Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races
Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races
Why did SB 2412 need to pass on May 2, in the middle of the election cycle, weeks after the primary election but still well ahead of the November general election? Many candidates had already started the complicated process of petition gathering and paperwork under the old rules. What justifies changing those rules in the middle of the game?
By Hilary Gowins
Leslie Collazo
Leslie Collazo
On May 2, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an election law change in the middle of a campaign year. It ends “slating,” a process through which candidates could be put on the general election ballot by local parties after the primary election. There are 78 active Statehouse races affected, many with potential candidates who had put...
Chicago among 4 of 15 largest cities unable to recall mayor
Chicago among 4 of 15 largest cities unable to recall mayor
One Chicago resident is petitioning to give people the power to recall Chicago’s mayor. He needs more than 56,000 fellow voters to agree before it can be placed on the November ballot.
By Dylan Sharkey
Bill would broaden Illinois agency’s emergency powers
Bill would broaden Illinois agency’s emergency powers
A bill expanding emergency powers for a state agency passed the Illinois Senate and is in the Illinois House. Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared COVID-19 an emergency for more than 3 years, so why is the bill needed?
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois Primary Election Day: How to vote
Illinois Primary Election Day: How to vote
March 19 is Primary Election Day in Illinois. Here’s a guide on how, when and where to vote.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois’ political corruption keeps people down
Illinois’ political corruption keeps people down
Public corruption is one of the factors hampering social mobility in Illinois, according to a recent report.
By Joe Tabor
Elections board appeals decision on Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax plan
Elections board appeals decision on Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax plan
The Chicago Board of Elections will appeal a Cook County judge’s ruling that Johnson’s $100 million real estate tax plan on the March 19 ballot is unconstitutional and invalid.
By Dylan Sharkey
Bill would give Illinois voters power to change how state is run
Bill would give Illinois voters power to change how state is run
Illinois lawmakers will consider expanding the power for citizens to amend the Illinois Constitution through petitions, including for issues such as term limits and to end gerrymandering.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s motorcade racks up moving violations
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s motorcade racks up moving violations
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s drivers accumulated 14 traffic tickets for speeding or running red lights – with 12 still unpaid – totaling $1,640.
By Dylan Sharkey
Opinion: Brandon Johnson’s ‘moderate’ problem
Opinion: Brandon Johnson’s ‘moderate’ problem
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faces many challenges, but his biggest may be the loss of faith from moderate voters. Without their trust, he’ll have a tough time getting the higher taxes he seeks March 19.
By Hilary Gowins
Nearly 70% of Chicago voters unhappy with mayor’s job on migrant crisis
Nearly 70% of Chicago voters unhappy with mayor’s job on migrant crisis
Chicago voters disapproved of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handling of every issue, but nearly 70% found fault with his handling of the migrant crisis, a new poll showed. Crime and housing disapproval were not far behind.
By Dylan Sharkey
Lawyers, guns, money, plus 9 other Illinois laws to know starting Jan. 1
Lawyers, guns, money, plus 9 other Illinois laws to know starting Jan. 1
There are over 150 new laws going into effect in 2024, but here are a dozen likely to affect your life. They might impact the cost of a burger, your gun ownership, where you can vape and who your local police officer is and what that officer can do.
By Patrick Andriesen
Former Harvey mayor accused of bribery from strip club in prostitution operation
Former Harvey mayor accused of bribery from strip club in prostitution operation
The former mayor of Harvey, Illinois, has been accused of allowing a local strip club to covertly provide illegal prostitution services in return for monthly bribes to the city leader and family members.
By Patrick Andriesen