Illinois Sunshine Weekly Update 1.14.2016

Jury Picked, Openings Wednesday in Red Light Cameras Trial

via Chicago Tribune “Attorneys are scheduled to deliver their opening salvos Wednesday morning after a federal jury was impaneled in the trial of a former city manager accused of taking up to $2 million in bribes to pepper the city with…

Anita Alvarez Now Running against Toni the Boss

via Chicago Tribune “In the most compelling political contest of the season — for Cook County state’s attorney — incumbent Anita Alvarez isn’t just running against Kim Foxx. With the weight of the Laquan McDonald heater case around her neck, Alvarez…

Supporters of Redistricting Amendment Nearing Signature Goal

via Northwest Indiana Times “Changing the way Illinois’ legislative districts are drawn is one of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s priorities, and he may get some help this year from outside the General Assembly. Despite the Republican governor’s stance on the issue…

The Watchdogs: Chicago Paid Record Borrowing-Related Fees in 2015

via Chicago Sun-Times “The cash-strapped city of Chicago paid $74.7 million in fees last year to banks, law firms and other businesses that helped it borrow money — a record tab that will rise as more fees get tallied and…

Undisclosed Dollars Dominate Campaign Spending

via POLITICO “Big-money outside groups have spent more than $143 million in the presidential race in the six months since any of them were required to reveal their donors, according to a POLITICO analysis of campaign and advertising records. The…

As Emanuel Fights for Political Life, Aldermen Show Independence

via Chicago Sun-Times “Chicago aldermen emboldened by a once-powerful but now wounded Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday questioned just about everything on the agenda of the City Council’s Finance Committee. Routine matters that once sailed through without a whimper were…

Only in Illinois: Driving a Truck Through Illinois Campaign Contribution Limit Loopholes

via Reboot Illinois “In 2011,  lawmakers passed the state’s first-ever Illinois campaign contribution limit law. It was a direct reaction to the pay-to-play scandals revealed in the trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Full details of the law are listed…

State Labor Board to Hear Chicago Teachers Union Complaint

via Chicago Tribune   “A state labor panel said last week that it will hold a hearing later this month on a complaint from the Chicago Teachers Union alleging Chicago Public Schools has failed to make good on salary increases…

Once A Democratic Darling, Mayor Rahm Emanuel Suffers Political Misfortune

Via National Public Radio “Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is in the fight of his political life. Some want him to resign. Others want a recall election. Allies, including the governor of Illinois, have distanced themselves from him. Things came to…