In what was a bad showing for Democrats nationally, Illinois Democrats held onto all their Congressional seats and appear likely to keep their current General Assembly makeup following the November 5 general election. At the presidential level, Vice President Kamala Harris defeated former President Donald Trump in Illinois by 8.6%, around half the 17-point margin of victory for Democrat presidential candidates in both the 2020 and 2016 elections.
All Congressional incumbents in Illinois will keep their seats, maintaining the state’s 14 to 3 Democrat to Republican split. In the General Assembly, Democrats will maintain their supermajorities in both the House and Senate. The Senate will keep the same partisan makeup following the election, with incumbent Democrat Patrick Joyce winning the 40th Senate District race which was considered the chamber’s lone competitive seat this year. Four House races remain too close to call (highlighted in yellow below), with Democrats (1 seat) and Republicans (3 seats) each leading in the districts that they currently control. If this result holds, the House’s partisan makeup will also remain unchanged. House Democrats had originally hoped to pick up a few seats this year.
The statewide election ballot featured three non-binding advisory questions on civil penalties for election worker interference, increasing the state income tax on millionaires by 3% to fund property tax relief, and requiring health insurance to cover IVF. While these questions are non-binding, they could lead to future legislative action, or in the case of the income tax increase, a future constitutional amendment referendum. The election interference and IVF questions appear on track to receive overwhelming support from voters. The question on increasing the state income tax on millionaires currently has 60.3% support with 96% of the vote reporting, barely above the 60% threshold required to pass as a future constitutional amendment.
The Illinois State Board of Elections projects statewide voter turnout was around 68%, down from the record-breaking 73% turnout in the 2020 presidential election.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 12-14 – Veto Session Week 1
November 19-21 – Veto Session Week 2
January 2025 – Lame Duck Session (Unconfirmed)
January 2025 – 2025 General Assembly Session Begins (Dates TBD)
In the News
‘They are offended when people ask for favors. Hello?’: Jurors in Madigan trial hear wiretap about pressure in political hires – Chicago Tribune, Novembre 6, 2024
Jurors in the corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan on Thursday heard a wiretapped phone call in which the speaker’s longtime confidant laid out his rather old-school worldview when it came to political hiring recommendations.
Pritzker points to down-ballot races as bright side for Democrats – Capitol Fax, November 7, 2024
In Illinois, in terms of [Donald Trump’s] margin, if you look just below that and all the way down the ballot in Illinois, Democrats won every seat in the General Assembly that it already had and and we won in races that I think people didn’t expect. County board races. Taking control of the McLean County Board, for example. Coroner’s races. Literally, if you look, people clearly bifurcated, you know, and made decisions different down the ballot than they did at the top of the ballot. And so I’m proud of that.
Eye On Illinois: Again, revenue projections versus spending goals paint less than rosy picture – Shaw Local News Network, November 7, 2024
Anyone got a spare $3 billion? You might’ve missed it among all the election news over the last week, but on Nov. 1 the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget submitted its annual Economic and Fiscal Policy report.
Illinois political campaigns have given churches, religious charities $650,000 in the past two years – Chicago Sun Times, November 8, 2024
Catholic groups including parishes, schools and social service agencies are the biggest recipients of donations and other payments from campaign committees, along with organizations identifying as Baptist.
Illinois Congressmen on What Trump’s Victory, Red Wave Could Mean for the State – WTTW, November 6, 2024
Former President Donald Trump came away victorious on Election Day, winning more than the 270 electoral votes needed to secure his second term.
Election Check: human error led to misreporting, Metro East congresswoman to appear trailing in race for Congress – First Alert 4, November 6, 2024
In a surprising turn Tuesday, incumbent Illinois Rep. Nikki Budzinski appeared to be trailing her Republican challenger Tuesday in the race for the state’s 13th Congressional District.
JB Pritzker studies Project 2025 and Trump, ponders his own political future – Chicago Sun Times, November 8, 2024
Donald Trump’s win forges a path for Illinois’ governor to run for president in 2028. But first he’ll have to decide whether he’ll seek a third term — which remains the best way for him to stay in the spotlight and fight Trump’s policies.
Illinois’ Democratic leaders vow vigorous defense of personal rights and public policies under a second-term Trump – Chicago Tribune, November 8, 2024
Illinois’ Democratic leaders promised a vigorous defense — and potential court action — against any moves by President-elect Donald Trump to try to erode personal liberties or withhold federal funds for the state during his coming four-year tenure.
Pritzker sees success with abortion amendments around the country – The Daily Line, November 8, 2024
Democrats’ top priority of electing Vice President Kamala Harris to help preserve reproductive rights nationally was rejected by voters. But Tuesday was a strong night for Gov. JB Pritzker’s Think Big America group as voters approved new abortion laws around the country.
Pritzker looking into possible policy responses to Trump’s proposals – The Daily Line, November 8, 2024
Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield on Tuesday and could begin lining up legislative responses to proposals made by incoming President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
ComEd lobbyist warned FBI mole to ‘keep Madigan happy’ and not mess with no-work contracts – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 7, 2024
The FBI wasted no time giving Fidel Marquez his first assignment after the chief lobbyist for electric utility Commonwealth Edison agreed to become a government mole in January 2019.
‘They were being paid as a favor to Mike Madigan’: Feds’ star witness takes stand – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 6, 2024
As chief lobbyist for electric utility Commonwealth Edison, Fidel Marquez had an expansive role that put him in charge of “approximately 130, 135 people.” But in June 2013, more than a year into that job, Marquez received an email about someone he was ostensibly supposed to be overseeing – but had never heard of.
Secret recordings give Madigan jurors inside look at patronage, payments, danger of putting pen to paper – Chicago Sun Times, November 6, 2024
Prosecutors have begun to firm up one of the key pillars of their case, alleging Michael Madigan accepted bribes from ComEd in exchange for favorable treatment of the utility’s bills in Springfield.
How Donald Trump’s stunning presidential win could affect Illinois – Chicago Sun Times, November 6, 2024
With former President Donald Trump declared the winner of the 2024 presidential race, his policies and priorities could affect residents here in myriad ways. Here’s a look at how his win may affect policies and issues in Illinois.
Sorensen returning to Congress to face a new president – The Daily Line, November 7, 2024
The race in the only congressional district in Illinois viewed as a swing district wasn’t close, with incumbent U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, a Democrat from Moline, pulling of a key victory in the battle to control Congress.
Republicans hold narrow lead in 3 House seats as GOP celebrates election – The Daily Line, November 7, 2024
Three Republican state representatives hold a narrow lead in their races as most ballots have been counted from Tuesday’s election and signal positive news for Illinois Republicans.
Voters approve advisory questions, including ‘millionaire tax’ for property tax relief – The Daily Line, November 7, 2024
Illinois voters approved three advisory referendum questions on Tuesday night by a wide margin, including one that a former governor hopes will lead to changing the state constitution.
Democrats maintain control of state legislature, while GOP sees hope in not losing ground – Chicago Tribune, November 6, 2024
Democrats will maintain their historic supermajorities in the Illinois General Assembly after Tuesday’s election, but legislative Republicans tried to take a positive view of the outcome by noting the opposition party appeared to be unable to expand its advantage, according to preliminary results.
More than 1,600 mail-in ballots uncounted in counties that take in Briel-Bishop state rep. race – Shaw Local News Network, November 6, 2024
The race for state Rep. Lance Yednock’s seat is not over. Democrat Amy “Murri” Briel holds a lead over challenger Liz Bishop with as many as 1,700 mail-in ballots yet to be counted.
IL GOP celebrates President-elect Trump’s victory; Dems pledge to continue work, others just worry – ABC 7 Chicago, November 7, 2024
Illinois Republicans are celebrating President-elect Donald Trump’s historic political comeback that resulted in his victory that became a reality in the early morning hours Wednesday.
Illinois voters decide numerous local issues from tax hikes to funding migrant care – The Center Square, November 7, 2024
In addition to the presidential race and Illinois races, there were a wide array of local ballot questions around the state on Election Day, dealing with tax increases and voting itself.
Trump’s win doesn’t help Illinois Republicans’ numbers in Springfield — but GOP touts ‘massive strides’ – Chicago Sun Times, November 6, 2024
While Democrats have locked up another supermajority in Springfield, Illinois Republican leaders say Donald Trump’s stronger showing in his third presidential run indicate the state GOP is building momentum.
Coalition will fight to keep Illinois a welcoming state despite Latino votes for Trump – ABC 7 Chicago, November 6, 2024
Many Latinos in swing states cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump, despite promises of a mass deportation and closing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Political operative charged with sending sexually explicit images to 2nd legislator – WGN, November 6, 2024
A southwest suburban political operative is now charged with sending obscene and harassing messages to two members of the Illinois legislature.
Trump wins presidential election in extraordinary political comeback – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 6, 2024
Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States, pulling off a stunning political comeback in one of the most polarized contests for the White House in history. Trump, 78, won an unprecedented race during which he was convicted of felonies, survived two assassination attempts and crushed a challenge from Vice President Kamala Harris after she replaced an unpopular President Joe Biden in the campaign’s final months.
Jury sees more evidence surrounding payments to Madigan campaign worker ousted for sexual harassment – Capitol News Illinois, November 5, 2024
On the eve of his retirement announcement in late 2016, longtime Statehouse lobbyist Mike McClain wrote letters to longtime colleagues, expressing his appreciation for them. In one letter – shown to four federal juries in the last two years – McClain effusively praised his close friend, then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, referring to him as his “real client” and pledging that “at the end of the day I am at the bridge with my musket standing with and for the Madigan family.”
Bost wins a sixth term in Congress – The Southern Illinoisan, November 5, 2024
The Associated Press has called the 12th District Congressional race for Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), winning him a sixth term in office during Tuesday’s General Election.
Election worker protection referendum overwhelmingly favored by voters – The Daily Northwestern, November 5, 2024
Illinois voters voted in overwhelming support of a non-binding advisory referendum to impose civil penalties on candidates who interfere or attempt to interfere with election workers’ duties.
Illinois non-binding ballot referendums on track for approval – The Center Square, November 5, 2024
With nearly half of Illinois’ votes counted, Kamala Harris is the projected winner of the state’s 19 Electoral College votes. Harris is at 57%. Former President Donald Trump is at around 41%. One of the issues before the state’s voters is the non-binding advisory question asking whether millionaires should pay a 3% surcharge for property tax relief. With less than half of the vote counted, about 63% are in favor, 37% are not.
Editorial: Springfield faces a brutal year of reckoning – Chicago Tribune, November 6, 2024
The election sucked most all of Illinoisans’ attention yesterday, and rightfully so. But as we sat glued to our television sets last night waiting for results to trickle in, a time bomb was ticking in Springfield.
Sharon Chung defeats Desi Anderson; fellow incumbents win in Illinois House – WSIU, November 5, 2024
Democrat Sharon Chung won reelection to a second term in the Illinois General Assembly with a victory over Republican Desi Anderson. Chung, a Democrat from Bloomington, won 53% of the vote. She defeated Anderson by about 3,500 votes, according to unofficial totals compiled by WGLT and WCBU.
Key witness testifies ComEd funneled more than $600,000 to Madigan allies to get bills passed – Chicago Sun Times, November 5, 2024
One of the feds’ star witnesses told a jury Tuesday that ComEd funneled more than $600,000 to allies of then-Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan over several years as a “favor” so Madigan would be “more positively disposed toward ComEd’s legislative agenda.”
“I’m humbled’: Rinehart wins in race for Lake’s top prosecutor – The Daily Herald, November 6, 2024
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart emerged victorious after a tough election against Republican challenger Mary Cole late Tuesday in his bid for another term as the county’s top lawyer.
Budzinski holds slim lead over Republican challenger Loyd as numbers trickle in – The State Journal-Register, November 5, 2024
U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski was holding a slim margin against political newcomer Joshua Loyd in the 13th District race. The district includes Springfield where the 47-year-old Budzinski resides.
Sorensen leads in battle for control of Congress – The Daily Line, November 6, 2024
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, a Democrat from Moline, led late Tuesday in his race to win a second term in Congress as Democrats seek to gain control of Congress beginning in January.
Election results: General Assembly races too close to call Tuesday night – The Daily Line, November 6, 2024
No seats in the General Assembly had changed hands as of 11 p.m. Tuesday night as many races remained too close to call while others had limited results available.
Democrats poised to keep supermajorities intact in Illinois legislature – Chicago Tribune, November 5, 2024
Democrats were poised to defend their supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly on Tuesday but Republicans appeared set to prevent the opposition party from expanding their control. Democrats, who enjoyed a significant funding advantage over Republicans in this election, thanks to billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker and other sources, were holding on to several seats targeted by the GOP, according to unofficial results in an election where all 118 state House seats and 24 of the 59 state Senate seats were in play.
With 17 races up for election, Illinois Democrats keep a lock on majority of state’s congressional seats – Chicago Tribune, November 5, 2024
First-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen declared victory late Tuesday over Republican challenger Joe McGraw, putting Illinois Democrats one seat away from defending their 14-3 dominance over the GOP in the state’s congressional delegation.
‘Millionaire tax’ advisory ballot measure appears headed for a win – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 5, 2024
With ballots still being counted late Tuesday evening, Illinois voters appeared to be overwhelmingly backing an advisory question that could give state lawmakers a tool to push for higher taxes on wealthy residents — a tax that supporters argued would clear the way for property tax relief.
Jim Dey | Revenue shortfall complicates Pritzker’s plans for next year’s budget – The News-Gazette, November 6, 2024
With an ugly election season in the books, it’s time to get back to the business of governing.
Unfortunately, that presents an equally unattractive picture for Illinoisans, according to financial estimates released this week by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Office of Management and Budget. Office director Alexis Sturm reports that the governor and legislators will have their hands full post-January, when they lay the groundwork for the state’s 2025-26 budget.
Pritzker budget office projects $22.2 billion in deficits over five years – The Center Square, November 4, 2024
The latest five-year projections for the state of Illinois’ finances shows a $10 billion increase in state spending with a more than $5 billion budget deficit. For the current fiscal year, Illinois is set to spend more than $53 billion. Friday, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget released a five-year projection that has the state spending $63 billion by 2030. With that, the office projects a $5 billion deficit
Pritzker’s budget office projects $3.2B deficit in early look at upcoming fiscal year – Capitol News Illinois, November 4, 2024
The first extensive public look at next year’s state finances contains a warning to lawmakers from the governor’s office: “The ability to fund new programs will be severely limited” next fiscal year. That comes from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, which projected a potential budget shortfall of $3.2 billion for fiscal year 2026, which doesn’t begin until July 1.
Madigan did not object to quietly raising money for aide ousted during #Metoo era, jurors hear – Chicago Sun Times, November 4, 2024
Lobbyist Michael McClain wrote with characteristic flair and bluster when he penned a retirement letter in 2016 to a fellow aide to then-Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, assuring 13th Ward worker Kevin Quinn that “I am not dying.” In a handwritten addendum, McClain offered his help. But he also insisted that Quinn “stay in the fox hole with the speaker!”
Judge in Madigan corruption trial urges jurors to vote, calling the U.S. a ‘bright moment in human history.’ – Chicago Sun Times, November 4, 2024
Eighteen jurors headed home from Chicago’s latest public corruption trial Monday for what would likely be their final opportunity to cast a ballot in Tuesday’s election — but before they left, they got a reminder that “freedom is not a spectator sport.”
Jurors hear tape of Madigan being informed of plan to pay ousted aide: ‘Yeah, I think I oughta stay out of it’ – Chicago Tribune, November 4, 2024
Jurors in Michael Madigan’s corruption trial on Monday heard a key wiretapped phone call in which the speaker’s longtime confidant told him about a plan to kick payments to a loyal ward aide who was ousted after being accused of sexual harassment.
After calls for her resignation, Harmon says Feigenholtz ‘will need to do additional work in order to rebuild trust with her colleagues and constituents’ – Capitol Fax, November 4, 2024
Islamophobia must be rejected along with all forms of discriminatory and hateful speech. The Senate Democratic Caucus encourages a culture that fosters diversity and inclusion. The posts shared by Senator Feigenholtz stand in contrast to our values.
Illinois counties to vote on whether to explore seceding from state – NBC Chicago Staff, November 4, 2024
Continuing a recent trend, a group of Illinois counties will cast votes on whether or not they should seek to form a state separate from Chicago and Cook County. According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, a total of seven counties will cast ballots this election cycle on whether or not they should coordinate with other counties in exploring the idea of severing ties with Cook County and forming a new state.
AG: Illinois joins coalition of states calling for ban on price gouging – WMAY Newsroom, November 2, 2024
This past week, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the state would join a coalition of 15 attorneys general urging Congressional leaders to pass a national ban on price gouging. While price gouging is unlawful in Illinois and more than 40 other states, there is no federal law specifically banning businesses from raising prices on essential goods to increase their profits during an emergency.
Wiretaps show McClain arranging checks for Madigan loyalist fired after #MeToo allegations – Capitol News Illinois, November 1, 2024
It had been a tumultuous winter and spring for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan as he was forced to fire or distance himself from several top allies, three of whom were accused of sexual harassment at the height of the #MeToo movement.
Muslim civil rights group leads call for state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz to resign over social media post – Chicago Tribune, November 1, 2024
A Muslim civil rights organization and other faith groups on Friday called for Democratic state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz to resign following a social media post that appeared to back a message the group branded as Islamophobic.
Illinois faces a $3 billion shortfall in 2026, a new report shows – WBEZ, November 1, 2024
The relative financial calm that has marked Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s six years in office may soon be coming to a close as his administration Friday forecast a more than $3 billion budget shortfall for the next fiscal year.
Access to IVF in Illinois is unequal. A ballot referendum could help change that. – WBEZ, November 2, 2024
A WBEZ analysis found almost all Illinois babies born in 2023 with the help of fertility treatments had moms with private insurance.
Testimony from ex-campaign worker who sparked Madigan’s #MeToo moment could add intrigue to corruption trial – Chicago Tribune, November 3, 2024
Seven years ago almost to the day, Alaina Hampton sent a private letter to then-House Speaker Michael Madigan about sexual harassment from a co-worker that became a turning point in Madigan’s record-setting reign.
Illinois Democratic elected officials hit the campaign trail for Harris – The Pantagraph, November 1, 2024
When Democrats descended on Chicago for their presidential nominating convention in August, Sen. Tammy Duckworth proudly proclaimed Illinois as the “the rebar in the Blue Wall.”
Election preview: Size of Democrats’ General Assembly majority to be determined Tuesday night – The Daily Line, November 4, 2024
Illinois voters — who haven’t already cast an early or mail-in ballot — head to the polls on Tuesday with the presidential race at the top of their minds. But with Illinois expected send its electoral votes to Vice President Kamala Harris — as it has done for every Democratic presidential candidate since 1992 — eyes will be looking further down the ballot to see how General Assembly races shake out.
Aldermen to try defeating Johnson’s $300 million property tax hike – Chicago Tribune, November 7, 2024
A majority of Chicago aldermen are planning to vote to reject the $300 million property tax increase at the heart of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed 2025 budget.
Support for Donald Trump in Chicago has nearly doubled since his first presidential bid – WBEZ, November 6, 2024
As expected, Vice President Kamala Harris received more votes than former President Donald Trump in Chicago and Illinois. However, Trump had the strongest showing in the city of any Republican presidential candidate in more than two decades.
Hundreds rally in Chicago to oppose Donald Trump and express disappointment with Democrats on heels of election – Chicago Tribune, November 7, 2024
Hundreds of people gathered in Chicago’s Federal Plaza Wednesday night less than a day after former President Donald Trump won his reelection bid to affirm their support for progressive policies like abortion access, immigrant rights and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
Aldermen call for more funding for Chicago health department even while trying to avoid property tax hike – Chicago Tribune, November 7, 2024
Aldermen on Thursday weighed a Chicago Department of Public Health budget plan that’s well short of this year’s, as Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks to close a yawning shortfall in his citywide spending package.
Latino community in Chicago divided by Trump – Chicago Tribune, November 7, 2024
Sitting at a corner of a cantina in Pilsen, with a glass of brandy in hand, Miguel Barajas smiled as he looked up at the TV screen showing the news of Tuesday’s historic presidential election.
Health department budget will see nearly $140M drop next year driven by decline in grant funding – The Daily Line, November 8, 2024
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) as a glut of pandemic-era grant dollars funding multiple programs and hundreds of positions but is still figuring out how to keep some of those programs and positions going once that funding runs out alderpeople heard during a budget hearing Thursday.
Race calls: Scott retains appointed county board seat; Rogers reelected to Board of Review; Spyropoulos to become next circuit court clerk – The Daily Line, November 5, 2024
An appointed Cook County commissioner won in an unopposed election Tuesday night. A Board of Review member won reelection, and the Circuit Court of Cook County will welcome a new clerk after Tuesday’s election.
Stamps defeats Humay in special election to serve out remainder of term in Brandon Johnson’s old county board seat – The Daily Line, November 5, 2024
Cook County Comm. Tara Stamps (D-1) was declared the victor Tuesday night in the special election to serve out the remainder of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s unexpired County Board of Commissioners term. The Associated Press called the race for Stamps just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Monica Gordon elected next Cook County Clerk – The Daily Line, November 5, 2024
Cook County Comm. Monica Gordon (D-5) has won the race for Cook County Clerk, after the Associated Press called the race Tuesday evening.
Eileen O’Neill Burke Wins Cook County State’s Attorney Race – Block Club Chicago, November 5, 2024
Democrat Eileen O’Neill Burke has been elected as the next Cook County state’s attorney.
The AP declared O’Neill Burke the winner with 59 percent of votes counted. O’Neill Burke secured 64.8 percent of the vote compared to 30.8 percent for Republican Bob Fioretti. Libertarian Andrew Charles Kopinski had garnered 4.4 percent, coming in a distant third.
Turnout high in Chicago area for presidential election; long waits at some sites – Chicago Tribune, November 5, 2024
Chicago-area voters turned out in the high numbers typical of a presidential election Tuesday — with waits at some polling places but few significant problems reported. As of 9:50 p.m., the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners reported a turnout of about 63% of registered voters, with that percentage likely to rise over the coming days as additional mail-in ballots trickle in. Similar numbers were reported for suburban Cook County, according to the county clerk’s office.
Local Voters Strongly Support Cook County Separation Referendum – River Bender, November 5, 2024
Multiple counties in the Riverbend voted on a referendum to separate from Cook County, including its county seat, Chicago. Here’s a county-by-county breakdown of how voters across the region voted for or against the separation referendum and a series of state ballot questions.
City Council fights Johnson on property tax hike as budget negotiations begin – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 6, 2024
The City Council began probing Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.3 billion budget today, hoping to whittle away at an unpopular $300 million property tax hike while proposing competing ideas to avoid it.
Trump Attracted More Voters Than Ever In Chicago Amid Overall Victory – Block Club Chicago, November 6, 2024
While Kamala Harris won Chicago with about 77 percent of the vote, support for Donald Trump went up by up 6 percentage points in the city compared to 2020.
Three Cook County judges close to losing seats after scrutiny – Chicago Sun Times, November 6, 2024
As of Wednesday, one judge was under the vote threshold and two others were in peril with tens of thousands of potential votes uncounted. All three sitting judges, including the powerful presiding judge of the First Municipal District, were the subject of Injustice Watch investigations in the weeks before the elections.
Some alderpeople urge cuts, deferring advance pension payment and ARPA reallocation to avoid mayor’s proposed property tax hike on first day of budget hearings – The Daily Line, November 7, 2024
City Council hearings on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17.3 billion 2025 budget began Wednesday with council members hearing from the leaders of Johnson’s budget and finance team on the budgets for the mayor’s office, budget office and finance department.
If You Block A Bike Lane Downtown, You’ll Now Get An Automatic Ticket Or Warning – Block Club Chicago, November 4, 2024
A pilot program that automatically sends tickets to drivers blocking bike and bus lanes Downtown launched Monday — nearly two years after the city approved it. The Smart Streets pilot program, passed in March 2023, calls for the use of city cameras to catch and ticket drivers illegally parked in bike lanes, bus-only lanes, bus stops and crosswalks.
CTA shrugging off pandemic service lows; how about Metra and Pace? – The Daily Herald, November 4, 2024
For the first time since the pandemic, the Chicago Transit Authority announced Monday that rail service is back to normal levels.
What to expect on Election Day throughout the suburbs – The Daily Herald, November 4, 2024
About 70% of the nearly 8.1 million registered voters in Illinois are expected to cast ballots in Tuesday’s election, and historically less than a third of them will have done so already through early voting or vote-by-mail options.
State’s Attorney candidates have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from financial sector, labor, other elected officials since qualifying for general election – The Daily Line, November 5, 2024
Former Illinois Appellate Court Judge Eileen O’Neill Burke and former Chicago Ald. Bob Fioretti are facing off in Tuesday’s Cook County State’s Attorney race
News in brief: Council votes down one of mayor’s RTA board appointments; County announces manufacturers’ participation in Good Jobs Chicagoland – The Daily Line, November 4, 2024
One of the mayor’s appointments to the regional transportation system’s governing body was voted down by the City Council last week, and the county announced multiple manufacturers’ participation in a workforce development program.
Johnson was in the dark on CPS board pick’s comments because of a vetting ‘gap’ – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 1, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson said today he was unaware of the inflammatory social media posts that led to the resignation of his pick to lead the Chicago Board of Education because of a “gap” in the vetting process.
2 county commissioners, 1 Board of Review member up for election this cycle – The Daily Line, November 4, 2024
Cook County and Chicago residents that haven’t already voted will head to the polls Tuesday and cast their ballots not only for president but in statewide and local races, including Chicago’s first-ever school board elections and the local State’s Attorney race.
Editorial: Here’s whose interests are really served in the mayor’s 2025 budget – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 1, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.3 billion budget for 2025 says a lot, as all budgets do. It not only tells a tale of how his administration plans to spend public money during the year ahead. It also illuminates whose interests are being honored in the process — and you can be confident taxpayers are at the bottom of that particular list.
Powerful suburban Chicago political operation fueled by Uihlein money spends millions on far right causes – Chicago Sun Times, October 31, 2024
Doug Truax has nurtured small, politically conservative groups based in west suburban Downers Grove into a sprawling empire of organizations pushing far right agendas and election denialism — buoyed by contributions of more than $150 million from Illinois’ Richard Uihlein, one of the country’s biggest Republican donors.
