The Last Ward

What happened to Chicago’s Irish machine?

The cartoonishly corrupt dominance of local government by Irish politicians has ended. But key parts of that system endure.

Mar 15 • Austin Berg

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Chicago votes: What do you have to lose?

Election Day is March 17. And powerful interests are watching.

Mar 8 • Austin Berg

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Chicago hit with 2 credit downgrades as Johnson secretly floats new borrowing plan

Chicago’s “pay later” political culture was on full display last week.

Mar 1 • Austin Berg

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February 2026

Brandon Johnson on Chicago’s mayor dominating City Council: ‘That's working for me.’

The mayor's remarks speak to a major flaw in Chicago’s governance structure.

Feb 22 • Austin Berg

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The Chicago Teachers Union is toxic among Democrats

The results of the union’s transformation into a political machine speak for themselves.

Feb 15 • Austin Berg

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How Democrats can unlock $100M+ for Chicago education without tax hikes

Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he “would be crazy” to reject a new federal tax credit program. But Illinois leaders haven't committed.

Feb 8 • Austin Berg

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5 steps Chicago’s next mayor can take to fix city finances

Here’s how to tell if a candidate is serious about putting the city on more stable ground.

Feb 1 • Austin Berg

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January 2026

One year later: What the gift room scandal reveals about Chicago

The city's governance structure actively works against accountability.

Jan 25 • Austin Berg

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Exclusive: Chicago Teachers Union audits show potential criminal conduct

New audit records reveal inconsistencies in union reporting that may have led to misstatements to members and the federal government.

Jan 19 • Austin Berg

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Chicago is investigating how residents learned of a meeting to hike their property taxes

It's story that reads like The Onion. But there’s a deeper issue here.

Jan 11 • Austin Berg

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Why you can’t start a Chicago-style hot dog cart in Chicago

An unworkable licensing regime is hurting the city's culinary culture.

Jan 4 • Austin Berg

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December 2025

Chicago’s new budget kills head tax, but lacks brains

City Council was not designed for independence. It's time to change that.

Dec 21, 2025 • Austin Berg

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