Thread by @bri_madden_

Hi I will be live reporting today's meeting of the 25th Police District Council, held at 1333 N Laramie, for @CHIdocumenters

The meeting is scheduled for 6-8pm CST. The Agenda can be found at chicago.gov/content/dam/ci…

The meeting is called to order at 6:13pm. There are three officials present, and three members of the public (including myself).

One public commenter asks about a sign up sheet. Some materials will be made available for folks via the sign up sheet.

The minutes from the last meeting on 7/31 include an investigation into a member of CPD named John Foster, with the possibly of taking a vote of no confidence today.

The minutes are approved.

More information on Foster and the no confidence vote can be found here: chicagotribune.com/2025/08/03/no-…

The Council reports on a back-to-school fair that was recently put on for the 25th District, which they say was a success.

They gave about 1,000 backpacks, and cite a November plan for a "Black and Brown unity" event in the area.

One Councilor acknowledges tensions between the federal government and this neighborhood: "As elected officials we want to make sure we stand firm against the separation of families," they said.

Another Councilor says they want more community members to come out to meetings and events in the 25th District, to foster Black and Brown solidarity.

Plans include an upcoming Sickle Cell awareness event, highlighting a condition which disproportionately affects Black people.

A member of the public, representing @CAARPRNow asks about a community member named Nate and is told the Council is in touch with his mother.

@CAARPRNow The community member also asks about the threats to the community by Trump, and advocates for a "Know Your Rights" training in the area.

The Councilors seem receptive and supportive of this idea. They say past events have been successful.

@CAARPRNow A Councilor says the organization is also part of a Rapid Response Team, which helps alert community members to ICE in the area as well as dispatching folks to deescalate situations.

@CAARPRNow The 25th District Council is a Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. They say they have several immigration lawyers on hand to protect folks.

"Everyone has rights and they should all be respected," said one Councilor.

@CAARPRNow The Councilor says they have undocumented folks in their life, and that many people would rather return home voluntarily than face the tyranny in the U.S. right now. They say they are "not shy" about their views as elected officials.

@CAARPRNow The discussion turns back to CPD Commander Foster, who has cost the city 3.5 million Dollars in settlements so far. Foster is accused of many crimes, including wrongful imprisonment.

@CAARPRNow One Councilor says they have no authority over Foster or CPD, but "nobody should be above the law."

With that, a vote of no confidence is passed.

@CAARPRNow A member of the public asks how information about these meetings are publicized and offers their support. There is a Community Outreach Coordinator present.

The Council acknowledges the struggles of being a new organization and the need to connect with the community.

@CAARPRNow Brian from @CAARPRNow says the city will be on edge soon and people will be looking for a response from officials.

"One of the fears that has been emerging is...what's the collaboration between Trump and the more reactionary forces," they said.

@CAARPRNow One Councilor says the 25th District Council has been discussing incorporating restorative justice practice at future events and meetings. They acknowledge the trauma faced by Black and Brown community members at the present moment.

@CAARPRNow Another Councilor references a past peace circle where harmed community members were able to get answers from CPD officers that committed harm.

@CAARPRNow The Community Outreach Coordinator says people usually show up more when "there's something to roar about."

@CAARPRNow The meeting is adjourned at 6:54pm.