Waukegan voters are tired of pols who sail into their harbor city before elections then leave them adrift
Residents say they want public officials to take a holistic approach to the problems facing their lakefront city.
Politics
With one of Illinois’ largest political reporting teams, WBEZ’s Government & Politics desk holds elected officials and government bodies accountable. We cover the policy debates and political machinations happening at the state Capitol in Springfield, in Cook County government and at Chicago’s City Hall.
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Examining The Record: Pritzker touts fiscal and crisis management — but critics just see campaign management
Over the past four years, Pritzker made good on campaign promises, but faced criticism for pandemic-related restrictions and a failed tax revamp.
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Examining The Record: Darren Bailey pushed to fix the state’s ‘decline,’ but critics call him ineffective
The GOP nominee for governor gained fame as the voice of opposition on cultural issues — gun rights, abortion — at the statehouse. But he passed few bills of his own.
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Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot will no longer increase property taxes in her election year budget
After floating a 2.5% property tax increase last month, the mayor will not raise property taxes for the next fiscal year, WBEZ has learned.
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The national wave of unfounded election-fraud accusations does not spare Illinois
Conspiracy theorists inundate election officials across the state with form letters demanding voter records and threatening lawsuits.
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Here’s how you can vote in Illinois in the Nov. 8 elections
Between early voting, voting by mail and registering to vote, here’s a quick guide on how to get your ballot and vote.
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Mayor Lightfoot wants housing to replace empty offices on LaSalle Street
The plan would require 30 percent of units be affordable housing.
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What Mayor Lightfoot’s Invest South/West has, hasn’t done in three years
The initiative aims to pump $750 million into 10 Chicago neighborhoods, but critics say little development has happened so far.
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Cook County forest preserves pitch a property tax hike to voters
Cook County property owners would be asked to pay about $1.50 more a month in taxes toward the preserves, which became a haven during the pandemic.
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Aldermen vote to offer protections for people seeking abortions in Chicago
The ordinance prohibits the Chicago Police Department from carrying out search warrants or assisting in investigations related to other states’ laws restricting abortion.
