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.
Cook County voters will decide on 'Millionaire's Tax' referendum this November | The Chicago Report
Cook County voters will decide this November on a proposed 3% income tax surcharge for individuals earning more than $1 million annually. The non-binding advisory referendum aims to gauge support for passing it and utilizing the revenue to split funding between public education and local property tax relief. Anita Blanton breaks down the resolution with Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller.
Cook County voters will decide this November on a proposed 3% income tax surcharge for individuals earning more than $1 million annually. The non-binding advisory referendum aims to gauge support for passing it and utilizing the revenue to split funding between public education and local property tax relief. Anita Blanton breaks down the resolution with Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller.
The face of the 'Chicago Flips Red' movement is running for mayor | The Chicago Report
Retired Chicago police officer Danielle Carter-Walters is looking to upset the political status quo. The face of the grassroots initiative "Chicago Flips Red" joins Anita Blanton on The Chicago Report to talk about her bid for mayor. From blasting the city's sanctuary policies and public safety approach to facing off against the Chicago Teachers Union and Cook County officials, Carter-Walters explains the issues driving her campaign.
Retired Chicago police officer Danielle Carter-Walters is looking to upset the political status quo. The face of the grassroots initiative "Chicago Flips Red" joins Anita Blanton on The Chicago Report to talk about her bid for mayor. From blasting the city's sanctuary policies and public safety approach to facing off against the Chicago Teachers Union and Cook County officials, Carter-Walters explains the issues driving her campaign.
"Torture" lawsuit against Illinois prisons over solitary confinement | The Chicago Report
A new federal lawsuit accuses the Illinois Department of Corrections of "torturous" practices at the maximum-security Menard Correctional Center. The suit, filed by the MacArthur Justice Center and Akin, alleges that three incarcerated men were locked in cramped solitary cells for months without being allowed outside to exercise. Anita Blanton talks to Alexa Van Brunt of the MJC to break down the allegations of eighth amendment violations.
A new federal lawsuit accuses the Illinois Department of Corrections of "torturous" practices at the maximum-security Menard Correctional Center. The suit, filed by the MacArthur Justice Center and Akin, alleges that three incarcerated men were locked in cramped solitary cells for months without being allowed outside to exercise. Anita Blanton talks to Alexa Van Brunt of the MJC to break down the allegations of eighth amendment violations.
Why Chicago school board candidates are being kicked off the ballot | The Chicago Report
Anita Blanton speaks with Chicago school board candidates Dr. Angel Velez and Tameka Walton about their recent ballot challenges. Board Vice President Velez details his fight to appeal his official removal from the ballot, while Walton breaks down her newly launched write-in campaigns. Both warn that signature objections will leave parents with less choices this November.
Anita Blanton speaks with Chicago school board candidates Dr. Angel Velez and Tameka Walton about their recent ballot challenges. Board Vice President Velez details his fight to appeal his official removal from the ballot, while Walton breaks down her newly launched write-in campaigns. Both warn that signature objections will leave parents with less choices this November.
Why Chicago Is overhauling the RTLO to protect tenants | The Chicago Report
Chicago Department of Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda breaks down the Protecting Renters Ordinance, overhauling the city's 40-year-old RLTO.
Chicago Department of Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda breaks down the Protecting Renters Ordinance, overhauling the city's 40-year-old RLTO.
Why Chicago community groups have concerns about 'The 78' | The Chicago Report
The CBA for 78 coalition is raising major concerns over how "The 78" mega-development will impact local housing, traffic safety, and community transparency. To ensure the neighborhood isn't left behind, they are calling for TIF funds to be used transparently to benefit all members of the public. Angela Lin with People Matter explains.
The CBA for 78 coalition is raising major concerns over how "The 78" mega-development will impact local housing, traffic safety, and community transparency. To ensure the neighborhood isn't left behind, they are calling for TIF funds to be used transparently to benefit all members of the public. Angela Lin with People Matter explains.
Is Chicago Public Schools' 'Black Student Success Plan' still happening? | The Chicago Report
Anita Blanton talks to Chalkbeat reporter Mila Koumpilova about her article: "Delays in ramping up work on Chicago’s Black Student Success Plan frustrate some advocates." Koumpilova has an update after the U.S. Department of Education’s move to withhold grant dollars over the plan.
Anita Blanton talks to Chalkbeat reporter Mila Koumpilova about her article: "Delays in ramping up work on Chicago’s Black Student Success Plan frustrate some advocates." Koumpilova has an update after the U.S. Department of Education’s move to withhold grant dollars over the plan.