Supreme Court rules on Trump mail ballot order: what happens for midterms?
Votebeat Senior National Reporter Dion Nissenbaum joins the Chicago Report to analyze the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting. He breaks down why the court lifted the initial injunction, the remaining legal hurdles facing the Postal Service and what this means for voters ahead of the midterm elections.
Votebeat Senior National Reporter Dion Nissenbaum joins the Chicago Report to analyze the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting. He breaks down why the court lifted the initial injunction, the remaining legal hurdles facing the Postal Service and what this means for voters ahead of the midterm elections.
Tyson Foods shuts down Illinois meatpacking plant: cattle shortage or bad business climate?
Tyson Foods is closing its major beef processing plant in Joslin, Illinois, eliminating over 2,500 jobs. State Senator Chris Balkema joins us to discuss why he believes Illinois' tax and regulatory environment is driving major agricultural employers to shift operations to neighboring states.
Tyson Foods is closing its major beef processing plant in Joslin, Illinois, eliminating over 2,500 jobs. State Senator Chris Balkema joins us to discuss why he believes Illinois' tax and regulatory environment is driving major agricultural employers to shift operations to neighboring states.
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.
Independent ticket challenges Illinois' two-party system | The Chicago Report
Carolyn Schofield talks about her decision to run for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois; the ComEd Four headed for a possible retrial and Bridgeport residents question the White Sox-Amtrak connection.
Carolyn Schofield talks about her decision to run for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois; the ComEd Four headed for a possible retrial and Bridgeport residents question the White Sox-Amtrak connection.
Data center drama, power outage chaos and the Illinois film industry | The Chicago Report
Indiana residents are still trying to get power back after last week's relentless storms. Meanwhile Illinois politicians are focusing on data centers ahead of the election. All this and more on The Chicago Report.
Indiana residents are still trying to get power back after last week's relentless storms. Meanwhile Illinois politicians are focusing on data centers ahead of the election. All this and more on The Chicago Report.
Should Chicago delay the search for its next police chief? CCPSA's Anthony Driver Jr. says yes
CCPSA member Anthony Driver Jr. joins us to explain why he wrote a letter to City Council asking alders to extend the search for Chicago’s next police superintendent until after the upcoming mayoral election. He discusses why he thinks top national candidates might hesitate to apply during political uncertainty and responds to Mayor Brandon Johnson's opposition to changing the timeline.
CCPSA member Anthony Driver Jr. joins us to explain why he wrote a letter to City Council asking alders to extend the search for Chicago’s next police superintendent until after the upcoming mayoral election. He discusses why he thinks top national candidates might hesitate to apply during political uncertainty and responds to Mayor Brandon Johnson's opposition to changing the timeline.
An inside look at the campaign pushes behind the Chicago mayoral race | The Chicago Report
The Chicago mayor race is heating up with several up-and-coming candidates trying to join the fold.
The Chicago mayor race is heating up with several up-and-coming candidates trying to join the fold.
Illinois GOP running mate Aaron Del Mar demands ethics reform amid democratic scandal in Springfield
Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Aaron Del Mar joins The Chicago Report to address recent ethics scandals surrounding Illinois House Democrats, including former Rep. Harry Benton and Rep. Carol Ammons. Del Mar outlines the ethics reforms he and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey are demanding and weighs in on releasing the Legislative Inspector General's report. Plus, Del Mar defends a proposal to subject non-profits receiving state grant funding to public records laws.
Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Aaron Del Mar joins The Chicago Report to address recent ethics scandals surrounding Illinois House Democrats, including former Rep. Harry Benton and Rep. Carol Ammons. Del Mar outlines the ethics reforms he and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey are demanding and weighs in on releasing the Legislative Inspector General's report. Plus, Del Mar defends a proposal to subject non-profits receiving state grant funding to public records laws.
Illinois GOP running mate Aaron Del Mar demands ethics reform amid democratic scandal in Springfield
Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Aaron Del Mar joins The Chicago Report to address recent ethics scandals surrounding Illinois House Democrats, including former Rep. Harry Benton and Rep. Carol Ammons. Del Mar outlines the ethics reforms he and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey are demanding and weighs in on releasing the Legislative Inspector General's report. Plus, Del Mar defends a proposal to subject non-profits receiving state grant funding to public records laws.
Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Aaron Del Mar joins The Chicago Report to address recent ethics scandals surrounding Illinois House Democrats, including former Rep. Harry Benton and Rep. Carol Ammons. Del Mar outlines the ethics reforms he and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey are demanding and weighs in on releasing the Legislative Inspector General's report. Plus, Del Mar defends a proposal to subject non-profits receiving state grant funding to public records laws.
$50K per year in prison: Illinois' new exoneration compensation law | The Chicago Report
Illinois is increasing compensation for wrongfully convicted residents to up to $50,000 for every year spent in prison under the newly signed Certificate of Innocence Act. State Senator Elgie Sims joins the show to discuss why it took until 2026 for Illinois to adopt the federal standard, how the law expands eligibility to juveniles and probation cases and whether past exonerees can receive retroactive pay.
Illinois is increasing compensation for wrongfully convicted residents to up to $50,000 for every year spent in prison under the newly signed Certificate of Innocence Act. State Senator Elgie Sims joins the show to discuss why it took until 2026 for Illinois to adopt the federal standard, how the law expands eligibility to juveniles and probation cases and whether past exonerees can receive retroactive pay.
SEIU backs Jessica Biggs as CTU slams campaign donors in heated school board race | Chicago Report
The battle for the Chicago Board of Education is heating up as SEIU Local 73 officially endorses Board Member Jessica Biggs for Board President, exposing a growing divide between public school unions. Meanwhile, the Chicago Teachers Union is attacking board president candidate Biggs over campaign donations, alleging she is backed by wealthy business leaders linked to past administration school closures. Jessica Biggs joins the show to respond to the CTU, explain what the SEIU endorsement means for her campaign, and share her vision for leading the district during Chicago's historic first-ever elected school board race.
The battle for the Chicago Board of Education is heating up as SEIU Local 73 officially endorses Board Member Jessica Biggs for Board President, exposing a growing divide between public school unions. Meanwhile, the Chicago Teachers Union is attacking board president candidate Biggs over campaign donations, alleging she is backed by wealthy business leaders linked to past administration school closures. Jessica Biggs joins the show to respond to the CTU, explain what the SEIU endorsement means for her campaign, and share her vision for leading the district during Chicago's historic first-ever elected school board race.
'Price-fixing cartel': UChicago & Northwestern alumni owed money in financial aid lawsuit
Did UChicago and Northwestern collude with other elite colleges to limit financial aid and prioritize wealthier applicants? Lead Attorney Eric Cramer with Berger Montague joins Anita Blanton to break down the multi-million dollar settlement, which students qualifies for payouts, and what comes next as remaining universities face trial over alleged "need-blind" admissions violations.
Did UChicago and Northwestern collude with other elite colleges to limit financial aid and prioritize wealthier applicants? Lead Attorney Eric Cramer with Berger Montague joins Anita Blanton to break down the multi-million dollar settlement, which students qualifies for payouts, and what comes next as remaining universities face trial over alleged "need-blind" admissions violations.
Could the FAIR ordinance and Protecting Renters proposal combine? | The Chicago Report
As Chicago City Council debates the future of tenant and landlord regulations, a standoff is unfolding between Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) and the alternative Fair Accountability in Rentals (FAIR) Ordinance, brought forward by the Budget Accountability Coalition. 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas joins The Chicago Report to weigh in on whether a middle ground exists and if the two competing housing proposals can be merged into one policy.
As Chicago City Council debates the future of tenant and landlord regulations, a standoff is unfolding between Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) and the alternative Fair Accountability in Rentals (FAIR) Ordinance, brought forward by the Budget Accountability Coalition. 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas joins The Chicago Report to weigh in on whether a middle ground exists and if the two competing housing proposals can be merged into one policy.
Illinois Board votes to keep independent candidates off ballot for 4th district | The Chicago Report
The Illinois State Board of Elections has voted to remove two independent candidates, Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and former Latino Victory Project executive director Mayra Macías from the ballot in Illinois’ 4th Congressional District. The board accepted hearing officer recommendations that disqualified thousands of petition signatures submitted by both campaigns, leaving them short of the required 10,816 valid signatures. Macías reacts to the ruling with Anita Blanton.
The Illinois State Board of Elections has voted to remove two independent candidates, Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and former Latino Victory Project executive director Mayra Macías from the ballot in Illinois’ 4th Congressional District. The board accepted hearing officer recommendations that disqualified thousands of petition signatures submitted by both campaigns, leaving them short of the required 10,816 valid signatures. Macías reacts to the ruling with Anita Blanton.
CAIR Chicago talks 'ICE Out' pledge, compensation for midway blitz? | The Chicago Report
Advocates at CAIR-Chicago are backing the "ICE Out" pledge to ensure local elected officials reject money from corporations with ties to immigration enforcement. Plus, the organization weighs in on the Midway Blitz referendum, which seeks to reimburse the city and local businesses for lost revenue following federal enforcement. Jordan Esparza-Kelley joins Anita Blanton.
Advocates at CAIR-Chicago are backing the "ICE Out" pledge to ensure local elected officials reject money from corporations with ties to immigration enforcement. Plus, the organization weighs in on the Midway Blitz referendum, which seeks to reimburse the city and local businesses for lost revenue following federal enforcement. Jordan Esparza-Kelley joins Anita Blanton.
CAIR Chicago talks 'ICE Out' pledge, compensation for midway blitz | The Chicago Report
Advocates at CAIR-Chicago are backing the "ICE Out" pledge to ensure local elected officials reject money from corporations with ties to immigration enforcement. Plus, the organization weighs in on the Midway Blitz referendum, which seeks to reimburse the city and local businesses for lost revenue following federal enforcement. Jordan Esparza-Kelley joins Anita Blanton.
Advocates at CAIR-Chicago are backing the "ICE Out" pledge to ensure local elected officials reject money from corporations with ties to immigration enforcement. Plus, the organization weighs in on the Midway Blitz referendum, which seeks to reimburse the city and local businesses for lost revenue following federal enforcement. Jordan Esparza-Kelley joins Anita Blanton.
Democrats pick ex-Rep. Benton's replacement | Jessica Dixon Heitman joins The Chicago Report
Democratic Party chairs in Will and Kendall counties have appointed Jessica Dixon Heitman to fill the vacancy in Illinois' 97th House District and serve as the Democratic nominee in the upcoming general election. Heitman was officially sworn in following the resignation of former State Representative Harry Benton. We cover Heitman’s appointment, her vision for ethics reform in Springfield and her goals for the 97th District.
Democratic Party chairs in Will and Kendall counties have appointed Jessica Dixon Heitman to fill the vacancy in Illinois' 97th House District and serve as the Democratic nominee in the upcoming general election. Heitman was officially sworn in following the resignation of former State Representative Harry Benton. We cover Heitman’s appointment, her vision for ethics reform in Springfield and her goals for the 97th District.
200% economic return? New report looks at Rebuild Illinois plan 6 years later | The Chicago Report
A new analysis of the six-year, $30 billion "Rebuild Illinois" capital program reveals the historic infrastructure initiative delivered a 200% return on investment to the state's economy. Frank Manzo with the Illinois Economic Policy Institute explains the report.
A new analysis of the six-year, $30 billion "Rebuild Illinois" capital program reveals the historic infrastructure initiative delivered a 200% return on investment to the state's economy. Frank Manzo with the Illinois Economic Policy Institute explains the report.