Chicago's NPR News Source
Money

Big Donors Creating 'New Political Landscape' in Illinois, Group Says

Between September 25 and October 25, three Republican donors-- including Gov. Bruce Rauner-- have added $26 million to state political campaigns, on top of more than $40 million in earlier donations from the same people. The donations exploit loopholes in state laws that otherwise limit donations from individuals to $5,400 per candidate. The concentration of political wealth “has created a new political landscape,” said Sarah Brune, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, which today released an analysis of contributions to the State Comptroller race. Republican Leslie Munger has received $8.6 million, according to Brune.

By  Dan Weissmann
   

Share

Between September 25 and October 25, three Republican donors -- including Gov. Bruce Rauner -- have added $26 million to state political campaigns, on top of more than $40 million in earlier donations from the same people.

The donations exploit loopholes in state laws that otherwise limit donations from individuals to $5,400 per candidate.

The concentration of political wealth “has created a new political landscape,” said Sarah Brune, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, which today released an analysis of contributions to the State Comptroller race.

Republican Leslie Munger has received $8.6 million, according to Brune.

Share
The Latest
A group of people sit at the bar at Standard Bar and Grill at 1332 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park Sept. 19. The City Council is expected to pass an ordinance to phase out the subminimum wage for tipped servers.
Money
Here's what to know about Chicago’s minimum wage increase and how it affects tipped workers
Chicago’s tipped minimum wage increased on July 1 after the City Council passed an ordinance last fall to increase the tipped minimum wage annually for five years until it reaches parity with the city’s standard minimum wage.
By Amy Yee
 
NASCARSMALLBIZ-070424-22.jpg
Business
NASCAR looks to ease disruptions during Chicago Street Race, but businesses have mixed feelings
Some small business owners said they plan to close during the two-day event, but others are excited about the race and the boost in pedestrian traffic that could bring more sales.
By Amy Yee
 
Diners eat outside on a sidewalk patio in River North as pedestrians walk past.
Money
Clock has started on 5-year plan that'll raise wages for Chicago's tipped workers
Starting Monday, the tipped minimum wage is increasing from $9.48 per hour to $11.02. Wages for tipped workers will rise annually until 2028, to reach parity with the city’s standard minimum wage.
By Amy Yee
 
speed camera Roosevelt near Damen
Communities
Would lowering the citywide speed limit actually slow down Chicago drivers?
A City Council committee in May discussed the idea of reducing the default limit from 30 mph to 25. WBEZ analyzed city data to see what impact a similar change has had.
By Alden Loury
 
A battle over taxes continues to brew as the IRS is seeking to obtain more bank account information, a move strongly opposed by Republicans and the lenders themselves.
Have you filed your taxes? We answer your burning last-minute questions.
The IRS says the average tax return is nearly 10% lower so far this year.
By Brenda Ruiz