From Rikers Island to City Hall: Yusef Salaam’s Ultimate Exoneration From Rikers Island to City Hall: Yusef Salaam’s Ultimate Exoneration
Falsely imprisoned as one of the “Central Park Five,” Yusef Salaam will likely become Harlem’s next city council member. His top antagonist, Donald Trump, is likely heading to pris...
Jun 28, 2023 / Joan Walsh
Before 2024, Look to the States Before 2024, Look to the States
Local victories don’t often make national headlines, but they make real and tangible change possible.
May 24, 2023 / Katrina vanden Heuvel
Philadelphia’s Next Mayor Will Almost Certainly Be a Black Woman Philadelphia’s Next Mayor Will Almost Certainly Be a Black Woman
Yet, for all her claims to history, primary winner Cherelle Parker was the status quo candidate in a city where the status quo is badly broken.
May 18, 2023 / Gene Seymour
Pick ’Em: Making Sense of the Free-for-All Primary for Mayor of Philadelphia Pick ’Em: Making Sense of the Free-for-All Primary for Mayor of Philadelphia
For a job the current incumbent seems eager to leave, the contest has drawn a remarkably diverse field of candidates—and no obvious front-runner.
Apr 26, 2023 / Gene Seymour
Chicago’s Rich Organizing Tradition Paid Off, Delivering Victory for Brandon Johnson Chicago’s Rich Organizing Tradition Paid Off, Delivering Victory for Brandon Johnson
The Windy City's first movement mayor faces a formidable array of challenges, testing him and the coalition that brought him into office.
Apr 13, 2023 / Barbara Ransby
The Movement That Made Brandon Johnson Mayor of Chicago The Movement That Made Brandon Johnson Mayor of Chicago
Backed by the powerful Chicago teachers Union, he waged an unapologetically progressive campaign and saw off a “law and order” opponent. Now comes the hard part.
Apr 5, 2023 / Micah Uetricht
Chicago’s Election Will Shape the Future of Public Safety in America Chicago’s Election Will Shape the Future of Public Safety in America
Paul Vallas promises that he’ll grow the police force. Brandon Johnson says that to build safety, he’ll “invest in people.” What does that mean, and what are voters choosing betwee...
Mar 31, 2023 / Eric Reinhart
Brandon Johnson Could Be Chicago’s Most Transformative Mayor In Decades Brandon Johnson Could Be Chicago’s Most Transformative Mayor In Decades
Johnson has a chance to renew the promise of progressive politics in the city—just like Harold Washington did 40 years ago.
Mar 2, 2023 / John Nichols
A Pentagon Report on China Fuels a Military Spending Frenzy in the US A Pentagon Report on China Fuels a Military Spending Frenzy in the US
How the media is misrepresenting what’s in the document.
Jan 12, 2023 / Michael T. Klare
An LA Councilman Tried to Help the Homeless. Now He May Lose His Job. An LA Councilman Tried to Help the Homeless. Now He May Lose His Job.
Mike Bonin faces a recall vote after supporting Venice Beach’s unhoused residents with sustained outreach and new housing.
Nov 19, 2021 / Piper French