U.S. Supreme Court rules government home equity theft unconstitutional
U.S. Supreme Court rules government home equity theft unconstitutional
U.S. Supreme Court justices ruled for a widow from Minnesota whose home was seized and sold for a tax debt, but local government kept $25,000 more than she owed. The ruling should stop the practice in Illinois, where it is especially prevalent.
By Patrick Andriesen
What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago
What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago
Former Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union lobbyist Brandon Johnson will be sworn in as the 57th mayor of Chicago May 15. Here’s what Chicagoans should know about his political ties, policy proposals and prospects.
By Patrick Andriesen
4 ways Springfield should combat ‘ComEd 4’ corruption
4 ways Springfield should combat ‘ComEd 4’ corruption
A jury found all “ComEd Four” defendants guilty of bribing Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation. It was an alarm for Springfield lawmakers that half-measures don’t work and lasting ethics reform is needed in Illinois.
By Joe Tabor
‘ComEd 4’ found guilty on all counts in scheme to bribe Michael Madigan
‘ComEd 4’ found guilty on all counts in scheme to bribe Michael Madigan
The four top lobbyists and executives at the state’s largest electric utility were convicted May 2 for their involvement in a multi-year scheme to funnel $1.3 million in jobs, contracts and payments to sway the former Illinois House Speaker.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker calls for campaign finance reform after spending $323M on campaigns
Pritzker calls for campaign finance reform after spending $323M on campaigns
Gov. J.B. Pritzker told Harvard students self-financing political campaigns isn’t the answer, calling for campaign finance reform. Pritzker self-financed both of his gubernatorial campaigns for a total of $323 million.
By Dylan Sharkey
Over 102K more Chicagoans voted by mail than 4 years earlier
Over 102K more Chicagoans voted by mail than 4 years earlier
While total Chicago voter turnout hit a high April 4, in-person voting on Election Day reached the lowest level in Chicago mayoral runoff history. Most Chicagoans voting did so early or by mail.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
Nearly 3-in-5 Chicagoans voted early or by mail in Feb. 28 primary
Nearly 3-in-5 Chicagoans voted early or by mail in Feb. 28 primary
Chicago Board of Elections stats show nearly 57% Chicagoans voted early or by mail in the primary election Feb. 28. Almost three times more voters cast their ballot by mail than during the 2o19 primary.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
AP: Brandon Johnson wins Chicago mayoral election
AP: Brandon Johnson wins Chicago mayoral election
Winning 51% of the vote, Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Teacher Union lobbyist Brandon Johnson defeated Paul Vallas in the April 4 mayoral runoff, according to news outlets. Paul Vallas concedes.
By Dylan Sharkey
ComEd 4 trial shows why fixing Illinois House Rules vital to stop next Madigan
ComEd 4 trial shows why fixing Illinois House Rules vital to stop next Madigan
The ComEd 4 corruption trial proves concentrated power breeds corruption. The fix? Reform the rules former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan crafted to concentrate all that power.
By Joe Tabor
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates bankroll Brandon Johnson while individuals favor Vallas
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates bankroll Brandon Johnson while individuals favor Vallas
Over 93% of Brandon Johnson’s Chicago mayor campaign contributions come from 20 unions, while about 71% of Paul Vallas’ come from 1,073 individuals. It’s a union machine versus the people showdown at the election April 4.
By Mailee Smith
Where do Chicago mayor candidates stand on issues voters most care about?
Where do Chicago mayor candidates stand on issues voters most care about?
Crime and taxes top the issues Chicagoans are concerned about in the 2023 mayoral election. Find out where mayoral candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson stand before the April 4 election.
By Mailee Smith
How to vote in 2023 Chicago runoff election
How to vote in 2023 Chicago runoff election
Early voting and voting by mail is underway in Chicago for the April 4 runoff election, including the mayoral runoff between Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago mayor campaign cash? Johnson nearly all union. Vallas mainly from individuals.
Chicago mayor campaign cash? Johnson nearly all union. Vallas mainly from individuals.
In the race for Chicago mayor, over 95% of Brandon Johnson’s campaign contributions come from 15 unions. Nearly 83% of Paul Vallas’ contributions came from 721 individuals.
By Mailee Smith
How to protect your vote from fraud in Illinois
How to protect your vote from fraud in Illinois
Illinois voters can join the growing ranks of registered voters who have applied for permanent vote-by-mail status to ensure they never miss another election and their vote cannot be stolen.
By Hannah Schmid