How a city settlement went from $10M to $27M

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Chicago Tribune Opinion

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Good morning.

Hope you've made your plans to vote this coming Tuesday, if you haven't done so already.

Regular contributor Willie Wilson offers up some inspiration if not. His piece recalls Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, which took place 61 years ago and how many were bloodied for the cause of being able to cast a vote. So the least we can do is a little research and then make a trip to do our duty.

The editorial board has taxpayers on its collective mind today. One piece agrees with local government officials who are upset with Gov. JB Pritzker for proposing to reduce their share of state income taxes. The other recounts the near-unbelievable tale of a legal case against the city of Chicago that initially was decided in favor of the plaintiffs for $10 million but has since mushroomed into a $27 million settlement. Who covers that cost? Taxpayers, of course.

Separately, Seth Stern with the Freedom of the Press Foundation takes the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to task for vacating a ruling against the Department of Homeland Security stemming from last autumn's Operation Midway Blitz.

And Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs co-writes a piece discussing how those with disabilities can take advantage of federal law to save for the future.

Our readers had some reactions to an editorial on Wednesday that criticized loose talk from the Trump administration about bringing back the military draft. Not everyone agreed with the board.

Disagreeing without being disagreeable is what we're about. Thanks for reading, and we'll be back tomorrow.

— Steve Daniels, editorial board member

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Editorial: How a $10 million judgment against Chicago became a $27 million settlement proposal

The Chicago City Council Finance Committee has a real doozy of a proposed legal settlement on its agenda for Friday.

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Editorial: Cities and towns have just cause to complain about how Pritzker's budget treats them

This isn't the first time Springfield has shifted financial pressure onto local governments.

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Willie Wilson: Sixty-one years after Bloody Sunday, will voters turn out?

The right to vote must not be taken for granted. Voting is the language of democracy.

Read more →

Seth Stern: Chicago appeals court picks the wrong constitutional emergency by coming to DHS' rescue

The appellate court has far better targets than an injunction aimed at stopping well‑documented abuses by federal authorities.

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Michael Frerichs and Harold Pollack: More Illinoisans with disabilities can now save and invest

A new law allows more Illinoisans with disabilities to save and invest to increase independence and improve quality of life.

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Letters: Regarding the draft, what is wrong with requiring service to our country?

The editorial heaps on the fear and rolls back the clock to Vietnam War hysteria.

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Tribune Editorial Board endorsements for 2026 Illinois primary election

In the 2026 primaries, the Tribune Editorial Board endeavors to help both Republican and Democratic Party-affiliated readers make their best choices.

Read more →

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