Latest News from Chicago City Wire

‘Drop the Mike’ crusade lashes out at Madigan, Chicago politician cronies

By Carol Ostrow | Feb 11, 2017

Lampooning Mike Madigan as a fake rap artist in a short animation-style spot, the Illinois Republican Party recently released a parody of the speaker via its website as it launched its 'Drop the Mike' campaign.

'Overworked' Metra CEO gets raise for Christmas; riders to get fare hike

By Carol Ostrow | Feb 10, 2017

An “overworked and undercompensated” Metra executive is scheduled for a $28,500 raise after the system’s board recently approved the adjustment, retroactive to Oct. 1, further boosting his already-six-figure salary following a substantial fare hike for passengers.

Galesburg gains honors for fiscal reporting

By Carol Ostrow | Jan 29, 2017

Garnering kudos from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), the city of Galesburg recently received a Certificate of Achievement for its fiscal year 2015 annual report — the sector’s highest honor.

BGA: Chicago's plastic-bag tax faked 'green' crusade to rake in green

By Carol Ostrow | Jan 16, 2017

The Better Government Association (BGA) recently suggested that the Chicago City Council’s new 7-cents-a-bag tax authorization is one more in a series of cloaked legislative efforts, wherein the stated purpose may obscure a second motive.

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Analysis: Illinois has nation's steepest 'wealth flight' income differential

By Carol Ostrow | Jan 15, 2017

After Illinois’ personal income tax was hiked just two points — from 3 to 5 percent — in early 2011, a record number of residents packed their bags, revealing what the Illinois Policy Institute termed “wealth flight.”

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BGA, others force Emanuel to release work-related private emails

By Carol Ostrow | Jan 15, 2017

Following a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) filing and lawsuits, Illinois’ Better Government Association (BGA) recently succeeded in forcing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to release private emails that pertain to city business.

Pawar proves to be Madigan replica via tax hikes

By Carol Ostrow | Jan 6, 2017

Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar, who recently decried Illinois’ 'wealth worship,' fuss over benefits and bankruptcy while announcing his 2018 gubernatorial candidacy, strikes the state’s Republicans as merely mimicking current House Speaker Mike Madigan’s tax policies.

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Chicago Tribune calls for new speaker in Illinois House

By Carol Ostrow | Dec 24, 2016

The Chicago Tribune’s editorial board has publicly called for the ousting of longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), predicting that if he is not unseated, the state faces two more years of “dysfunction.”

Khan: Cochran indictment shows 'ethics oversight' needed in Chicago

By Carol Ostrow | Dec 14, 2016

Citing “blatant and systematic disregard for ethics,” Chicago’s former legislative inspector general, Faisal Khan, issued a statement regarding the recent indictment of local Alderman Willie Cochran on charges alleging campaign finance violations.

BGA to hold citizen watchdog training workshop at DePaul

By Carol Ostrow | Dec 12, 2016

Anyone wishing to become a citizen watchdog can attend the Better Government Association’s (BGA) free public training session 5-7 p.m. Jan. 12 at DePaul University, 14 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 1137, in Chicago.

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Advocacy group: Income-related student-success gap in state persists

By Carol Ostrow | Dec 11, 2016

Chicago-based independent education advocate Advance Illinois, which compiles data for its annual “The State We’re In” report, recently released its newest findings on the state’s education statistics, illuminating an achievement gap in need of rebalancing.

Trump's success with Latino voters focus of Chicago Young Republicans event

By Carol Ostrow | Dec 1, 2016

Chicago residents can gain an insider’s view of how President-elect Donald Trump won Latino votes with guest speaker Steve Cortes, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday at O'Callaghan's in Chicago, 29 W Hubbard St., second floor.

National group hails Illinois' efforts to support LGBTQ adoptions

By Carol Ostrow | Nov 7, 2016

For its support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) households seeking to adopt children, the Illinois Center for Adoption & Permanency (ICAP) resource exchange coalition and agency, based in Chicago, recently scored kudos from the online Human Rights Campaign (HRC).