FEMA announced today that President Joe Biden approved federal disaster assistance for the state of Illinois to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from July 25-28, 2022. The action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in St. Clair County. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and…
The city of Chicago has entered a bid to host the Democratic National Convention in 2024. “With our Midwestern location and unified leadership, Chicago presents an incredible opportunity to host the 2024 Democratic National Committee,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot says. “The birthplace of the American labor movement and a model for equitable economic recovery, Chicago remains…
A report from the Office of the Inspector General says that the Chicago Police Department is not meeting its legal obligations on records requests. The Public Safety section of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has completed a follow-up to its June 2020 review of the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) management and production of records. Based on…
Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the Pride flag is flying at the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield to celebrate Pride Month. “The Pride flag is once again flying above the Illinois State Capitol — a symbol of this state’s commitment to standing with and celebrating our LGBTQ community. Happy #PrideMonth!” Pritzker said in…
In an open letter, dozens of scholars from prestigious universities warned that American democracy is at risk. “We, the undersigned, are scholars of democracy who have watched the recent deterioration of U.S. elections and liberal democracy with growing alarm. Specifically, we have watched with deep concern as Republican-led state legislatures across the country have in…
April 15 often fills taxpayers with dread. This year? Not so much. Earlier this year, the IRS extended the deadline for federal 2020 tax returns until May 17, 2021. The automatic extension gives filers more time during the pandemic. So if you were rushing to get your returns done before midnight, you can breathe a…
Illinois is set to permanently expand voting rights in the state. All that’s needed is Governor Pritzker’s signature. Illinois was one of several states that expanded voting rights last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, Illinois extended early voting hours, allowed curbside voting, and replaced a single judge verifying signatures with a bipartisan…
Voting should be a quick and simple process. In many places, you can show up at a polling place, request a ballot, verify your identity, and fill out the ballot in 15 minutes. But states with a history of racial discrimination are often different. They may erect artificial barriers that are meant to deter –…
Amid inadequate plans to reduce planet-heating emissions and climate scientists’ repeated warnings about rising seas and more devastating extreme weather, Redfin revealed Monday that formerly redlined areas across the United States face a higher flood risk than regions that weren’t deemed undesirable for mortgage lending under the racist practice. The real estate brokerage analyzed flood risk in 38 major U.S. metropolitan…
A coalition of more than two dozen progressive advocacy organizations issued a joint statement Tuesday warning President Joe Biden against giving Rahm Emanuel an administration post of any kind, a call that comes as the notorious former mayor of Chicago is reportedly being considered for ambassador to Japan or China. “Emanuel’s disgraceful behavior as mayor of Chicago cannot be…
