Police Chief to extend term

Here's a developing story. Newsroom colleague Stacia Glenn tells me that Police Chief Michael Billdt plans to remain in the job longer than previously expected.

In 2008, Billdt announced plans to retire in March. He made the announcement after the Police Officers Association voted no confidence in his leadership. The announcement seemed to defuse tensions - at least those the POA wanted to discuss publicly - between the department brass and the rank-and-file.

We don't know yet how long Billdt plans to remain as chief, and whether the move means that he's staying for a short duration while city administrators try to solve budget problems or whether he has changed his mind about retirement and will stay for a significant duration.

More details and reaction from the POA to come later ...