Democratic state Rep. Dagmara Avelar is among the group of lawmakers in Springfield leading the charge to usher in a new state tax credit for affordable housing.

The so-called “Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit” legislation included in House Bill 2044 and Senate Bill 1737 would be similar to a federal program now overseen by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and Chicago Department of Housing that currently helps foot the bill for affordable housing across the state.

With eight days left before Chicago voters choose a new mayor, new WGN-TV/Emerson College/The Hill poll shows Paul Vallas holding a five-point lead over Brandon Johnson, 46% to 41%.

The exclusive poll also found that 13% of likely voters are still undecided.

For Bronzeville community leader Roderick Wilson, the April 4 mayoral runoff between Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas represents not only a new era of City Hall leadership, but also a chance to reverse plans laid by the administration of Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

As executive director of the Lugenia Burns Hope Center, a nonprofit that advocates for affordable housing, Wilson is among long-standing opponents of Lightfoot’s plans to construct a $150 million Near South Side high school atop Chicago Housing Authority land, at the former site of the demolished Harold Ickes Homes public housing complex.

Former ComEd executive turned government informant Fidel Marquez called his ex-boss a “close” and “personal friend,” then detailed how she funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to associates of former House Speaker Michael Madigan to stay on his winning side.

There’s a push to crack down on banking executives responsible for the collapse of their financial institutions.

Iowa could ban the state’s public universities from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. And Illinois lawmakers consider a proposal to let people who aren’t United States citizens become police officers.

In just over a week, voters in Naperville will elect a new mayor for the first time in eight years.

With just eight days away from Election Day, the candidates have been busy trying to drum up support.

The city of Aurora has set aside $700,000 in grants for small businesses in the suburb.

This is the second time the city is giving out grant money to small businesses.

EIU University Professionals of Illinois (UPI) President Jennifer Stringfellow released a statement saying that a total of 450 EIU faculty and staff will be one step closer to striking. This comes after filing their 10-day Intent to Strike paperwork with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board and delivering notice to University Administration.

The EIU UPI bargaining team and members plan to rally at noon on Monday with signs and chants before members deliver the Intent to Strike to the EIU administration. Officials said they will rally outside of Old Main located at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and 6th Street on the EIU campus.

Were it not for a dog named Ludwig, Eileen Phipps might be cruising unopposed to a seventh term as village president of Wayne.

But her husband’s killing of a neighbor’s pet triggered Peter Mourousias to run.