Democrats propose a budget that includes hundreds of millions more for Chicago Public Schools. The latest from a heated day in Springfield.
Stories by paris schutz
Dick Durbin Responds to Speculation He’ll Run for Governor in 2018
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois did not entirely shoot down rumors that he’s considering a run for governor in 2018, but he did ask those speculating to “cool it” and focus instead on a state budget.
Will Dick Durbin Run for Governor in 2018?
It may be the worst-kept political secret in Springfield, and now the chatter has reached fever pitch.
Aldermen Blast Transportation Security Administration
Should O'Hare and Midway do away with the TSA altogether? Some aldermen are calling for the privatization of security screening at Chicago's airports.
TSA to Address Long Lines at O’Hare, Midway
Public officials are blasting the Transportation Security Administration as security lines at Chicago's airports – and airports around the country – have swelled to two- and three-hour wait times. What accounts for the spike, and what happens as the summer travel season approaches?
Mayor Emanuel Decides to Scrap IPRA
Many stakeholders on Monday are saying “the devil’s in the details” before they hail the latest decision by the mayor as a game changer.
Higher Taxes, Big Cuts in Illinois Budget Proposal
The Illinois General Assembly passes funding for social service providers and shares details on what a potential budget agreement would include. We have the latest from Springfield.
Aldermen Propose Taxi Medallion Buyback
A new proposal emerges to help taxicab companies compete with ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft. Why it could cost the city millions, and why one aldermen believes it's worth it.
War Rages Over Wrigley Plaza Plans to Extend Alcohol Sales
There’s more tension between the Chicago Cubs and the Lakeview neighborhood. The latest battle centers on whether the plaza just to the west of the stadium should become, as one alderman characterizes it, the world’s largest beer garden.
Independent Map Group Files Constitutional Amendment for November Ballot
An Illinois constitutional amendment that would create an independent commission to redraw legislative districts every 10 years is one step closer to November’s election ballot. The group Independent Maps delivered petitions with 570,000 signatures to the state capitol in Springfield on Friday.
Anita Alvarez Calls for Special Prosecutor in Laquan McDonald Case
In a surprise move, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez says she wants off the Jason Van Dyke case involving the killing of Laquan McDonald.
Grand Budget Bargain Progress in Springfield
We have the latest on action from Springfield, including whether or not a secret budget working group has a grand bargain in the works to finally break the budget stalemate.
Deadline Looms to Change Income Tax Law, Legislative Mapping Process
Will Illinois move to a graduated income tax from a flat tax, and will it end the practice of gerrymandering legislative maps? Tuesday marks the deadline in the Illinois General Assembly to pass laws to change these practices.
NFL Draft 2016 Kicks Off in Grant Park
Legions of football fans descend on Chicago for the second year in a row. Is the massive event worth the headache – and will it be back next year?
Dennis Hastert Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison, Admits to Sexual Abuse
Dennis Hastert has gone from being the longest-serving Republican U.S. House Speaker to the highest-ranking federal public official to go to jail. He was sentenced Wednesday to 15 months in prison and to two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $250,000.
Dennis Hastert Faces Sentencing, Accusers on Wednesday
Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert will face some of his alleged sexual assault victims during sentencing Wednesday in federal court. We preview the proceedings.
Governor Rauner Signs Legislation to Fund Higher Education
Gov. Bruce Rauner approves emergency funding for higher education in Illinois. But is it enough to keep Chicago State University and others afloat?
Progressive State Income Tax Proposed in Springfield
A bill that's advancing in Springfield would move Illinois from a flat income tax of 3.75 percent to a graduated system, where higher earners pay higher rates. Does the bill stand a chance of becoming law?
Chicago Teachers Union Rejects Fact-Finding Report, Talks Strike
The Chicago Teachers Union explains why it's counting down the clock to another strike. But will the strike happen at the end of this school year or the beginning of next?
Mayor Emanuel, Aldermen React to Police Task Force Report
The Police Accountability Task Force released its report Wednesday on the Chicago Police Department, saying the CPD is broken and has a “history of racial disparity and discrimination.” Will the City Council move to abolish IPRA?
Eddie Johnson Fast-Tracked for Permanent CPD Superintendent
A City Council committee on Tuesday gave a thumbs-up to an ordinance that will temporarily suspend the legally required process for selecting a police superintendent, and make the mayor's pick permanent.
Aldermen Approve $6.5 Million in Police Misconduct Payouts
Aldermen on Tuesday are widely expected to approve a one-time change to city law to name Eddie Johnson the permanent Chicago Police Department superintendent. The move comes on the heels of a committee vote Monday to approve another $6.5 million in payouts to victims of police misconduct.
Aldermen Sound Off on Next Top Cop, Calls to Abolish IPRA
Could reports of an exam-cheating probe related to Eddie Johnson's fiancée derail his confirmation as top cop? Should IPRA be abolished? A panel of aldermen tackle these questions and more.
New Cook County Hospital Redevelopment Plans
Ambitious plans to redevelop the vacant old Cook County Hospital building. Why County Board President Toni Preckwinkle thinks it might actually happen this time.
Chicago Police Department Under Scrutiny Amid Cheating Probe
More scrutiny on the Chicago Police Department. On Tuesday, a City Council member called for the abolishment of the Independent Police Review Authority, and a new report cites allegations that the fiancée of new police superintendent Eddie Johnson is part of a probe into cheating on a lieutenant’s exam.
Wrigley Field Construction Continues Ahead of Cubs' Home Opener
Crews are working around the clock to prepare Wrigley Field for next Monday's home opener. What will be ready to go, and what will continue to be under construction through the season?
