Craig Wall
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Political Reporter @ABC7Chicago, Blessed husband & father, UW Badger alum, lover of mountains & sunsets. Christ Follower. Punster. And I wear “those socks”
Articles by Craig Wall
Brandon Johnson formally files petitions to seek second term as Chicago mayor Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson filed his nominating petitions Friday, formally entering the race for a second term while continuing to push for support of his budget plan at City Hall. Johnson arrived at the Chicago Board of Elections with a stack of petitions and a small group of supporters cheering in the hallway. His team said he submitted 33,000 signatures, which is more than twice the number required.
Mayor Johnson files petitions, promotes budget as election nears
Mayor Johnson files petitions, promotes budget as election nears Friday, October 23, 2026 9:51PM Mayor Brandon Johnson filed his nominating petitions Friday, formally entering the race for a second term. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago business leaders push back against mayor's revived head tax proposal Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing renewed opposition to his proposed corporate head tax, not only from city council members but also from the business community. Business leaders who helped block the tax last year say the new version, branded as the "Equitable Employers Tax," remains unacceptable. The plan would require large corporations with more than 125 full-time employees to pay $25 per month per worker.
Johnson's $17B budget plan meets early resistance from City Council
Johnson's $17B budget plan meets early resistance from City Council Wednesday, October 21, 2026 9:12PM Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's $17 billion budget plan, which includes a corporate head tax, is meeting early resistance from the City Council. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Johnson's revived head tax plan meets swift pushback ahead of budget rollout
Mayor Brandon Johnson's renewed push for a corporate head tax and other business tax increases is already facing strong resistance from a large bloc of City Council members, setting up a contentious budget fight as the administration prepares to unveil its proposal on Wednesday.
Johnson's revived head tax plan meets swift pushback ahead of budget rollout Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson's renewed push for a corporate head tax and other business tax increases is already facing strong resistance from a large bloc of City Council members, setting up a contentious budget fight as the administration prepares to unveil its proposal on Wednesday.
Johnson's revived head tax plan meets pushback ahead of budget rollout
Johnson's revived head tax plan meets pushback ahead of budget rollout Tuesday, October 20, 2026 10:59PM Mayor Brandon Johnson's renewed push for a corporate head tax and other business tax increases is already facing strong resistance. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago mayoral hopefuls file petitions to get on February ballot Original
Candidates for Chicago's municipal election began filing nominating petitions Monday, marking the first day they were allowed to submit signatures. ByCraig Wall Monday, October 19, 2026 10:44PM CHICAGO (WLS) -- Candidates for Chicago's municipal election began filing nominating petitions Monday, marking the first day they were allowed to submit signatures to qualify for the February ballot.
Mayoral hopefuls file petitions to get on February ballot
Mayoral hopefuls file petitions to get on February ballot Monday, October 19, 2026 10:43PM Candidates for Chicago's municipal election began filing nominating petitions Monday, marking the first day they were allowed to submit signatures. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Fundraising gap grows in Chicago mayoral race as Johnson trails rivals Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- With the mayoral election less than four months away, new fundraising reports show a stark divide between candidates with major financial backing and those struggling to keep pace - including Mayor Brandon Johnson, who on Friday dismissed concerns about his campaign cash deficit.
Fundraising gap grows in Chicago mayor's race as Johnson trails rivals
Fundraising gap grows in Chicago mayor's race as Johnson trails rivals Friday, October 16, 2026 9:44PM With the mayoral election less than four months away, new fundraising reports show a stark divide between candidates with major financial backing and those struggling to keep pace. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
US Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' García reflects on 4 decades in Chicago politics as retirement nears Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- U.S. Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García says he is preparing to close the book on a political career that has stretched across 40 years, reflecting on accomplishments, disappointments and the personal reasons behind his decision to step away when his term ends in January. García, who first entered public office in as a member of the Chicago City Council representing the 22nd Ward, said he has witnessed sweeping changes in city politics -some good and some not so good.
Retiring Rep. 'Chuy' García reflects on 4 decades in Chicago politics
Retiring Rep. 'Chuy' García reflects on 4 decades in Chicago politics Thursday, October 15, 2026 9:54PM Illinois U.S. Representative Jesús 'Chuy' García is reflecting on his four decades in Chicago politics as his retirement from Congress nears. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Pritzker and Bailey clash early in their only debate before November election Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Democrat Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey met Tuesday night for their only scheduled debate ahead of next month's election, a rematch of their contest four years ago. With Election Day three weeks away and early voting already underway, both candidates used the forum to sharpen their cases to voters. The debate turned tense less than 10 minutes in, when a discussion on high property taxes prompted the two to talk over one another.
Pritzker, Bailey clash early in only debate before November election
Pritzker, Bailey clash early in only debate before November election Wednesday, October 14, 2026 3:36AM Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey met Tuesday night for their only scheduled debate ahead of next month's election, a rematch of their contest four years ago WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Union leaders renew calls for stronger CTA worker protections after janitor killed in stabbing Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Union leaders are raising urgent concerns about safety for CTA employees after a janitor was stabbed and killed at a train station last week, prompting renewed scrutiny of electronic monitoring and calls for changes in state law. CTA labor representatives said Monday that the system failed to protect Julian Mobley, a husband and father who worked as a CTA janitor, when a man who had repeatedly violated the terms of his electronic monitoring attacked and killed him.
Union leaders seek stronger protections after CTA worker's killing
Union leaders seek stronger protections after CTA worker's killing Tuesday, October 13, 2026 12:45AM Union leaders are raising urgent concerns about safety for CTA employees after a janitor was stabbed and killed at a train station last week. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Our Chicago: Race for U.S. Senate
ByCraig Wall, ABC7 Chicago Digital Team Sunday, October 11, 2026 3:49PM CHICAGO (WLS) -- A key race in Illinois this November, is the one for U.S. Senate. Democrat Dick Durbin is retiring after 30 years in the Senate. Three candidates are hoping to succeed him and are on the ballot: Democrat Juliana Stratton, Republican Don Tracy, and Whitfield Harrington Jr. of the American Center Party. Stratton has served as Illinois Lieutenant Governor since 2019.
U.S. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton joins Our Chicago
U.S. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton joins Our Chicago Sunday, October 11, 2026 3:46PM Illinois U.S. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton joined ABC7's Craig Wall for an interview on Our Chicago. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Illinois Senate candidates outline priorities on affordability, immigration
ByCraig Wall Friday, October 9, 2026 9:49PM The 2026 IL Senate race is ramping up. Candidates Juliana Stratton, Don Tracy and Whitfield Harrington Jr. outlined priorities ahead of the election. WLS CHICAGO (WLS) -- With the November election less than a month away, the three candidates running to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin are sharpening their messages on affordability, immigration reform and how they would approach the job.
Illinois Senate candidates outline priorities
Illinois Senate candidates outline priorities Friday, October 9, 2026 9:48PM The 2026 IL Senate race is ramping up. Candidates Juliana Stratton, Don Tracy and Whitfield Harrington Jr. outlined priorities ahead of the election. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Rahm Emanuel visits Obama Center to highlight mentoring program, weigh future political plans Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former Ambassador and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel returned to the city Thursday for a celebration of a youth mentoring program he championed during his time in office, while also acknowledging he is considering his own political future. Emanuel visited the Obama Presidential Center to spotlight Becoming a Man, or BAM, a mentoring initiative he credits with helping address a surge in violence in 2016.
Rahm Emanuel visits Obama Center to highlight mentoring program
Rahm Emanuel visits Obama Center to highlight mentoring program Thursday, October 8, 2026 11:53PM Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel visited the Obama Presidential Center to highlight a youth mentoring program, and he weighed future political plans. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Mayor Johnson signals push for corporate taxes as Chicago faces $880M budget shortfall Original
ByCraig Wall Wednesday, October 7, 2026 11:38PM Mayor Brandon Johnson is signaling a push for corporate taxes as Chicago faces an $880M budget shortfall. WLS CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is laying the groundwork for a budget proposal that could rely heavily on new taxes on corporations and wealthy residents as the city confronts an $880 million budget shortfall.
Mayor signals push for corporate taxes as Chicago faces shortfall
Mayor signals push for corporate taxes as Chicago faces shortfall Wednesday, October 7, 2026 11:37PM Mayor Brandon Johnson is signaling a push for corporate taxes as Chicago faces an $880M budget shortfall. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Illinois lawmakers weigh stadium authority plan for Bears Arlington Heights option
Chicago Business 1 hour ago Amazon taking over long-vacant West Town warehouse for same-day deliveries suntimes.com - Abby Miller • 1h The company plans to add 200 jobs, and the facility on West Division Street is expected to open in late 2027 or early 2028.
Illinois lawmakers weigh stadium authority plan for Bears Arlington Heights option Original
ByCraig Wall Tuesday, October 6, 2026 9:48PM There is Chicago Bears stadium news. Illinois lawmakers are weighing a football stadium authority plan for the Arlington Heights option. WLS CHICAGO (WLS) -- New details are emerging about what a potential Chicago Bears stadium deal could look like as lawmakers continue negotiations on legislation aimed at keeping the team in Illinois.
Lawmakers weigh stadium authority plan for Bears Arlington option
Lawmakers weigh stadium authority plan for Bears Arlington option Tuesday, October 6, 2026 9:47PM There is Chicago Bears stadium news. Illinois lawmakers are weighing a football stadium authority plan for the Arlington Heights option. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Dennis Hastert, former US speaker convicted in hush money case, dies
Dennis Hastert, former US speaker convicted in hush money case, dies Monday, October 5, 2026 9:47PM Dennis Hastert, the former US speaker from Illinois convicted in a Yorkville High School hush money case, died at his Plano home. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Gov. Pritzker says November veto session could be key to keeping Bears in Illinois Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Gov. JB Pritzker says he hopes lawmakers will act during next month's veto session to advance a stadium plan aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois, following a meeting he held in Chicago with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, legislative leaders and one of the team's minority owners.
Pritzker says veto session could be key to keeping Bears in Illinois
Pritzker says veto session could be key to keeping Bears in Illinois Friday, October 2, 2026 10:22PM Governor JB Pritzker says a November veto session for state lawmakers could be the key to keeping a new Chicago Bears stadium in Illinois. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Early voting begins; officials brace for possible fed interference
Early voting begins; officials brace for possible fed interference Thursday, October 1, 2026 11:26PM Early voting for the November election begins Thursday in Chicago. Officials say they are preparing for the possibility of federal intervention WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago officials prepare for possible federal presence as early voting begins
Chicago officials prepare for possible federal presence as early voting begins Thursday, October 1, 2026 4:54PM Election officials say they are preparing for the possibility of federal intervention that could affect voters in the weeks leading up to Election Day. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago Mayor Johnson warns crime could rise if corporations don't pay more Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson used a campaign-style speech before the City Club on Wednesday to argue that Chicago's upcoming election is a battle between working people and the ultra-rich, warning that crime could increase if corporations are not asked to contribute more. Johnson told the audience he has kept every promise he made four years ago and expressed strong confidence about his reelection chances.
Chicago mayor warns crime could rise if corporations don't pay more
Chicago mayor warns crime could rise if corporations don't pay more Wednesday, September 30, 2026 11:16PM Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson at the City Club Wednesday warned crime could rise if corporations don't pay more. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago City Council approves parking meter sale
Chicago City Council approves parking meter sale Tuesday, September 29, 2026 10:20PM While drivers will not see immediate changes, city officials said taxpayers will benefit financially from the new parking meter deal. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago begins building FY2027 budget; alders send letter to Mayor Johnson amid $880M deficit Original
Twenty-nine city council members opened the first major clash of this year's budget season on Monday. ByCraig Wall Monday, September 28, 2026 10:22PM CHICAGO (WLS) -- Twenty-nine city council members opened the first major clash of this year's budget season on Monday. The group sent a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson outlining demands that set up a potential showdown over how to close a projected shortfall of more than $880 million.
Chicago begins building FY2027 budget; alders send letter to Mayor Johnson amid $880M deficit
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Twenty-nine city council members opened the first major clash of this year's budget season on Monday. Chicago's Budget Accountability Coalition told Mayor Brandon Johnson it would not support a property tax increase under any circumstances.
Trump's visit brings heavy security, big crowds to Presidents Cup
Trump's visit brings heavy security, big crowds to Presidents Cup Sunday, September 27, 2026 11:15PM President Donald Trump's visit to Medinah on Sunday brought heavy security and big crowds to the Presidents Cup 2026 finale. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Illinois marks 3-year anniversary of cash bail elimination amid debate over its impact
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois is marking three years since the state eliminated cash bail for people awaiting trial, a major criminal justice reform that continues to draw both praise and criticism from those who say the system is either working as intended or still in need of changes. One of the law's central goals was to prevent people accused of low-level crimes from remaining in jail simply because they could not afford bail.
Debate continues 3 years after cash bail eliminated in Illinois
Debate continues 3 years after cash bail eliminated in Illinois Friday, September 18, 2026 10:17PM Illinois is marking the three-year anniversary of the SAFE-T Act and cash bail elimination amid the ongoing debate over its impact. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Search for next CPD supt. enters crucial phase; some worry mayoral election could affect who applies Original
An outside search firm is accepting applications until Sept. 24. ByCraig Wall Wednesday, September 16, 2026 9:47PM The search for the next Chicago police superintendent is entering a crucial phase; some worry the mayor election could affect who applies. WLS CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's search for a new police superintendent is moving into a critical stage, with just over a week remaining for candidates to submit applications.
Search for next CPD supt. enters crucial phase; some worry mayoral election could affect who applies
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. The search for the next Chicago police superintendent is entering a crucial phase; some worry the mayor election could affect who applies. Chicago's search for a new police superintendent is moving into a critical stage, with just over a week remaining for candidates to submit applications.
Some worry Chicago mayor election could affect CPD supt. applicants
Some worry Chicago mayor election could affect CPD supt. applicants Wednesday, September 16, 2026 9:46PM The search for the next Chicago police superintendent is entering a crucial phase; some worry the mayor election could affect who applies. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago aldermen say they've reached new parking meter deal, including profit share
Chicago alderpersons say a proposed sale of the city's parking meter system would bring millions of dollars into city coffers and resolve concerns about the potential buyer's ties to federal immigration deportations. The agreement, which still requires City Council approval, was negotiated over several months by key Council members working with the city's law department. Supporters emphasized that Mayor Brandon Johnson was not involved in the negotiations.
Chicago aldermen say they've reached new parking meter deal, including profit share
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. A group of Chicago aldermen say they've reached a new deal with the company that wants to buy the city's parking meters. Chicago alderpersons say a proposed sale of the city's parking meter system would bring millions of dollars into city coffers and resolve concerns about the potential buyer's ties to federal immigration deportations.
President Trump's surprise endorsement of GOP candidate Bailey reshapes Illinois governor's race
WASHINGTON (WLS) -- A spontaneous endorsement from President Donald Trump jolted the Illinois governor's race, catching Republican candidate Darren Bailey off-guard and giving Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker a new line of attack, as both candidates weighed in on immigration enforcement, data centers and the Chicago Bears stadium debate. Trump, speaking to reporters in Ireland as he prepared to depart, criticized Pritzker as a "disaster as a Governor" and offered praise for Bailey.
Trump's surprise endorsement of Bailey reshapes IL governor's race
Trump's surprise endorsement of Bailey reshapes IL governor's race Tuesday, September 15, 2026 12:04AM A spontaneous endorsement from President Donald Trump jolted the Illinois governor's race. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson launches reelection bid, touts first-term record
Mayor Brandon Johnson formally launched his reelection campaign Sunday, ending months of uncertainty about whether he would seek a second term and setting up a competitive race that will put his record under scrutiny. Johnson told supporters at an outdoor rally on the DuSable Museum campus that Chicago is "a better, stronger and safer city" than when he took office in 2023.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson launches reelection bid, touts record
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson launches reelection bid, touts record Monday, September 14, 2026 3:14AM Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced he will run for reelection. At least 11 other candidates have already announced their election intentions. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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