Tessa Weinberg covers city government and politics for WBEZ. She comes to Chicago from The Missouri Independent, where she was a founding member of the team and focused on covering health, education and the legislature. She previously covered Texas state government for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and first spent a stint in Chicago as an intern at The Chicago Tribune.
Chicago Ethics Board wants fines and suspensions for lobbyists who give money to mayoral candidates
The proposal would give enforcement teeth to a 2011 executive order that bars improper contributions.
The ups and downs of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s roller coaster first year
From endorsing a new Bears’ stadium to revoking the subminimum wage, Johnson’s critics and allies examine where he and the city are going.
Chicago will relaunch a guaranteed basic income program
The city has until the end of the year to allocate hundreds of millions of federal COVID relief money or risk losing it.
Mayor Brandon Johnson defends his progressive credentials after supporting the Bears’ new stadium
Johnson’s support of the Bears’ plan raised questions, including from one progressive leader who said they’re not elected to subsidize multi-billion dollar corporations.
Chicago’s City Council approves Mayor Johnson’s plans to borrow $1 billion and use $70 million in reserves to support migrants
The fiery debate exposed divisions within the City Council over the mayor’s first major development plan and the increasing cost of supporting migrants.
Chicago lobbyists escape serious punishment for improper donations to Mayor Johnson’s campaign
The board says it doesn’t have the authority to enforce an executive order barring lobbyists from contributing to a mayor’s political committee.
Chicago City Council committee gives initial approval to $70 million more for migrants
Some alderpersons objected to spending the money when their communities also need funding. The proposal goes before the full council Wednesday
Three Jewish lawmakers turn down Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s invitation to discuss antisemitism
Chicago Ald. Debra Silverstein, state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz and Rep. Bob Morgan said the mayor’s support of a cease-fire resolution showed “disrespect” for the Jewish community.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pitches more City Council say over projects funded by $1.25 billion borrowing plan
Johnson’s administration offered more transparency and greater say to the council for projects over $5 million under the massive borrowing plan funded from expiring TIFs.
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez avoids punishment from colleagues for attending a rally where a U.S. flag was burned
Conservative City Council members called a special meeting to castigate Sigcho-Lopez for his attendance at the rally.