The Chicago Teachers Union is all in on Brandon Johnson for mayor.

So far, CTU has given the Cook County commissioner nearly $1 million in his bid to unseat Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The powerful teachers union is even borrowing dues money against future contributions to its political fund to make sure Johnson has the resources he needs for TV commercials and get-out-the-vote efforts.

Illinois state senator-turned-government mole Terry Link infamously asked “What’s in it for me?” while wearing a wire in a 2019 federal bribery sting that snared a corrupt legislative colleague.

Link played the role of undercover hero in that encounter, but he’s far from being a study in ethical behavior.

Just when we think Illinois’ political elite couldn’t think of any more ridiculous taxes to impose — e.g., the soda tax — proposals for more goofy taxes come along.

Brandon Johnson, a candidate for Chicago mayor, recently unveiled his financial plan for the city. Johnson proposes raising $800 million in new revenue by making “the suburbs, airlines and ultrarich pay their fair share” for access to Chicago.

Human service providers are one of the greatest, most valued assets in Chicago. Focused on the well-being and safety of Chicagoans, particularly those in Black and brown communities, the nonprofit sector represents medical clinics; mental health providers; agencies providing food, homeless services, job training, and emergency financial support; and programs focusing on crime and violence prevention, promoting youth resilience, keeping kids safe and productive after school, and improving quality of life for seniors.

At the Chicago Alliance for Collaborative Effort, a comprehensive network of human service organizations, we represent the diverse faces of the city’s 77 neighborhoods and affect hundreds of thousands of people, helping our city make a positive difference in the lives of its residents — way beyond what the government could possibly do alone.

When Joan Van is sick, she doesn’t get paid.

The East St. Louis-area restaurant server and single mother of three said she works doubles to make up the money when she or one of her children gets sick.