Nader Issa

Education

Chicago's first school board elections mean crash course time for voters, candidates

Much of the public still knows little if anything about this year’s Chicago school board elections. But behind the scenes, candidates and special interest groups are gearing up for this opportunity to shape the city’s education system.

By Sarah Karp | WBEZ and Nader Issa

President Joe Biden sits with his hand near his mouth in front of Israeli and American flags.

Elections

Did Gaza protest vote make a mark on Illinois primary and impact support for Biden?

The president appears to have gotten less support from Cook County voters than any incumbent Democratic presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter 44 years ago.

By Nader Issa

Education

CTU negotiations will feature a new battleground this year: Springfield

While the mayor and union appear in lockstep on their vision for the school system, the city likely won’t have the money for more staffing and resources in schools. So the CTU says it’s shifting its target from City Hall to Springfield.

By Nader Issa and Sarah Karp | WBEZ

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Education

Buses again aren't guaranteed for CPS general education students next year

A nationwide shortage of school bus drivers since the COVID-19 pandemic began has persisted. Chicago officials must, by law, prioritize special education and homeless students.

By Nader Issa

Elections

Chicago voters pose questions, split views on 'Bring Chicago Home' referendum

The ballot referendum was the talk of the town — at least among the small number of people who actually turned out to vote.

By Kaitlin Washburn, Violet Miller, and 1 more

Elections

Muslim community leaders urge Illinois voters to protest Biden by writing in 'Gaza' on primary ballot

The push comes after similar efforts in Michigan and Minnesota shook President Biden’s reelection campaign, with more than 150,000 voters choosing to vote “uncommitted” over the president in those states’ primaries.

By Nader Issa

Washington

Palestinian community leaders refuse to meet with White House officials in Chicago in protest of Gaza war

Top White House officials are facing the same push-back in Chicago as they did from Palestinian and Muslim leaders in Michigan. Their visit comes as early voting is already underway in Tuesday’s Illinois primary.

By Nader Issa and Lynn Sweet

Demonstrators outside City Hall in March 2021 want an elected school board in Chicago

Education

Illinois lawmakers approve elected school board for Chicago. What comes next?

Illinois House OKs deal approved by the Senate that would put 10 of 21 school board seats up for election this November. Mayor Brandon Johnson will appoint the rest, including the board president.

By Nader Issa and Tina Sfondeles

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Politics

Senate backs Mayor Johnson, CTU-backed plan to elect 10 city school board members in November

Senate passage of the plan came after the mayor urged Illinois Senate President Don Harmon to support an election for 10 seats this year. The mayor will appoint the other 11 members.

By Tina Sfondeles and Nader Issa