Brandon Johnson’s first 100 days
Brandon Johnson’s first 100 days
The city of Chicago faces a pension crisis, heightened crime and a failing public school system. New Mayor Brandon Johnson has taken no concrete steps to deal with any of it.
Over 4 of 5 Illinois lawmakers get money from teachers unions
Over 4 of 5 Illinois lawmakers get money from teachers unions
Since 2010, teachers unions have funneled nearly $20 million to current lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly, with the Chicago Teachers Union alone spending over $1.25 million.
Union control: 9 of 10 Illinois lawmakers have received money from unions
Union control: 9 of 10 Illinois lawmakers have received money from unions
Current lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly have received $60.2 million in contributions from unions since 2010. Most of that cash went to Democrats.
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
We too often call it the “Fourth of July” and lose sight of its true meaning – independence. Independence from tyranny and the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.