What's being decided and why it matters.
Local Civics
Local CivicsMarch 17
Your Last-Minute Election Guide
In Chicago, primaries often decide winners. So go vote!
Local CivicsJanuary 12
The Primary Races to Watch
The Illinois primary is coming up in March — and that’s where the action is. Here are the races we’re keeping an eye on.
Local CivicsOctober 14, 2025
Donald Trump and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week in Court
From National Guard deployment to protest crowd control to ICE arrests, the federal government has had several court losses in Chicago.
Latest articles
Local CivicsAugust 28, 2025
Why You Can Thank Chicago for Labor Day
Chicago has always been a labor town.
Local CivicsAugust 13, 2025
How Alders Maintain Control of Their Ward
It's called aldermanic prerogative. Here's how it works.
Local CivicsJuly 28, 2025
City Council Nepo Babies: The Quiz
As another alder's seat may pass from father to son, we look at other familial relations in Chicago's City Council.
Local CivicsJuly 23, 2025
What Reduced Parking Mandates Mean For Chicago
Proponents hope the move will lead to more new housing construction.
Local CivicsJune 30, 2025
Weigh in on Your Ward’s Budget
Local CivicsJune 11, 2025
What’s Going on With the CPS Budget?
Local CivicsJune 3, 2025
What Did — and Didn’t — Pass in Springfield
Lawmakers passed a budget, but what about the CTA's fiscal cliff?
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