Indicted Chicago alderman too ill to stand trial, OK to cast council votes
Indicted Chicago alderman too ill to stand trial, OK to cast council votes
Chicago’s second-longest serving alderman is seeking a stay of prosecution on federal bribery charges, arguing she is “not medically fit to stand trial.” The plea comes eight days after Ald. Carrie Austin voted on the council floor to approve the city budget.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker spends $323M on 2 campaigns for governor
Pritzker spends $323M on 2 campaigns for governor
Gov. J.B. Pritzker spent $152 million in defeating state Sen. Darren Bailey for re-election, down from the $171 million for his first Illinois gubernatorial campaign.
By Dylan Sharkey
Experts: Illinois taxpayers carrying 3rd-highest debt burden in nation
Experts: Illinois taxpayers carrying 3rd-highest debt burden in nation
Truth in Accounting experts contested Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s claims Illinois is on the best fiscal footing in years, citing chronic underfunding of the state’s nation-leading pension debt. The watchdogs ranked Illinois’ finances third worst among U.S. states.
By Patrick Andriesen
How to run for local school board in Illinois
How to run for local school board in Illinois
School boards impact two-thirds of property tax bills on average in Illinois. Running for the school board ensures kids in the community get a quality education and winning candidates get a chance to control costs.
By Dylan Sharkey
Why Amendment 1 is too close to call
Why Amendment 1 is too close to call
Voters can change the Illinois Constitution in one of two ways: 60% of votes on the change, or a majority of total election votes. The Amendment 1 vote is so close and so many ballots remain uncounted, that calculating those two numbers remains elusive.
By Patrick Andriesen
Alper Turan
Alper Turan
“If you’re living in this district, this city, this state or this country, you have rights and responsibilities. This responsibility is not just for you, but your kids and your grandkids, your brothers and sisters and all families. That’s why I decided to run. “I wasn’t expecting to win, but at least I helped other...
2022 election had most contested Illinois House races in 2 decades
2022 election had most contested Illinois House races in 2 decades
Illinois’ 2022 general election was the most contested non-presidential election in the past two decades, with 79 contested Statehouse races. Illinois Policy’s Full Slate project helped give voters an extra 32 choices on the ballot.
By Patrick Andriesen
Amendment 1 vote too close to call
Amendment 1 vote too close to call
Votes were still being counted on Amendment 1, but the vote was very close. If approved, the change to the Illinois Constitution would expand collective bargaining powers just for government unions.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Teachers Union backs its own lobbyist for Chicago mayor
Chicago Teachers Union backs its own lobbyist for Chicago mayor
Chicago Teachers Union leader Brandon Johnson announced his candidacy for Chicago mayor. It’s the latest push for political power by CTU, which has backed many campaigns including Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
By Dylan Sharkey
Nearly 40% of small businesses delinquent on October rent
Nearly 40% of small businesses delinquent on October rent
A survey found 37% of U.S. small businesses were delinquent on October rent, with inflation and rising costs absorbing “most sales gains.”
By Patrick Andriesen
Bill Graham
Bill Graham
"[Amendment 1] essentially codifies into the constitution rights for unions that go far beyond what citizens have as rights. And I just think that’s inappropriate because the constitution was established for the citizens."
Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.
Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.
Illinois law already allows some government union contracts to override state law. Amendment 1 would allow all government union contracts to do so.
By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid