News Local/State

Chicago Mayor Emanuel Cutting Short DNC Trip

 

Rahm Emanuel's office says the Chicago mayor and former chief of staff to President Barack Obama is coming home early from the Democratic National Convention.

Emanuel is facing a tough week of contract negotiations between the city's school district and the Chicago Teachers Union, which is threatening to strike next week. The teachers put on a show of strength Monday, gathering thousands of supporters outside City Hall.

However, Emanuel spokeswoman Sarah Hamilton says the schedule change was solely because the mayor was asked to host a party for Obama campaign staffers in Chicago on Thursday to watch the president's speech.

Emanuel is scheduled to address the convention Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C. He had planned to stay until Friday morning, but will now leave late Wednesday.