United States | Payback time

Brandon Johnson is giving Chicago’s teachers’ union everything

It may well cost him his political career

Mayor Brandon Johnson greets students, parents, and staff.
Photograph: Getty Images
|CHICAGO

Last year, when he was campaigning to be mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, a former organiser for the Chicago Teachers Union, was asked how he would handle negotiating a contract with his former employers, especially when money is tight. He answered simply: “Who better to deliver bad news to friends than a friend?” The teachers’ union downplayed hopes of special favours. “Brandon is a remarkable person who has a lot of principles,” said Jesse Sharkey, a former head of the union.

Explore more

This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Payback time”

From the October 19th 2024 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

Discover more

A container ship sails as the sun sets in Bayonne, New Jersey, United States.

Does Donald Trump have unlimited authority to impose tariffs?

Yes, but other factors could hold him back

Special Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on a recently unsealed indictment including four felony counts against former U.S. President Donald Trump.

As Jack Smith exits, Donald Trump’s allies hint at retribution

The president-elect hopes to hand the justice department to loyalists



Donald Trump and Tulsi Gabbard are coming for the spooks

The president-elect’s intelligence picks suggest a radical agenda

Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration as America’s attorney-general

Will the Senate be brave enough to block Donald Trump’s other outlandish nominees?