The Politics Section of the Chicago Journal.
Chicago Politics
Vallas, a former schools CEO backed by the police union, and Johnson, a Cook County commissioner endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union, advanced to the April 4 runoff after none of the nine candidates was able to secure over 50% of the vote to win outright.
Chicago Politics
To win the office outright, a candidate needs to receive more than 50% of the vote. That's unlikely with such a large field, so the race is expected to go to an April 4 runoff between the top two vote-getters.
Chicago News
Far from being an outlier, the nation’s third-largest city is just the latest Democratic stronghold where public safety has become a top election issue.
Law
The proposal that became the weapons law was introduced more than a year ago as an Insurance Code change specifying duties and contractual obligations between a public adjuster and an insurance-coverage holder.
Illinois Politics
The powerful NRA joined a parade of gun-rights activists seeking to toss out the newly minted prohibition on dozens of rapid-fire pistols and long guns, as well as large-capacity magazines or attachments.
Law
In his ruling, Morrison cited a landmark USSC decision from last year that struck down New York state’s concealed carry law. That 6-3 ruling found that the plain text of the Second Amendment protected the right of the plaintiffs to carry firearms for self-defense.
Politics
Nine in 10 of the state's sheriffs, joining with gun-rights advocates in declaring the prohibition unconstitutional, have sworn off zealous enforcement of the law. The Illinois State Rifle Association plans to file a federal lawsuit challenging the law as early as next week.
Illinois Politics
The Senate plan differs slightly from the recent House-passed version, but despite initial objections from House Democrats, they're expected to approve the measure. Republicans predict the law would be overturned in court as unconstitutional.
Illinois Politics
As in his first term, there seems little in his way. In the General Assembly, there seems no limit to the extent of Democratic control, and the Democrats have a majority of 5-2 in the Illinois Supreme Court.
Illinois Politics
Not two years into his role as House Speaker, Chris Welch is facing heavy criticism for his lack of transparency and secretive house actions such as this week's unheard of 16% raise to Illinois legislators during a lame-duck session.
Law
Critics argued the legislation is unconstitutional and wouldn't survive a court challenge.
Illinois News
The bill, now headed to the Senate, would prevent the governor from surrendering a person charged by another state if the offenses are based on providing or receiving health care that is lawful in Illinois, even if it is illegal in the other state.