Rick Pearson

Rick Pearson has been the Tribune’s chief political reporter since 1998, after joining the paper a decade earlier as a state government correspondent. He’s covered Illinois and national politics for more than four decades, including seven presidential races and seven governors. He appears frequently on local and national TV and radio broadcasts.

U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber, the Joliet native who served in the Illinois legislature before being nominated to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan, has died at the age of 87, according to his family.

News Obituaries |
‘He got everything out of his life’: US District Judge Harry Leinenweber dies at 87

June 12, 2024 at 5:23 p.m.

U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber, the Joliet native who served in the Illinois legislature before being nominated to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan, has died at the age...

A hearing officer has recommended the state elections board dismiss a complaint involving political operative Dan Proft and former state Sen. Darren Bailey.

Politics |
Hearing officer recommends elections board dismiss illegal coordination complaint against Dan Proft, Darren Bailey

June 12, 2024 at 1:12 p.m.

A hearing officer has recommended the state elections board dismiss a complaint involving political operative Dan Proft and former state Sen. Darren Bailey.

The law prevented political parties from slating legislative candidates in general election races where nobody from the party ran in the primary.

Politics |
Judge rules unconstitutional Gov. J.B. Pritzker-backed election law that aided Democrats in November

June 5, 2024 at 6:10 p.m.

The law prevented political parties from slating legislative candidates in general election races where nobody from the party ran in the primary.

Homer Township supervisor Steve Balich ordered the U.S. flag flown upside down outside the township offices as a symbol of national “distress” following ex-President Donald Trump's convictions.

Politics |
Will County township supervisor has no regrets flying inverted U.S. flag outside public offices for Trump

June 3, 2024 at 4:23 p.m.

Homer Township supervisor Steve Balich ordered the U.S. flag flown upside down outside the township offices as a symbol of national “distress” following ex-President Donald Trump's convictions.

The party's move is being made to comply with ballot access laws in Ohio and to ensure Biden's name appears on ballots in the crucial swing state.

Politics |
DNC in Chicago will lose some luster as Democrats plan to virtually nominate President Joe Biden before convention

May 29, 2024 at 6:17 a.m.

The party's move is being made to comply with ballot access laws in Ohio and to ensure Biden's name appears on ballots in the crucial swing state.

Politics |
Illinois Republicans go all in for Trump at state convention

May 25, 2024 at 6:28 p.m.

Illinois Republicans used their state convention to go all-in for former President Donald Trump’s election this fall, adopting a platform attacking Democrats on several fronts.

A judge in Springfield issued a temporary injunction blocking a law passed by Democrats that would have prevented Republicans from slating candidates for legislative races not filled in the March primary.

Politics |
Judge temporarily blocks hastily passed election law that favored Democrats in November

May 23, 2024 at 3:37 p.m.

A judge in Springfield issued a temporary injunction blocking a law passed by Democrats that would have prevented Republicans from slating candidates for legislative races not filled in the March...

A Lake County judge has given the company that publishes far-right websites and flyers designed to look like newspapers until 5 p.m. Monday to remove some personally identifiable voter information it publicly posted earlier this year.

Politics |
Judge orders ‘pink slime’ publications to remove voters’ personal information

May 13, 2024 at 2:18 p.m.

A Lake County judge has given the company that publishes far-right websites and flyers designed to look like newspapers until 5 p.m. Monday to remove some personally identifiable voter information...

For the second time in a month, President Joe Biden came to Chicago, which has proven to be a fertile fundraising city for the Democrat.

Politics |
In Chicago, President Joe Biden reminds voters of the ‘chaos’ under Donald Trump

May 8, 2024 at 8:09 p.m.

For the second time in a month, President Joe Biden came to Chicago, which has proven to be a fertile fundraising city for the Democrat.

The Chicago Teachers Union’s take on legislation that would extend a moratorium on closing public schools in the city has raised questions about the powerful union’s credibility for some lawmakers.

Politics |
CTU’s credibility questioned in Springfield as their biggest ally, Mayor Brandon Johnson, heads to state Capitol

May 8, 2024 at 8:42 a.m.

The Chicago Teachers Union’s take on legislation that would extend a moratorium on closing public schools in the city has raised questions about the powerful union’s credibility for some lawmakers.

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