We’re calling on the Illinois legislature to reduce single-use plastic waste, starting with the worst of the worst: plastic foam cups and containers. The Illinois House has now passed a foam foodware ban (HB2376) out of committee!

Leaguers traveled with the Coalition for Plastic Reduction last Wednesday for a Lobby Day to Ban Polystyrene Foam. Check out photos from the day and learn how you can help.

Tired of Styrofoam® on the takeout menu? Submit a witness slip to support Illinois legislation that would ban single-use polystyrene foam foodware in Illinois. 

This month, Chicago in Focus welcomed Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart and Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative Chair Sara Knizhnik. Watch the recording!

Representatives from LWV Chicago’s Environmental Action Committee are joining the Coalition for Plastic Reduction for a Lobby Day in support of a Foam Foodware Ban in Illinois. Please join us!

Election Day is February 28! Early Voting sites are now open in all wards and will operate through Election Day. Vote By Mail ballots may be deposited in Drop Boxes at all Early Voting sites.

Six City Council Committees met three or fewer times in 2022—where does the money go?

Have questions about the election or what’s on the ballot? League members explain.

It’s time to take stock and see what you can do for the environment in 2023. Check out our suggestions for ways to tackle change that won’t exhaust or overwhelm you.

The City Council should close a loophole that leaves the public in the dark about what is being voted on. Read our Chicago Tribune Letter to the Editor.

We are in a plastic explosion. Our food comes encased in it or with plastic stickers affixed to it. Our cleaning products are packaged in it. It’s in our clothing. It’s in our waterways. So what are we to do?

While Chicago’s City Council is undoubtedly more transparent and accountable than ever before, it is high time we closed the gaping loophole that Rule 41 leaves in our city’s legislative process. 

Contact your alder by Tuesday, January 17, to let them know you support Item #R2022-1116, which would ensure that legislative items be posted for the public at least 48 hours before a City Council Committee meets.

All your Vote by Mail questions, answered.

In 2021, Governor Pritzker signed legislation creating an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools, expanding the school board from seven members to 21. Now we want to hear from you!

Thanks to a recent law extension, Chicagoans will once again be able to vote in their home precinct or any of the 50+ early voting sites on Election Day in 2023. 

Submit a witness slip to support Illinois legislation that would impose a ban on assault weapons and raise the age for anyone applying for a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card to 21.

Eleven candidates have filed to run for the office of mayor. Check out how many candidates have filed to run in your ward and police district.

Now that the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is over, it’s time for the holiday festivities. Here are some ideas to make your holidays sparkle and shine while being green at the same time.

This month, Chicago in Focus welcomed Joe Ferguson, Chicago’s former Inspector General, to discuss lasting structural reform of City government. Watch the recording!