Today’s news
Springfield Debates 'Millionaires' Tax' Proposal
Mayor Brandon Johnson pushes for new tax on high-income residents, but critics warn of potential economic risks.

Chicago Mayor Slams Restaurant Industry's 'Ties to Slavery'
Reparations Task Force funding sparks debate over tipped wages
Mayor Grilled on Chicago Teen Mob Takeovers
Criticism mounts over lack of concrete enforcement plan from city leadership.
Recent news
Apr. 18, 2026
Aurora Mayor Laesch Outlines Vision for Sustainable, Equitable Future
In State of the City address, mayor highlights progress on downtown, energy efficiency, and community engagement
Apr. 18, 2026
Kankakee County Sets Salaries for Elected Officials
Some officials decline pay raises as county reviews compensation
Apr. 18, 2026
Chicago Mayor Pushes Slavery Reparations Amid Clashes with City Council
Brandon Johnson's latest controversial move highlights his combative leadership style and progressive agenda.
Apr. 18, 2026
Rock Island Releases 2026 Annual Action Plan for Public Review
The plan outlines the city's projects and activities funded by over $1 million in federal CDBG grants.
Apr. 17, 2026
Chicago Mayor Defends Eliminating Tipped Wage, Linking It to 'Slavery'
Johnson's comments come as City Council fails to override his veto of measure to halt the city's phaseout of subminimum wage for tipped workers.
Apr. 17, 2026
Chicago Mayor Defends Veto of Tipped Wage Increase
Johnson links restaurant industry to 'slavery' as fight over minimum wage for tipped workers intensifies
Apr. 17, 2026
Obama's $30 Presidential Library Admission Sparks Backlash
Former president's library features high costs and ID requirements for local discounts.
Apr. 17, 2026
Wauconda Pursues Annexation to Stop Solar Farm
Local officials say proposed solar project is 'inconsistent with our long-term plan'
Apr. 17, 2026
Chicago Restores Disability Funding for Catholic Schools
The archdiocese operates nearly 150 Catholic schools in the city.
Apr. 17, 2026
Effingham County Board Committee Continues Work on Nuisance Ordinance
Proposed measure aims to address issues in small subdivisions, not impact area farmers
Apr. 17, 2026
Teutopolis Board Discusses TIF Applications
Local leaders review tax incentive requests from businesses and community groups.
Apr. 17, 2026
Madison County Board Denies Apartment Rezoning, Approves Goat Permit
Residents oppose apartment plan, while Bethalto-area resident gets approval to keep more goats than allowed.
Apr. 17, 2026
City to Host Tree-Planting Block Party in Pulaski Park
Councilmembers gather for March meeting, announce upcoming community event.
Apr. 16, 2026
Rockford Mayor Warns of Budget Threats from Funding Cuts
McNamara highlights housing gains and crime drop, but says state and federal cuts to local funding pose major challenges.
Apr. 16, 2026
Chicago Public Schools CEO, CTU, Mayor Johnson divided over plans for CPS to remain open on May Day
Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Macquline King has made it clear classes will not be canceled on May Day, despite Mayor Brandon Johnson's plans for parents and families to participate.
Apr. 16, 2026
Chicago Mayoral Candidate Criticizes Rahm Emanuel's Record
Brandon Johnson says Emanuel's tenure as mayor is 'disqualifying' for a potential presidential run.
Apr. 16, 2026
Trinity Christian College Campus Up for Sale
Small private college to close amid financial pressures facing higher education sector
Apr. 15, 2026
Chicago City Council Fails to Override Mayor's Veto on Tipped Workers' Pay
State lawmakers consider legislation to strip Chicago's power to phase out subminimum wage.
Apr. 15, 2026
Chicago Alders Preserve Tipped Wage Hikes, Confirm New DCASE Boss
Restaurant industry vows to push for state-level regulation or compromise proposal after council falls short on veto override.
Apr. 15, 2026
Chicago Council Fails to Override Mayor's Veto on Tipped Minimum Wage Freeze
Restaurant owners say pay hikes have hurt their bottom line, but majority of council recognizes need for action.