Illinois earns highest credit rating in 15 years: what Moody's upgrade means for taxpayers
Moody's has upgraded Illinois' credit rating to A1, marking the state's highest bond rating in nearly 15 years and its 11th upgrade since 2021 under Governor JB Pritzker. University of Chicago Professor and Center for Municipal Finance Director Justin Marlowe joins us to break down how the rating could help reduce the state's borrowing costs, while persistent pension liabilities keep Illinois' overall score at the bottom of the nation.
Moody's has upgraded Illinois' credit rating to A1, marking the state's highest bond rating in nearly 15 years and its 11th upgrade since 2021 under Governor JB Pritzker. University of Chicago Professor and Center for Municipal Finance Director Justin Marlowe joins us to break down how the rating could help reduce the state's borrowing costs, while persistent pension liabilities keep Illinois' overall score at the bottom of the nation.
First Illinois lawsuit: Chicago couple sues Taylor Farms over tainted Taco Bell lettuce
National food safety attorney Bill Marler joins the Chicago Report to discuss Zaragoza v. Taylor Fresh Foods, the first Illinois lawsuit filed in connection to the 2026 nationwide Cyclospora outbreak. He walks through his client’s 23-day ordeal to get an accurate diagnosis, why the suit targets the alleged produce supplier rather than Taco Bell and the urgent testing reforms needed to stop the next outbreak.
National food safety attorney Bill Marler joins the Chicago Report to discuss Zaragoza v. Taylor Fresh Foods, the first Illinois lawsuit filed in connection to the 2026 nationwide Cyclospora outbreak. He walks through his client’s 23-day ordeal to get an accurate diagnosis, why the suit targets the alleged produce supplier rather than Taco Bell and the urgent testing reforms needed to stop the next outbreak.
Not With Our Money: Mayor Johnson orders crackdown on city contractors linked to deportation push
Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order making Chicago the first major city to tie municipal contracts directly to ethical and public integrity standards. Community advocate Dorian Warren joins the Chicago Report to break down how the new mandate forces vendors to disclose ties to ICE enforcement, federal law enforcement and past civil rights violations.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order making Chicago the first major city to tie municipal contracts directly to ethical and public integrity standards. Community advocate Dorian Warren joins the Chicago Report to break down how the new mandate forces vendors to disclose ties to ICE enforcement, federal law enforcement and past civil rights violations.
Judge again blocks Trump administration's attempt to restrict mail-in ballots
A federal judge stalled President Donald Trump’s order limiting mail-in voting, creating a legal roadblock before midterm ballots go out to voters.
A federal judge stalled President Donald Trump’s order limiting mail-in voting, creating a legal roadblock before midterm ballots go out to voters.
Jennifer Custer withdraws from ballot, Chicago librarian files cyclospora lawsuit | The Chicago Report
Jennifer Custer has dropped out of the race for Chicago School Board President. And, a Chicago librarian has filed a lawsuit against Taylor Farms for falling ill with cyclospora after consuming a meal from Taco Bell. All this and more on "The Chicago Report."
Jennifer Custer has dropped out of the race for Chicago School Board President. And, a Chicago librarian has filed a lawsuit against Taylor Farms for falling ill with cyclospora after consuming a meal from Taco Bell. All this and more on "The Chicago Report."
New Illinois law establishes rules for e-bikes, scooters
New e-bike safety legislation was just signed into law in Illinois. State Sen. Darby Hills co-sponsored the legislation and joins us.
New e-bike safety legislation was just signed into law in Illinois. State Sen. Darby Hills co-sponsored the legislation and joins us.
Who will replace Karoline Leavitt?
Thursday is Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s last day at the White House.
Thursday is Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s last day at the White House.
Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America, further deepening the rift between the U.S. and what was once one of its strongest allies.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America, further deepening the rift between the U.S. and what was once one of its strongest allies.
Attorneys general challenge USPS limits tied to Trump mail-in voting order
Political science professor Stephen Maynard Caliendo discusses the legal fight over President Trump's mail-in voting order, what it could mean for the midterm elections and what happens next.
Political science professor Stephen Maynard Caliendo discusses the legal fight over President Trump's mail-in voting order, what it could mean for the midterm elections and what happens next.
Mayor's executive order, mail-in ballot ruling | The Chicago Report
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has a new executive order that creates strict new accountability standards for city contractors. And, the latest on the Supreme Court's ruling on mail-in ballots. All this and more on "The Chicago Report."
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has a new executive order that creates strict new accountability standards for city contractors. And, the latest on the Supreme Court's ruling on mail-in ballots. All this and more on "The Chicago Report."
Judge denies Minnesota bid to keep ICE agent jailed in Texas
A judge has denied an attempt by Minnesota officials to block the release of the ICE agent charged in a January shooting in Minneapolis as the state battles with Texas Governor Greg Abbott over the agent's extradition.
A judge has denied an attempt by Minnesota officials to block the release of the ICE agent charged in a January shooting in Minneapolis as the state battles with Texas Governor Greg Abbott over the agent's extradition.
How to avoid a Social Security cut? Lawmakers float plans to protect benefits
Lawmakers are floating several plans to prevent a projected Social Security benefit cut beginning in 2032.
Lawmakers are floating several plans to prevent a projected Social Security benefit cut beginning in 2032.
Mayor Johnson's budget plan, NIPSCO facing class action lawsuit | The Chicago Report
Mayor Brandon Johnson has unveiled a new plan to close the city's $85.1 million shortfall and avoid layoffs. And, a class action lawsuit has been filed against NIPSCO. All this and more on "The Chicago Report."
Mayor Brandon Johnson has unveiled a new plan to close the city's $85.1 million shortfall and avoid layoffs. And, a class action lawsuit has been filed against NIPSCO. All this and more on "The Chicago Report."
Supreme Court clears way for Trump mail-in voting restrictions
The Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for President Donald Trump to move ahead with his executive order restricting mail-in voting.
The Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for President Donald Trump to move ahead with his executive order restricting mail-in voting.
Chicago race for mayor 2027: Who's running so far?
The first round of voting for Chicago’s next mayor is just under six months away, and the field of candidates has been taking real shape in recent weeks.
The first round of voting for Chicago’s next mayor is just under six months away, and the field of candidates has been taking real shape in recent weeks.
Karoline Leavitt reveals next role after leaving White House press secretary post
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is returning to her old job after she leaves her post at the end of the month.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is returning to her old job after she leaves her post at the end of the month.
What ABC's suing the FCC means for free speech | ChicagoLIVE
After ABC sued the FCC for threats of taking away the company's broadcast license, the network is suing, claiming an infringement on its First Amendment rights.
After ABC sued the FCC for threats of taking away the company's broadcast license, the network is suing, claiming an infringement on its First Amendment rights.
Trump's plan to lower beef prices faces pushback from ranchers and some Republicans
President Trump is planning to allow more imported beef into the U.S. for the next 90 days in an effort to lower record-high beef prices.
President Trump is planning to allow more imported beef into the U.S. for the next 90 days in an effort to lower record-high beef prices.
Trump's 50% tariffs implemented on Canadian goods after trade negotiations suspended
Canada suspended trade negotiations with the U.S. late Friday, blaming "unfair" last-minute changes to Washington's proposed terms and announcing retaliatory tariffs against the U.S.
Canada suspended trade negotiations with the U.S. late Friday, blaming "unfair" last-minute changes to Washington's proposed terms and announcing retaliatory tariffs against the U.S.
Chicago weather: Dry, comfortable conditions to start the weekend
We’re looking at pretty dry, comfortable conditions this weekend, quite the change from the last couple of weeks.
We’re looking at pretty dry, comfortable conditions this weekend, quite the change from the last couple of weeks.