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How Johnson’s ‘fair share’ budget hits the little guy harder than corporations
The mayor’s budget is designed to position him as the people’s champion ahead of election season. But his budget proposes taking more from regular…
Oct 25
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Austin Berg
70
4
1
5 takeaways from the report on allegations against Hilario Dominguez
The report’s findings don’t line up with claims Dominguez is cleared “in full.”
Oct 18
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Austin Berg
51
2
1
Why the allegations against Hilario Dominguez require independent investigation
The district’s sitting inspector general lacks independence from the interests supporting Dominguez for school board president.
Oct 11
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Austin Berg
37
3
Chicago has fewer limits on borrowing than any other big city
City Council voted last week to implement a modest new limit on borrowing. The mayor and his allies are attacking it.
Oct 4
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Austin Berg
65
September 2026
Why voters should choose Chicago’s top attorney
Chicagoans abolished the elected city attorney’s office more than 100 years ago in an election one newspaper described as “barefaced trickery.” It’s…
Sep 27
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Austin Berg
51
1
158 Chicago schools have more empty desks than students
Chicago needs a plan for nearly 44,000 students who attend mostly empty buildings.
Sep 20
•
Austin Berg
52
9
3
Brandon Johnson’s failing record on ethics reform
The mayor will announce his re-election campaign today. But his record on ethics reform is the weakest of any mayor since the end of the Daley era.
Sep 13
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Austin Berg
56
2
The Chicago Teachers Union is suing me
Here’s what you can do about it.
Sep 6
•
Austin Berg
47
5
3
August 2026
Guaranteed income isn’t the answer to Chicago poverty
Chicagoans took part in the largest test of no-strings cash in American history. The results are in.
Aug 30
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Austin Berg
61
5
1
My brief encounter with Mike Madigan
How the most powerful House speaker in U.S. history tried to intimidate his critics in court.
Aug 23
•
Austin Berg
66
5
2
Chicago city government needs more budget brains
The city is unique in how little public finance expertise lives outside the mayor’s office.
Aug 16
•
Austin Berg
69
6
2
Why Brandon Johnson’s school board is going broke on purpose
An unbalanced budget backed by Chicago Teachers Union leadership is causing chaos for Chicago Public Schools students and families. That's by design.
Aug 2
•
Austin Berg
77
12
1
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