Latest News from Chicago City Wire

Pritzker accused of throwing low, middle class under the bus

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jan 4, 2018

The Illinois Republican Party slammed J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat vying to become governor, for what they called an inadequate response to a report condemning the performance of Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios.

Democrats, Madigan backing Pritzker to control redistricting, state GOP says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jan 4, 2018

In response to several recent lawmaker endorsements of J.B. Pritzker in his bid to become governor, the Illinois Republican Party is accusing House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and his supporters of pushing Pritzker for his ability to bankroll campaigns and help Democrats control redistricting.

Fact checking shows Pritzker hasn't released more tax info than Rauner

By Caitlin Nordahl | Dec 20, 2017

The Better Government Association (BGA) recently fact checked statements made by J.B. Pritzker, Democratic candidate for governor, that he had released "way more" information about his taxes than Gov. Bruce Rauner and found that assertion was false.

Chicago State ranked among nation's most prohibitive in terms of free speech policies

By Caitlin Nordahl | Dec 20, 2017

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) new report highlighting campus policies that prohibit free speech ranks Chicago State University among the most prohibitive, a posting on the group’s website said.

Inspector general post for water district 'a no brainer,' Better Government Association manager says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Dec 18, 2017

Better Government Association (BGA) Policy Manager Rachel Leven recently urged Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) commissioners to create an office of the inspector general (IG) to improve efficiency and operations, according to a posting on the group's website.

McSweeney joins Ives in calling for investigation into resignation of Rauner's top lawyer

By Caitlin Nordahl | Dec 14, 2017

Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) recently joined Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), who is challenging Gov. Bruce Rauner in the GOP primary, in calling for an investigation into the resignation of Rauner’s former general counsel, Dennis Murashko, McSweeney said in a release.

State GOP blasts Pritzker for non-response to report slamming Berrios over tax assessments

By Caitlin Nordahl | Dec 13, 2017

The Illinois Republican Party slammed Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker for not taking a harsh stance against Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios and House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) in the wake of a damning report by the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois on the county's tax assessment system.

Time to end 'property tax racket' run by Berrios, Kennedy says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Dec 12, 2017

Chris Kennedy, a Democratic candidate for governor, is calling on Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios to step down based on reports that his office has rigged the system in favor of property tax lawyers and the wealthy.

Pritzker tax returns raise questions, state GOP says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Dec 7, 2017

Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker recently released a portion of his income tax returns, and the Illinois Republican Party is now questioning what the remaining portions would reveal.

Chicago attorney: Businesses should insist independent contractors have workers' comp insurance

By Caitlin Nordahl | Dec 2, 2017

Businesses contracting independent workers should ensure that those contractors have their own workers compensation insurance coverage to prevent drawn out litigation and potential payouts, attorney Eugene Keefe, founding partner with Keefe, Campbell, Biery & Associates, wrote in a recent blog post.

Candidate slams Rep. Schneider for not calling for Conyers' resignation

By Caitlin Nordahl | Nov 30, 2017

Republican congressional candidate Jeremy Wynes, who is running to represent the 11th District, has criticized the incumbent Democrat, Rep. Brad Schneider, for standing by embattled Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), who faces sexual harassment allegations.

Rauner marks Small Business Saturday with stop at Little Village bakery

By Caitlin Nordahl | Nov 30, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner marked Small Business Saturday with a visit to several small businesses in Chicago, including El Nopal Bakery in the Little Village community, a release from his office said.

Pritzker, Madigan want more tax hikes, GOP ad says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Nov 28, 2017

The Illinois Republican Party recently released a new digital ad accusing House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker of seeking additional tax increases, a GOP release said.

Illinois GOP slams Kennedy for no-bid deal in Cleveland

By Caitlin Nordahl | Nov 21, 2017

A recent report from the Chicago Tribune shows how a project in Cleveland developed by Chris Kennedy while he was at the helm of Merchandise Mart has not benefited that city as projected, a failing the Illinois Republican Party has jumped on to discredit the Democrat candidate for governor.

State releases freight system plan for public comment

By Caitlin Nordahl | Nov 21, 2017

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is accepting public comments on its 2017 Freight Plan, which discusses the current state of freight movement in the state and lays out strategies to increase the system’s efficiency, according to a release from IDOT.

Illinois GOP calls on Durbin, Duckworth to give away Franken contributions

By Caitlin Nordahl | Nov 21, 2017

The Illinois Republican Party recently called on Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to give up campaign contributions from Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) following allegations of sexual harassment against him, according to release from the party.