Bird’s Eye View: Johnson Reelection Bid, Drone Attacks and Mail-In Ballot Decisions

Welcome to the maiden flight of The Phoenix news team’s “Birds’ Eye View” column. The aim of this column is to combine top headlines from the week in local, national and international news, mixing them with other stories that may not have been picked up by students. 

On Feb. 23, Chicagoans will vote for their next mayor. Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his reelection bid Sept. 13. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his campaign Aug. 2. There are 11 other candidates. 

With midterm elections coming up on Nov. 3, Loyola’s out-of-state students should start thinking about filling out applications for absentee ballots and turn their attention to measures taken by the federal government to restrict mail-in ballots, whether they apply to them or not.

Local

Brandon Johnson to Run for Second Straight Term

Johnson announced his reelection bid Sept. 13 at the DuSable Black History Museum, embarking on a progressive campaign for the 2027 mayoral race. His campaign fund has amassed less than $650,000 dollars compared to frontrunner Giannoulias, with a $22 million campaign war chest. 

Johnson said he aims to review his previously failed efforts to “tax the rich” and is pushing for a moratorium on the construction of new data centers across Chicago. He also said he’ll help voters identify the difference between “real progressives and posers.” 

National

Clavicular Charged for Rape

“Looksmaxxing” sensation Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters, has officially been charged in connection for the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Massachusets this past May. The complaint, filed Sept. 8, charged Peters under three counts — rape, drugging someone for sexual intercourse and for providing liquor to someone under 21 years old. 

The victim, Aleksandra Vasilevna Mendoza, an 18-year-old influencer, sued Peters for sexual battery. Peter’s representative Mitchell Jackson said Peters “denies the allegations,” NPR reported.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Mail-In Ballot Restrictions

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s request to restrict mail-in ballots for the midterm elections Sept. 14. While Trump said he pushes for “election integrity,” there’s no evidence of fraud on mail-in ballots, the Associated Press reported.

International

The AfD’s Gains

Germany’s far-right conservative party “Alternative für Deutschland” (AfD) recorded its best ever result in state elections in Northeastern Germany Sept. 20. The margins represent Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s weakening grip on power, according to Reuters.

Moscow Hit by Ukraine’s Largest Drone Attack 

Ukrainian forces fired over 1,000 drones at Russia Sept. 20, with hundreds launched toward Moscow amid the third and last day of its parliamentary elections. Across the city, two people were killed and 20 were wounded, PBS reported.