The Last Ward
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Chicago was right to reject the 2026 World Cup
But the city's governance structure means Chicagoans are always one bad mayor away from a disastrous deal.
Jun 14
•
Austin Berg
67
2
Chicago’s ballot access rules hurt democracy and help fraudsters. Here’s how to fix them.
Since 1983, there have been more than 2,100 legal challenges to kick candidates off the ballot in Chicago’s municipal elections.
Jun 7
•
Austin Berg
89
3
May 2026
Chicago can look to D.C. for ‘teen takeover’ reforms
In Washington D.C., the mayor and city council found a way to manage teen takeovers. Chicago should pay attention.
May 31
•
Austin Berg
90
1
3
Chicago teachers reject union’s $8.5M dues hike in historic vote
It's clear Chicago educators no longer trust Chicago Teachers Union leadership with more money for political spending.
May 24
•
Austin Berg
66
1
3
The backslide of Chicago-style socialism
A once-ascendant political movement is wilting.
May 17
•
Austin Berg
94
1
2
Chicago Teachers Union wants $8.5 million dues hike to fund politics
Chicago teachers face a pay cut of up to $800 per year to fund CTU-backed political races.
May 10
•
Austin Berg
98
1
1
April 2026
How Chicago gerrymanders local maps
From 'the lobster' to 'the pool noodle,' there’s no excuse for Chicago City Council’s tortured ward boundaries.
Apr 26
•
Austin Berg
103
Brandon Johnson wants a ‘millionaires’ tax. Should Springfield pass one?
My debate on whether state lawmakers should seek to change the Illinois Constitution’s flat tax protection.
Apr 19
•
Austin Berg
60
1
May Day: Chicago could be home to nation's only major school shutdown May 1
The Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson are pushing to close Chicago Public Schools on May 1 for a "Day of Civic Action." No other big city…
Apr 12
•
Austin Berg
86
2
3
How to bring professional excellence to the Chicago Police Department
Two landmark studies on the Chicago Police Department just dropped. Here’s what they revealed.
Apr 5
•
Austin Berg
67
March 2026
The real reason Brandon Johnson fired his public safety leadership
Chicago policing is overly political, by design
Mar 29
•
Austin Berg
76
1
8
Chicago should stop waiting for Superman
Telling Brandon Johnson to act more responsibly is a losing battle. It’s past time for City Council to be the adult in the room.
Mar 22
•
Austin Berg
97
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