Illinois quick hits: Johnson approval low as DNC continues

Johnson approval low as DNC continues

New polling on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shows the lowest approval rating for a mayor hosting the Democratic National Convention in 40 years.

According to a poll by the Illinois Policy Institute, Johnson’s approval rating is just 27%. The next closest was former New York City Mayor David Dinkins in 1992 with 29% of his constituents approving of his leadership.

Johnson’s low rating came from voters whose top concerns were crime, followed by the migrant situation, and high taxes.

Stellantis delays reopening Belvidere plant

The morning after being called out on national television by United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain during the Democratic National Convention, Stellantis has confirmed it is delaying plans to reopen the shuttered Belvidere Assembly Plant.

The UAW is threatening a national strike against Stellantis for allegedly violating a labor agreement reached last year in which it committed to investing $5 billion to restart the Belvidere plant and hire back thousands of workers.

In February 2023, Stellantis indefinitely idled the assembly plant and laid off its last 1,200 workers after halting production of the Jeep Cherokee amid dwindling sales.

Illinois pizzarias among best in Midwest

Several Illinois pizzarias made the list in Yelp’s Top 100 Pizza Spots in the Midwest. Pequod’s Pizza in Chicago grabbed the top Illinois spot and was ranked third overall.

Milly’s Pizza in the Pan in Chicago was ranked fifth overall, followed by Dough Daddy’s Pizza in Westmont at number nine. Zazas Pizzeria in Chicago and baked in Galesburg also made the top 30.