Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx face challenges translating bold proposals made on the campaign trail into policy.
Government and Politics
Report: Chicago’s wealthy, white communities most likely to have park projects approved
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Friends of the Parks says it may seek legal action to ensure parks are funded equally.
Perspectives
Without unity, Black Chicago could lose the 2019 mayoral election
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Unlike the organized effort that got Harold Washington, the city’s first black mayor, elected in 1983, today’s black leaders may have dropped the ball this election season.
Government and Politics
Chicago agrees to refund duplicate tickets since 1992, following lawsuit
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The suit alleges that black and brown communities were targeted with illegal double ticketing, relying heavily on data uncovered by a joint investigation by WBEZ and ProPublica Illinois.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Ald. Ed Burke represents the worst of Chicago’s white political machine
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In his treatment of Chicago’s first black mayor, Harold Washington, Burke presaged the vitriolic tactics of President Donald Trump.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Young progressives of color take on the City Council establishment
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Aldermanic hopefuls like Colin Bird-Martinez aim to turn out new, young voters in their wards for Chicago’s upcoming municipal elections.
election 2018
Midterm elections: A judge is ousted and Democrats win big across the state
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For the first time since 1990, Cook County voters refused to retain a sitting judge.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Now Pritzker needs to keep his progressive promises
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J.B. Pritzker won a resounding victory by outspending Gov. Bruce Rauner at every turn, downplaying ethical questions and racial tensions in his campaign, and presenting a clear alternative to Rauner’s failed incumbency. In a number of areas he took positions that were more progressive than the Democratic mainstream. But getting results on those promises will take lots of work on his part and even more organizing by activists. One key issue separated the two candidates: Pritzker was elected on a clear platform of implementing a progressive income tax, with higher rates for wealthier taxpayers. That’s an absolute necessity if Illinois is to get it’s fiscal house in order, meet its constitutional duty to fund schools adequately, and rebuild a safety net that Rauner decimated.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Does Toni Preckwinkle deserve the aura of inevitability?
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The mayoral race has turned into a rare opportunity for Chicago to resist autocratic politics and have a robust debate on the critical issues facing the city.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
From police to schools to transit, a crisis of accountability in Chicago
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As Rahm Emanuel courts flashy projects amid a slew of scandals, it seems the mayor is more accountable to big-money donors than to neighborhood constituents.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
A progressive income tax is Illinois’ best shot at solving budget crisis
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Ending the state’s flat income tax rate would reduce taxes for most while raising $2 billion in additional revenue a year, a new report says.