Chicago’s budget gap is ‘way bigger’ than city leaders say — and a Chicago Congressman makes waves in Washington
Chicago’s City Council says it closed a $1 billion budget gap — but a new report claims the city’s financial hole is actually far deeper. A watchdog group says when you factor in pensions, borrowing, and other obligations, the deficit balloons to $41 billion, or about $43,000 per resident. Meanwhile in Washington, Congressman Jonathan Jackson drew attention at the National Prayer Breakfast, using his prayer to gently push back on President Trump — a moment that’s still sparking conversation across both parties.
Chicago’s City Council says it closed a $1 billion budget gap — but a new report claims the city’s financial hole is actually far deeper. A watchdog group says when you factor in pensions, borrowing, and other obligations, the deficit balloons to $41 billion, or about $43,000 per resident. Meanwhile in Washington, Congressman Jonathan Jackson drew attention at the National Prayer Breakfast, using his prayer to gently push back on President Trump — a moment that’s still sparking conversation across both parties.
Report: Chicago ended 2024 with $41.1 billion shortfall | The Chicago Report
Chicago City Council passed a budget that closes a $1 billion gap despite a lack of support from Mayor Johnson. But, a new study by the watchdog group Truth in Accounting says the actual deficit is a wee bit higher than that... more like $41 billion. Judi Willard joins us.
Chicago City Council passed a budget that closes a $1 billion gap despite a lack of support from Mayor Johnson. But, a new study by the watchdog group Truth in Accounting says the actual deficit is a wee bit higher than that... more like $41 billion. Judi Willard joins us.
Chicago snap curfew proposal revised again, allowing 30-minute police dispersal warning
Chicago leaders are once again revising a proposed “snap curfew" ordinance, with a new draft giving police more flexibility before issuing citations.
Chicago leaders are once again revising a proposed “snap curfew" ordinance, with a new draft giving police more flexibility before issuing citations.
Chicago SNAP curfew proposal revised again, allowing 30-minute police dispersal warning
Chicago leaders are once again revising a proposed "snap curfew" ordinance, with a new draft giving police more flexibility before issuing citations.
Chicago leaders are once again revising a proposed "snap curfew" ordinance, with a new draft giving police more flexibility before issuing citations.
Chicago committee to consider changes to curfew ordinance targeting teen gatherings
Chicago leaders are debating a new curfew proposal, and some youth advocates say it goes too far. Here's what to know.
Chicago leaders are debating a new curfew proposal, and some youth advocates say it goes too far. Here's what to know.
Chicago committee to consider changes to curfew ordinance targeting teen gatherings
Chicago leaders are debating a new curfew proposal, and some youth advocates say it goes too far. Here's what to know.
Chicago leaders are debating a new curfew proposal, and some youth advocates say it goes too far. Here's what to know.
Chicago City Council set for key vote on controversial Snap Curfew ordinance
Chicago City Council could vote as soon as tomorrow on a proposed “snap curfew” ordinance that would allow police to issue time-and-place orders banning minors from gathering in certain public spaces with 12 hours’ notice.
Chicago City Council could vote as soon as tomorrow on a proposed “snap curfew” ordinance that would allow police to issue time-and-place orders banning minors from gathering in certain public spaces with 12 hours’ notice.
Ted Dabrowski for governor, app to call Congress | The Chicago Report
Tonight: J.B. Pritzker has launched his reelection campaign - we meet one of the republicans hoping to unseat him. CPS is losing students at an alarming rate - and could look vastly different in ten years. Will more schools have to shutter? And how you can personally have a political impact -- the non profit organization coaching voters on how to call and demand things from their elected representatives.
Tonight: J.B. Pritzker has launched his reelection campaign - we meet one of the republicans hoping to unseat him. CPS is losing students at an alarming rate - and could look vastly different in ten years. Will more schools have to shutter? And how you can personally have a political impact -- the non profit organization coaching voters on how to call and demand things from their elected representatives.
Study shows declining CPS enrollment | The Chicago Report
A new study out concludes Chicago Public Schools is losing a staggering 10,000 students every year. And it's lost 100,000 in the last 20 years. How low can the population go, and can the city turn this decline around? Joining us now is Hal Woods of the group Kids First Illinois - who put out the report.
A new study out concludes Chicago Public Schools is losing a staggering 10,000 students every year. And it's lost 100,000 in the last 20 years. How low can the population go, and can the city turn this decline around? Joining us now is Hal Woods of the group Kids First Illinois - who put out the report.
Calling Congress with '5 Calls' app
So do you feel like things are overwhelming these days and you want to make a difference, but you're not sure how? Five-calls is making waves on social media in the wake of the deadly shooting of Alexi Pretti in Minneapolis. It's an app that helps constituents contact members of Congress. As influencers, activists, and everyday people wade into public policy conversations, many are turning to tools like 5 calls to streamline civic engagement. It works by aggregating contact information giving users a direct line to local and federal officials to urge action on issues. Joining us now is Nick O'Neill, the founder of Five Calls.
So do you feel like things are overwhelming these days and you want to make a difference, but you're not sure how? Five-calls is making waves on social media in the wake of the deadly shooting of Alexi Pretti in Minneapolis. It's an app that helps constituents contact members of Congress. As influencers, activists, and everyday people wade into public policy conversations, many are turning to tools like 5 calls to streamline civic engagement. It works by aggregating contact information giving users a direct line to local and federal officials to urge action on issues. Joining us now is Nick O'Neill, the founder of Five Calls.
Ted Dabrowski running for Illinois Gov. | The Chicago Report
Believe it or not - we are only weeks away from early voting here in the 2026 primary elections. There are several contested races to think about - one of them is the race for Governor. J.B. Pritzker is uncontested on the democratic side to seek a third term leading Illinois. But several candidates are vying to be the nominee on the republican side - and tonight we meet one, Ted Dabrowski - a North Shore businessman and former policy analyst for the publication Wirepoints.
Believe it or not - we are only weeks away from early voting here in the 2026 primary elections. There are several contested races to think about - one of them is the race for Governor. J.B. Pritzker is uncontested on the democratic side to seek a third term leading Illinois. But several candidates are vying to be the nominee on the republican side - and tonight we meet one, Ted Dabrowski - a North Shore businessman and former policy analyst for the publication Wirepoints.
Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez launches run for Congress
Promising to fight back against the Trump administration, a Chicago alderman has officially announced his run for Congress.
Promising to fight back against the Trump administration, a Chicago alderman has officially announced his run for Congress.
Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez launches run for Congress
Promising to fight back against the Trump administration, a Chicago alderman has officially announced his run for Congress.
Promising to fight back against the Trump administration, a Chicago alderman has officially announced his run for Congress.
Chicago City Council spars over Welcoming City Ordinance | The Chicago Report
A group of Chicago alders advanced a measure today that would enhance the city's Welcoming Ordinance.
A group of Chicago alders advanced a measure today that would enhance the city's Welcoming Ordinance.
Chicago leaders move to tighten enforcement of Welcoming City Ordinance after Minneapolis killing
Chicago city leaders are moving to strengthen enforcement of the Welcoming City Ordinance following the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend.
Chicago city leaders are moving to strengthen enforcement of the Welcoming City Ordinance following the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend.
Chicago leaders push new enforcement powers for sanctuary city ordinance after Minneapolis tragedy
City alders advanced a proposal giving COPA authority to investigate police or officials who violate Chicago’s Welcoming City ordinance, a move leaders say is urgent following this past weekend’s events in Minneapolis.
City alders advanced a proposal giving COPA authority to investigate police or officials who violate Chicago’s Welcoming City ordinance, a move leaders say is urgent following this past weekend’s events in Minneapolis.
Chicago alders move to strengthen 'Welcoming City' ordinance after police cooperation allegations
Chicago City Council members will consider a new measure allowing the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to investigate claims that police assisted federal immigration agents, potentially violating the city’s Welcoming City ordinance.
Chicago City Council members will consider a new measure allowing the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to investigate claims that police assisted federal immigration agents, potentially violating the city’s Welcoming City ordinance.
Aldermen move to strengthen Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance
Chicago aldermen are pushing to reinforce the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance following allegations that police assisted federal immigration agents, with advocates weighing in on what the changes could mean.
Chicago aldermen are pushing to reinforce the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance following allegations that police assisted federal immigration agents, with advocates weighing in on what the changes could mean.
Bally's Casino license extension? | The Chicago Report
Well here's something to wager big bucks on when will Bally's finish it's giant new high-rise and casino complex on Halsted and Chicago? They're running out of time for their lease at the Medinah Temple so lawmakers might have to roll the dice on some new legislation. Fox Chicago's Bret Buganski joins us with more.
Well here's something to wager big bucks on when will Bally's finish it's giant new high-rise and casino complex on Halsted and Chicago? They're running out of time for their lease at the Medinah Temple so lawmakers might have to roll the dice on some new legislation. Fox Chicago's Bret Buganski joins us with more.
Jack Smith testifies on Trump investigation | The Chicago Report
Former special counsel Jack Smith says Donald Trump was on his way to being charged with several felonies -- both for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election that he lost, and for allegedly obstructing justice by hiding government records at his Mar-A-Lago estate. Smith tussled with republicans on the house oversight committee, received full throated support from democrats and said he believed he would have won the case.
Former special counsel Jack Smith says Donald Trump was on his way to being charged with several felonies -- both for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election that he lost, and for allegedly obstructing justice by hiding government records at his Mar-A-Lago estate. Smith tussled with republicans on the house oversight committee, received full throated support from democrats and said he believed he would have won the case.