.

In his letter to the mayor, Raoul credited Police Superintendent Larry Snelling with working diligently to deliver on the decree’s commitments to the state and the court, and overseeing a simultaneous decrease in gun violence and homicides.

“I am writing to you today because of my grave concern over your proposed budget cuts to the CPD — the deepest of which target units within CPD responsible for implementing the consent decree’s reforms. I strongly urge you to reconsider these proposed cuts,” Raoul wrote in a letter to Johnson obtained by the Sun-Times.

“Now is not the time to undermine the progress the department is making through unwise budget cuts.”

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He told the mayor that while the progress in Chicago may be frustratingly slow, it remains “quiet and steady” through his work in Springfield.

In comments to Fox News Digital, Raoul signaled CPD itself is working in earnest toward the decree’s goals.

“Superintendent Snelling and his leadership team at CPD are building momentum toward effective, constitutional policing and, ultimately, a safer Chicago.”

“I have had positive conversations with the corporation counsel and believe the right leadership team is in place at CPD,” Raoul said.

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Illinois Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

“Now is the time to build on their momentum, not to pull the rug out from under CPD’s progress. Certainly, the city at large is facing budgetary concerns; however, targeting court-ordered reform work for budget cuts is simply not an option.”

Both Snelling and Raoul separately pointed to the police department’s handling of the Democratic National Convention in August as an example of the strides it has made in effective policing.

“We have to make sure the allocation of resources reflects the trends we have seen,” Snelling said.

“As evidenced during the DNC, no matter what challenges we are presented with, we will get the job done with the highest levels of dedication and professionalism,” he said at a City Council meeting on Friday.

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Snelling added that the buck stops with him when it comes to police accountability and that he will not back away from public criticism.

“I don’t fear it,” he said.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. (Reuters/Vincent Alban)

After resources were used to create a robbery task force earlier this year, the number of such crimes has gone down by 1,400 over previous statistics, he added.

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Snelling responded to an alderman’s question by saying he convinced Johnson to reverse one of the cuts: a nine-job bloc for mental health clinicians in precincts currently lacking them.

“The consent decree is extremely important,” CPD Chief Angel Novalez added at the meeting, noting he meets with Pallmeyer and the court monitor’s team on a regular basis.

Johnson’s budget includes a reduction of about 450 police vacancies in areas the Chicago Sun-Times reported would greatly affect the consent decree’s reforms.

Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson’s office, as well as the CPD which referred back to a stream of Snelling’s City Council testimony.

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Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota’s Unsung State Park Unit Is An Idyllic Minneapolis Day Trip To Boat, Fish, And Hike – Islands

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Minnesota’s Unsung State Park Unit Is An Idyllic Minneapolis Day Trip To Boat, Fish, And Hike – Islands






Minnesota is serious about its lakes. Their “Land of 10,000 Lakes” slogan isn’t an exaggeration. In fact, the true count is 11,842, based on their definition of what constitutes a lake, which Wisconsin likes to argue about with them. Regardless of whose definition you use, Minnesota has a lot of lakes to choose from, which means you can still find a little slice of solitary lakeside serenity if you know where to look. One of those places is Greenleaf Lake. 

Idyllic Greenleaf is only about 1.5 hours from Minneapolis, and it’s never crowded — in fact, there’s a good chance you’ll have it all to yourself. Most of the bigger, more popular lakes, like Red Lake, Leech Lake, and Lake Superior’s shoreline, are in Minnesota’s northern half, several hours from the Twin Cities. But there’s no need to wander so far from urban amenities and the well-connected airport, when you can enjoy an idyllic day on Greenleaf Lake instead.

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The state recreation area that protects this beautiful lake started as a grassroots effort to establish a state park within 30 miles of every Minnesotan. After years of work, the agreements, land acquisition, and funding all finally fell into place, and the park was transferred to the state in 2009. Almost 20 years later, the park is still an unassuming and peaceful place for a day trip from Minneapolis for those who don’t need much to enjoy the outdoors.

Enjoying Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area

The first thing to know about Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area is that this park embraces its primitive natural habitat. There are actually two lakes in the park, Greenleaf and Sioux, but there aren’t many facilities here beyond the peaceful, natural surroundings. The park’s entrance and only parking area is at Greenleaf Lake, which has a small boat launch, a fishing pier, and a few picnic tables, all surrounded by trees and vegetation. Enjoy a lazy morning of boating and fishing for panfish, pike, walleye, and largemouth bass on the lake, followed by a delicious picnic lunch while you read away the afternoon with only the birds to keep you company. Minnesota may be known for having some of the friendliest people in America, but you’re unlikely to run into more than a handful here. Quiet solitude awaits at this park.

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The park’s one hiking trail begins at the parking area and winds just a mile through an open field and into a small forest south of Greenleaf Lake, before you’ll have to turn around and return the way you came. Bring insect-repellent clothes and spray to protect your skin, as bugs can be overwhelming in the warm seasons, and ticks are always a possibility in the woods. One Google reviewer described the trail as unwalkable due to the bugs. The rest of the park, including Sioux Lake, isn’t easily accessible. Most visitors won’t ever see Sioux Lake because there are no trails to it. 

The lack of park facilities has turned off some visitors and contributed to some poor reviews on Tripadvisor. The people that leave Greenleaf Lake five-star reviews on Google are the ones that just enjoy being out in nature. If you prefer a Minnesota state park with more amenities, consider Lake Bemidji State Park instead.

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Planning your day at Greenleaf Lake

While Minneapolis is one of America’s best cities for getting around without a car, you’ll need one to explore beyond the metro area. Getting to Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area is easy with GPS, but don’t rely on following park signs once you get close. Visitors report there aren’t any on the small backroads that lead to the park. The entrance road is nothing fancy, a narrow dirt road that leads to a small parking area. If you’re visiting just to get your park passport stamp, it’s not actually at the park. It’s at the DNR office in Hutchinson.

Before arriving at Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area, be sure to stop for a restroom break. There are no facilities, sometimes not even a porta-potty, at the park. The closest convenience stores are in Litchfield, Dassel, or Hutchinson, each about 15 to 20 minutes from the parking area at Greenleaf Lake. If you’re a seasoned backpacker and are prepared to do your business in the woods, make sure you follow Leave No Trace principles. 



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Indianapolis, IN

New dining and retail options coming to Indianapolis’s Bottleworks District

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New dining and retail options coming to Indianapolis’s Bottleworks District


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Bottleworks District has announced two new additions to its growing retail and dining lineup: Amorino Gelato Al Naturale and Bobbles & Lace Indianapolis.

Amorino Gelato Al Naturale will bring an upscale Italian-style dessert experience to the district, featuring handcrafted gelato, signature flower-shaped presentations, warm desserts, and premium beverages in an elegant boutique setting.

Owner Sal Abci said Bottleworks District’s vibrant atmosphere and experience-focused visitors made it the ideal location for the brand’s Indianapolis debut.

Bobbles & Lace is a boutique that offers personalized, styling-focused fashion experiences centered on accessible luxury and community. Owner Amanda Logan-Athmer said the energy and destination appeal of Bottleworks aligned perfectly with the boutique’s vision as it enters the Indianapolis market.

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Bottleworks says the new additions are set to open later in 2026.

Scott Pruden, senior vice president of leasing at Hendricks Commercial Properties and Bottleworks District, said both businesses will bring fresh concepts to the district’s evolving retail and dining scene along the historic Mass Ave corridor.

Bottleworks District, a redeveloped Coca-Cola bottling plant, has become one of the Midwest’s premier mixed-use destinations, featuring hotel accommodations, restaurants, entertainment, office space, and retail.



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Cleveland, OH

Plan ahead: Road closures and where to watch the Cleveland Marathon

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Plan ahead: Road closures and where to watch the Cleveland Marathon


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland is gearing up to host the Cleveland Marathon Sunday.

Over 13,000 runners are expected to participate in the half marathon and full marathon.

The marathon and half marathon will begin at 7 a.m., and the 26.3 After Mile Party will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Here are the road closures starting Sunday at midnight:

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  • St. Clair Avenue – from East 6th Street to Ontario Street – until 3:00 p.m.

Here are the road closures starting Saturday at 6 a.m.:

  • St. Clair Avenue – from East 6th Street to West 9th Street – until 3:00 p.m.
  • West 9th Street – from St. Clair Avenue to Superior Avenue – until 3:00 p.m.
  • Superior Avenue – from West 9th Street to East 18th Street – until 7:30 a.m.
  • East 9th Street – from Superior Avenue to Euclid Avenue – until 7:30 a.m.
  • Euclid Avenue – from East 9th Street to East 22nd Street – until 7:30 a.m.
  • East 22nd Street – from Euclid Avenue to Payne Avenue – until 8:00 a.m.
  • Payne Avenue – from East 22nd Street to East 18th Street – until 8:00 a.m.
  • East 13th Street – from Payne Avenue to Chester Avenue – until 8:00 a.m.
  • Chester Avenue – from East 13th Street to East 12th Street – until 8:00 a.m.
  • East 12th Street – from Chester Avenue to Superior Avenue – until 8:00 a.m.
  • East 18th Street – from Superior Avenue to Lakeside Avenue – until 8:00 a.m.
  • Lakeside Avenue – from East 18th Street to West 3rd Street – until 8:30 a.m.
  • East 9th Street – from Lakeside Avenue to Erieside Avenue – until 8:30 a.m.
  • Erieside Avenue – from East 9th Street to West 3rd Street – until 8:30 a.m.
  • West 3rd Street – from Erieside Avenue to Lakeside Avenue – until 9:00 a.m.
  • West 9th Street – from Lakeside Avenue to Front Avenue – until 9:00 a.m.
  • Old River Road – from Front Avenue to Carter Road – until 9:00 a.m.
  • Scranton Road – from Carter Road to Starkweather Avenue – until 9:30 a.m.
  • West 14th Street – from Kenilworth Avenue to Buhrer Avenue – until 9:30 a.m.
  • Buhrer Avenue – from West 14th Street to West 11th Street – until 9:30 a.m.
  • West 11th Street – from Buhrer Avenue to Clark Avenue – until 9:30 a.m.
  • Clark Avenue – from West 11th Street to West 14th Street – until 9:30 a.m.
  • Kenilworth Avenue – from West 14th Street to West 11th Street – until 9:30 a.m.
  • West 11th Street – from Kenilworth Avenue to Starkweather Avenue – until 9:45 a.m.
  • Starkweather Avenue – from Scranton Road to Jefferson Avenue – until 9:45 a.m.
  • Jefferson Avenue – from Starkweather Avenue to Professor Avenue – until 9:45 a.m.
  • Professor Avenue – from Jefferson Avenue to Fairfield Avenue – until 9:45 a.m.
  • Fairfield Avenue – from Professor Avenue to West 11th Street – until 9:45 a.m.
  • Abby Avenue – from West 11th Street to West 19th Street – until 10:00 a.m.
  • Lorain Avenue/Carnegie Bridge – from West 20th Street to Ontario Avenue – until 10:30 a.m., RTA traffic only
  • Ontario Avenue – from Carnegie Avenue to Huron Road – until 10:30 a.m. with northbound traffic maintained, one lane southbound maintained
  • West Huron Road – from Ontario Avenue to Superior Avenue – until 10:30 a.m.
  • Detroit Avenue – from Superior Avenue to Lake Road Street – until 2:00 p.m., hard closure until noon then partial as necessary for runner right of way
  • Shoreway – from East 55th Street to West Boulevard – from 2 a.m. until 3 p.m.
  • Edgewater – from West Boulevard to West 115th Street – until 2 p.m.
  • West 115th Street – from Edgewater to Lake – until 2 p.m.
  • Lake – from West 117th Street to Shoreway Entrance until 2:30 p.m.
  • Lake – from Detroit Avenue to West Boulevard – until 11:15 a.m.
  • Clifton Blvd. – from Lake to West Boulevard – until 11:15 a.m.
  • West Boulevard – from Clifton Blvd. to Edgewater – until 2 p.m.

Rolling closures are approximate and based on the time the last runner passes through an intersection. Closures may be adjusted as necessary.

Below is the information for parking.

  • Public lots will be available throughout downtown, see clevelandmarathon.com for the full list
    • Notes:
      • Lot access may be restricted during the races
      • Check Rates and hours in advance
  • The only parking available at the Huntington Garage will be surface parking on Level 3
  • Ride RTA to skip the traffic

Here is where you can cheer on the runners:

Copyright 2025 WOIO. All rights reserved.



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