Page 3 - Bart Johnston News Today

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd) was confirmed, sworn in and started voting Wednesday, becoming Chicago’s youngest alderperson. His predecessor, Michele Smith, offered an impassioned defense of the role of council members.

The appointment is expected to give Knudsen a running start in next year’s aldermanic elections in the affluent North Side ward, which typically sees heavily contested races. The nomination goes before the City Council Rules Committee Tuesday and the full Council Wednesday.

From the editorial: "There are all sorts of politically strategic reasons to refuse to publicly face voters and answer hard questions, but they tend to serve only the candidates while constituents and the voting public are snubbed and shortchanged."

Christianity Today provides thoughtful, biblical perspectives on theology, church, ministry, and culture on the official site of Christianity Today Magazine.

From the column: "Beyond the lack of clear, practical benefit, mandatory voting sits uneasily with American principles. The First Amendment protects not only freedom of speech but also freedom from compelled speech."

From the column: "Universal voting ... is hardly a new or radical idea. The system already is used in 26 democratic countries worldwide."

From the editorial: "With a good grasp of the issues and with political experience, in spite of his past, Johnston ... can be the Republican pick in the primary to once again challenge DFL state Rep. Liz Olson."

A slate of challengers has filed to run against DFL incumbents.

The Duluth School Board voted against negotiating the sale of the former Central High School property Thursday night in a special meeting. The board intended to vote on whether to suspend policies that prohibit the district from selling a school ...

If elected mayor, Ald. Ray Lopez would make history — as Lightfoot did. Lopez would be the first openly gay and Latino person to serve as mayor.