NASCAR street race touts economic benefits for Chicago, but pushback grows over street closures, traffic, access and safety concernsNASCAR estimates a $113 million benefit to Chicago, but detractors question at what cost. June 14, 2023
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez enters crowded GOP presidential raceMiami Mayor Francis Suarez filed paperwork Wednesday to launch his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, jumping into the crowded race just a day after GOP front-runner Donald Trump appeared in court on federal charges. June 14, 2023
CPD consent decree in danger of failing, former city IG saysThe Chicago Police Department’s consent decree is in grave danger of failing, according to the city’s former chief watchdog. June 14, 2023
Man who spent 29 years in prison before murder-arson conviction overturned is up for $7.25 million settlement with city of ChicagoBrown had testiifed that Chicago police beat him into falsely confessing to starting a fire in a video store that killed two people. June 14, 2023
Fox News says it ‘addressed’ onscreen message that called President Biden a ‘wannabe dictator’ Fox News appeared to express regret Wednesday for showing an onscreen message that called President Joe Biden a “wannabe dictator” who had his political rival arrested. June 14, 2023
No legislative discipline in sight for Indiana lawmaker who admitted drunken drivingRepublican Rep. Jim Lucas of Seymour signed an agreement Monday with the prosecutor in southern Indiana’s Jackson County in which he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of the accident. June 14, 2023
Here are the likely next steps in the Donald Trump documents caseNow that former President Trump has entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment in Miami, the criminal case against him will, barring an unforeseen event, settle into a traditional trajectory. June 14, 2023
Republicans delay vote on University of Wisconsin budget after promises to cut diversity fundsRepublican state lawmakers suspended a vote on funding for University of Wisconsin campuses, just hours after a top GOP leader promised to slash the college system’s budget as part of an ongoing fight over diversity and inclusion initiatives. June 14, 2023
Ex-President Trump pleads not guilty in historic court appearance over charges he hoarded secret documentsDonald Trump became the first former president to face a judge on federal charges as he pleaded not guilty in a Miami courtroom Tuesday to dozens of felony counts accusing him of hoarding classified documents and refusing government demands to give them back. June 13, 2023
In court, Donald Trump faced charges with no cameras. Outside, he campaigned for TV. Supporters of former President Donald Trump honked their horns and screamed wildly as the former president arrived at the courthouse in downtown Miami to make his first appearance on criminal charges that he improperly held on to classified documents. June 13, 2023
City Ethics Board to seek changes to contractor oversight following Tribune reportThe proposal comes after Tribune found aldermen used expense accounts to pay ex-Park District official who resigned amid lifeguard scandal. June 13, 2023
Trump goes from court to a Cuban restaurant to greet supporters Donald Trump’s first stop after court was the iconic Versailles restaurant and bakery in the Little Havana neighborhood. June 13, 2023
Indiana lawmaker pleads guilty to drunken driving after highway crashRepublican Rep. Jim Lucas of Seymour signed an agreement with the prosecutor in southern Indiana’s Jackson County in which he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident at the interchange of Interstate 65 and Indiana 11 early May 31, court records show. June 13, 2023
Former Gov. Bruce Rauner jokes as his Capitol portrait’s unveiled: ‘Most gentlemen hanging here did not go to prison’More than four years after completing a tumultuous single term as Illinois’ chief executive, Bruce Rauner returned to Springfield to see his portrait unveiled in the Capitol. June 12, 2023
Measure aimed at preventing book bans at public libraries signed into law by Gov. J.B. PritzkerPublic libraries in Illinois could be cut off from state funding if they remove books and other materials from their shelves for “partisan or doctrinal” reasons under a new Illinois law. June 12, 2023
What makes a fair election? Recent redistricting the most politically balanced in yearsDemocrats have for years bemoaned partisan redistricting plans that helped Republicans win far more congressional seats than expected. But that advantage has disappeared. June 12, 2023
Senator asks LIV Golf and PGA Tour leaders for records about new mergerThe leader of a Senate subcommittee wants the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf to present records about negotiations that led to their new agreement and plans for what golf will look like under the arrangement. June 12, 2023
Cook County says employees and pensioners can breathe a little easier with long-awaited fixesPair of moves frees up access to more pools of cash for pensions but county will have to be careful not to tie their hands. June 12, 2023
Elvis Presley’s cousin lifts Democrats’ hopes in Mississippi governor’s race Democrat Brandon Presley is a second cousin of Elvis Presley, born a few days before the rock ‘n’ roll legend died. He's running for governor of Mississippi. June 11, 2023
School choice or a drain on public education? Backers aim to save controversial private school tax credit left out of new Illinois budgetCritics say the state shouldn't fund a program that shifts public funds to private and religious schools, some of which discriminate. June 11, 2023