Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: At first debate of mayoral runoff, Johnson attacks Vallas’ record as rival tries to stay above the fray
The first debate of Chicago’s mayoral runoff election featured a series of attacks from Brandon Johnson on Paul Vallas, who largely avoided attacking in kind, even as the criticism escalated.
Over the course of an hour, Johnson repeatedly accused Vallas of wanting to raise property taxes, enacting policies in the 1990s that cause lasting harm to the city and school district’s financial position, and working with Republicans to damage the pension system. Johnson also said Vallas doesn’t want to teach Black history and claimed he does not support women’s abortion rights.
Chicago Sun-Times: Judge blocks ‘Chicago machine’ expert from testifying in trial of 4 accused of Madigan bribes
In a rare setback for federal prosecutors in an upcoming public corruption trial, a judge has blocked the testimony of a prominent political science professor who was expected to explain the history of the Chicago political machine to jurors.
WGN: 14-count indictment against 2 former Cook County assistant state’s attorneys unsealed
Two former Cook County prosecutors face a combined 14-count indictment following a year-and-a-half investigation by a special prosecutor.
Lawrence Oliver II was appointed to the position in July 2021 after a county prosecutor admitted to having a relationship with a key witness in a case. The now former assistant state’s attorney Nick Trutenko, faces charges including perjury, obstruction of justice, violations of the local records act, and official misconduct, while another former assistant state’s attorney, Andrew Horvet, faces charges of official misconduct.