A Talk with Ald. Will Burns: Looks Like He's Running for JJJ's Seat

“I personally think that in terms of hands-on work, dealing with everyday people, nothing beats being an alderman. It’s close up and personal. But the Congress lets you shape the national discourse, have a say in where we’re headed as a country. John Stuart Mill called legislatures, ‘national talking houses.’ The Congress is a forum for moving the country forward.”

Marijuana Legalization: Moving Towards a Tipping Point

State representative Lou Lang thinks his years-long battle to legalize medical marijuana in Illinois is finally within reach in the House. Meanwhile, a similar bill is likely to be proposed in the Indiana legislature, with the support of the head of that state’s police force.

Where Chicagoans Live, By Their Jobs

A look at where Chicagoans live, based on the industries they work in, reveals some patterns: managers cluster from the Loop up through Lincoln Park; public administrators group in Mt. Greenwood and Ashburn; and construction and manufacturing workers can be found on the northwest and southwest sides.

How Did Jesse Jackson Jr. Keep Getting Elected?

His incumbency was a huge advantage (and as with many incumbents, may have played a role in his ethical lapses), and his focus on building a Chicago machine while bringing federal aid was a cornerstone. But Jackson was also one of the most reliably progressive votes in the House—to an extent that cost him on the national level.

Harold Washington in His Own Words

The late mayor on “a crisis of leadership in Chicago”; reflecting on the first half of his first term; and discussing the legacy of Richard J. Daley, whose long reign overshadowed Washington’s brief but critical tenure.