TGIF, Illinois! As the weekend approaches, let every shamrock bring you joy and good luck. In political news, Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is endorsing Brandon Johnson for Chicago mayor after losing his own bid last month.
Garcia’s endorsement is a big win for Johnson as they share the same progressive supporters. Both candidates are working to build ground games in areas won by rivals in the first round of voting.
Johnson has also received endorsements from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren on the national scene but Vallas’ team is banking on Chicago aldermen for local support.
A group of Black aldermen came out in support of Vallas including Alds Michelle Harris (8th), Anthony Beale (9th), David Moore (17th), Derrick Curtis (18th), Walter Burnett Jr.(27th) and Emma Mitts(37th). Retired state Senate President Emil Jones has also endorsed Vallas.
In other news, tapes were played during trial that featured former House Speaker Michael Madigan speaking about using utility company ComEd to create jobs and contracts in exchange for legislative support with accused Michael McClain who worked as an intermediary between him Lang resigned amid #MeToo scandal allegations but was later cleared of any wrongdoing
Illinois lawmakers are considering 21 bills ranging from mandating public schools include Native American history units within Illinois/Midwest curriculum to fathers rights lawyer Jeffery Leving being accused by State oversight agency alleging he charged unreasonable fees/failed refund unearned fees violating professional conduct rules
Walgreens CEO caught up controversy over not selling abortion pill while downstate Collinsville casino project moves ahead amidst Hawthorne Race Course remaining uncertain future
Voters across Naperville/Lake Forest/Joliet/Springfield will be casting ballots along with those living within 46 Ward where Kim Walz receives union endorsements or at Whistler elementary school where parents allege teacher administered harmful physical/violent corporal punishment against students with disabilities