Politics

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) office building at 6201 S. Emerald Drive in Chicago, Jan. 17, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

Illinois DCFS official improperly approved $1.4 million in extra pay for employees, inspector general says

By Olivia Olander

October 26, 2026 at 7:09 p.m.

The official, Kimberly Bates, resigned after the investigation. In a phone interview Monday, she said...

FILE — Former FBI Director James Comey speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Trump administration attempting to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey again

By Eric Tucker

October 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

The Trump administration is attempting to prosecute James Comey for what it calls a decade-old...

Ald. Marty Quinn, 13th, from left, Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, Ald. Samantha Nugent, 39th, and Ald. Nicole Lee, 11th, speak outside chambers after Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered his budget address on Oct. 21, 2026, at Chicago's City Hall. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Chicago aldermen open budget hearings questioning if Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan is truly balanced

By Jake Sheridan

October 26, 2026 at 6:28 p.m.

Facing incredulity Monday from many aldermen who bucked Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget last year, his...

A shopper looks at items in an aisle at a grocery store in Fort Worth, Texas, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

President Donald Trump failed to stop inflation. Now Republicans may pay the price in the midterm elections.

By Jill Colvin

October 26, 2026 at 6:24 a.m.

President Donald Trump would prefer that voters not worry about inflation. But it’s hard for...

Mayor Brandon Johnson arrives to deliver his budget address on Oct. 21, 2026, at Chicago City Hall. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

In Mayor Brandon Johnson’s fourth budget fight, is it ‘class war’ or reelection war?

By Alice Yin

October 26, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s usual critics piled on as soon as his fourth budget proposal leaked,...

Former President Barack Obama, center, joined by Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Abdul El-Sayed, left, and Democratic gubernatorial nominee and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson raise hands during a campaign event at Cass Technical High School Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Detroit.(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

President Donald Trump escalates anti-Muslim attacks against Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, drawing Arab American rebuke

By Joey Cappelletti

October 26, 2026 at 6:22 a.m.

President Donald Trump intensified his anti-Muslim rhetoric against Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed on Sunday,...

Cindy Banda massages her arm near her mastectomy scar to stretch the skin ahead of reconstruction surgery, Sept. 15, 2026, at her house in McAllen, Texas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

She voted for Trump every time. Then came cancer and the bills.

By Jesse Bedayn

October 25, 2026 at 3:12 p.m.

Cindy Banda backed Trump in each of his three campaigns, motivated by her opposition to...

Dean of Students DeJuan Eskew hands out tags as students exit their bus at Glen Park Academy on Gary, Indiana Tuesday August 9, 2022. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune)

Bus service, extracurriculars on the chopping block if school referendums fail

By Jim Masters

October 26, 2026 at 12:18 p.m.

As Senate Enrolled Act 1 significantly reduces the ability of public schools’ to rely on...

Political signs for the November 2026 election, as seen on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Benton Street in downtown Aurora on Oct. 20, 2026. Two of the signs refer to a referendum question on the ballot that asks voters if the city should adopt mechanisms that would allow a sitting mayor to be recalled. Objections to this question are wending through Illinois courts. (Addison Wright/Beacon-News)

Courts uphold Aurora recall referendum question on fall ballot, appeal filed

By Addison Wright

October 25, 2026 at 7:11 a.m.

A Kane County circuit court judge upheld the Aurora electoral board’s decision to ask voters...

A drone show in celebration of America’s 250th birthday in downtown Joliet on June 26, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai/)

Requiem for the American Dream: A nation in search of its past, with fragile hopes for its future

By E. Jason Wambsgans

October 25, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

There are a lot of ghosts here, but they’re the kinds of hauntings that we...

Moraine Valley Community College's automotive program, which would see building renovations as part of a $115 million bond issue the college is seeking. (Moraine Valley Community College)

Moraine Valley Community College seeks $115 million bond approval to expand, renovate buildings

By Olivia Stevens

October 25, 2026 at 5:10 a.m.

Moraine Valley is asking voters for a tax increase to fund public safety program facilities...

People cast their votes during the Oak Park Township Annual Town Meeting at Julian Middle School on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (Cam'ron Hardy/Pioneer Press)

Israel boycott referendum question creates divide in Oak Park community

By Cam'ron Hardy

October 25, 2026 at 5:07 a.m.

An advisory referendum will ask Oak Park voters if the state should repeal laws related...

Kevin Warren, Chicago Bears team president and CEO, on the field before the game at Soldier Field on Oct. 4, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai/)

Chicago Bears stadium becomes a political game as midterms near. Can it score for Republicans?

By Rick Pearson

October 25, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The saga over where the future home of the Chicago Bears has become about more...