Tina Sfondeles
Chief Political Reporter
Tina Sfondeles is the chief political reporter, covering all levels of government and politics with a special focus on the Illinois General Assembly, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration and statewide and federal elections. Sfondeles spent much of the pandemic in Washington, D.C. — covering the White House and co-authoring the West Wing Playbook for Politico. She also covered the White House and Democratic politics and policy as a politics correspondent for Insider. Sfondeles joined the Sun-Times in 2007, covering politics, transportation, crime and sports — and returned to the newspaper in 2022.
A slew of statewide and county candidates filed petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections and the Cook County clerk’s office on the first day of the week-long filing period to gain a spot on the March 19 primary ballot.
The Republican Senate president was known for his influence in state government and often controversial blunt comments.
Cost-of-living increases of 3% will be granted to all retired Chicago police officers, regardless of whether they were born before or after Jan. 1, 1966. Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2021 signed into law a similar measure for retired firefighters.
Proponents say smaller nuclear reactors will help get the state to its goal of being carbon-free by 2045 by providing an alternative to coal and natural gas. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to sign the measure.
Divisions over the city’s elected school board remain — including disagreement over how many members should be appointed versus elected next year. The issue will likely be kicked to January when legislators return to Springfield.
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon says he won’t back “woefully inadequate ethical provisions” of House measure allowing election of 10 board members and appointment of 10 by Mayor Brandon Johnson next year.
An amendment filed by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, would allow the board to be fully elected as soon as next year by splitting up memberships to two and four-year terms.
Private school tax credits, the lifting of a nuclear power plant moratorium and an elected school board map are among the most pressing issues facing lawmakers Tuesday.
Think Big America’s contribution of $25,000 each to four state Senate Democratic candidates in Virginia, and an additional $150,000 to the state’s Democratic Party, comes ahead of a pivotal Nov. 7 election that may reshape abortion restrictions there.