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The Newsroom runs PolitiFact Illinois, the local arm of the nationally renowned, Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-checking enterprise that rates the truthfulness of statements made by governmental leaders and politicians.

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PolitiFact

Fact-Check: Emanuel Blows Smoke About Cigarette Use Among Chicago Teens

There has been a major decline in the share of Chicago high schoolers who smoke cigarettes, but the city doesn't come close to leading the nation.
Apr 14, 2019 2:00 PM
PolitiFact

Fact-Check: No, Chicago Isn’t 'Often Bailed Out’ by State Taxpayers

Experts we spoke with summed up the claim as a “myth,” “clearly not true,” and “total nonsense.”
Apr 7, 2019 2:00 PM
PolitiFact

Fact-Check: No ‘Jobs Tax’ in Pritzker’s Tax Plan, Despite What Attack Ad Claims

Pritzker is calling for a switch to a graduated-rate income tax — not a ‘jobs tax’ — and has proposed a rate structure that would hold the line for all but the wealthiest earners.
Mar 31, 2019 2:00 PM
PolitiFact

Fact-Check: Fact-checking Lightfoot’s Record on Police Discipline

The mayoral finalist’s percentages check out, but they don’t tell the full story.
Updated: Mar 25, 2019 @ 5:22 PM
PolitiFact

Preckwinkle Repeats Urban Myth About Third-Grade Test Scores, Prison Beds

The mayoral candidate isn’t wrong to suggest a link between academic achievement and crime — but student scores aren’t used to predict prison needs.
Mar 24, 2019 2:00 PM
PolitiFact

Fact-Check: Preckwinkle Undersells Affordable Housing Program’s Track Record

There’s some truth to the mayoral finalist’s broader argument, but her claim itself misses the mark.
Mar 17, 2019 2:00 PM
PolitiFact

Fact-Check: Despite Claims on Facebook, Chicago ID Card Does Not Allow Voting by Immigrants in the Country Illegally

The law hasn't changed. Only U.S. citizens can vote for city, state and federal offices in Chicago.
Mar 12, 2019 11:00 AM
PolitiFact

Fact-Check: Pritzker Misleads in Dismissing Revenue Alternatives

Like his Republican predecessor, Illinois’ new Democratic governor makes sweeping assertions about tax policy that don’t hold up under closer scrutiny.
Mar 3, 2019 2:00 PM
PolitiFact

Fact-checking the Resume-driven Chicago Mayor's Race

The crowded contest has featured a variety of boasts and attacks about the candidates’ records.
Feb 24, 2019 2:00 PM
PolitiFact

Fact-Check: The Trouble With Mendoza’s Attempt to Pin Illinois’ Budget Crisis on Daley

Mendoza’s ad links rival Bill Daley to the protracted budget crisis that occurred under former Gov. Bruce Rauner in a claim that boils down to guilt by association.
Feb 17, 2019 2:00 PM

PolitiFact

Fact-Check: Emanuel Blows Smoke About Cigarette Use Among Chicago Teens

Fact-Check: No, Chicago Isn’t 'Often Bailed Out’ by State Taxpayers

Fact-Check: No ‘Jobs Tax’ in Pritzker’s Tax Plan, Despite What Attack Ad Claims

Fact-Check: Fact-checking Lightfoot’s Record on Police Discipline

Preckwinkle Repeats Urban Myth About Third-Grade Test Scores, Prison Beds

Fact-Check: Preckwinkle Undersells Affordable Housing Program’s Track Record

Fact-Check: Despite Claims on Facebook, Chicago ID Card Does Not Allow Voting by Immigrants in the Country Illegally

Fact-Check: Pritzker Misleads in Dismissing Revenue Alternatives

Fact-checking the Resume-driven Chicago Mayor's Race

Fact-Check: The Trouble With Mendoza’s Attempt to Pin Illinois’ Budget Crisis on Daley