Page 16 - Michael Kasper News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Pontiac Daily Leader SPRINGFIELD — Lawyers for plaintiffs and the state told a panel of federal judges Wednesday the issues involved in two lawsuits challenging the state’s legislative redistricting plan are “straightforward” and ought to be resolved in short order. But the three-judge panel hearing the case appeared uncertain about how much time they actually have, given the deadlines that are spelled out in the Illinois Constitution and the fact that lawmakers this year pushed back the 2022 primary by three months, to June instead of March. The two lawsuits — one by Republican leg...

Connor Burge, The Times CALUMET CITY — More than two decades after becoming Calumet City's first black alderman, Thaddeus Jones made history again on Saturday. Before several dozen family members, friends and elected officials in the city council chambers, Jones was sworn in as the first black mayor in the city's 128-year history. The city's incumbent clerk, Nyota Figgs, and incumbent treasurer, Gerald Tarka, also were sworn in for another term, and seven council members also were sworn in. Jones, who also is in his sixth term as a state representative for the 29th District, ...

After 50 years as a state representative, Chicago Democrat Mike Madigan is resigning from the Illinois House of Representatives immediately. Madigan served as speaker for over 30 years — the longest run of any legislative leader in American history. A controversial politician, Madigan got his start in Chicago politics at a young age. Republicans blamed him for the state’s problems in campaigns, especially in the last decade that saw Madigan oversee two large income tax increases on Illinois taxpayers. A master at politics, Madigan became wrapped up in multiple scandals in recent years. Cl...

After 50 years as a state representative, Chicago Democrat Mike Madigan is resigning from the Illinois House of Representatives at the end of the month.

A Cook County judge’s ruling keeps state Rep. Thaddeus Jones off ballots for the upcoming mayoral election in Calumet City, though an appeal is expected.