How to vote in your April 1 election
How to vote in your April 1 election
Groceries, schools and public safety are all affected by local elections taking place April 1. Here’s what to know.
Spring time in Brandon’s Chicago
Spring time in Brandon’s Chicago
Chicago’s latest housing ordinance will make affordability worse
Chicago’s latest housing ordinance will make affordability worse
By imposing costly delays, intrusive financial disclosures and pushing up demolition fees, the Northwest Side Preservation Ordinance will drive rents even higher and hurt the residents it aims to help.
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Illinois tipping bill could cut earnings for restaurants, servers
Illinois tipping bill could cut earnings for restaurants, servers
State politicians might eliminate the tipped minimum wage, putting tipped workers on the $15 per hour wage. But with higher wages come higher costs for businesses, which could raise prices or cut jobs.
Literacy epidemic hits Illinois as fewer than 1 in 3 students read well
Literacy epidemic hits Illinois as fewer than 1 in 3 students read well
Student literacy is in trouble nationally. Illinois is one of 41 states where just 1 in 3 or fewer of its fourth-graders met reading standards in 2024.
Property taxes: Through the roof
Property taxes: Through the roof
Despite slight decline, nearly 2M Illinoisans still receive food help
Despite slight decline, nearly 2M Illinoisans still receive food help
Illinois enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program decreased slightly in December, but over 1.9 million residents still received benefits.
Cook County property tax bills up 78% as values rise 7%
Cook County property tax bills up 78% as values rise 7%
Typical property tax bill increased 78% on a Cook County residence since 2007. Median property values only rose 7.3%. That leaves residents paying $2,558 more a year in property taxes while their biggest investment fails to keep up with inflation.
Medicaid enrollment, spending soar in Illinois as Congress weighs cuts
Medicaid enrollment, spending soar in Illinois as Congress weighs cuts
Expansions to Medicaid because of the Affordable Care Act and COVID-19 have increased the program in Illinois as Congress considers potential cuts or work requirements.
Chicago is only big city where mayor gets to fill city council vacancies
Chicago is only big city where mayor gets to fill city council vacancies
Of the 15 largest cities, only Chicago lets its mayor fill vacancies on the city council. Mayor Brandon Johnson is about to exercise that long Chicago tradition by filling a vacancy he created.
Chicago aggravated batteries hit 5-year high; 3 in 5 victims are Black
Chicago aggravated batteries hit 5-year high; 3 in 5 victims are Black
Chicagoans reported the highest number of aggravated batteries through February in the past five years, with Black residents accounting for 3 in 5 victims.
A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?
A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?
A city charter would put much-needed guardrails on the Chicago government. Here’s what needs to happen to get one.
How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting
How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting
Disproportionate and low voter turnout presents challenges for municipal democracy nationwide. However, a straightforward reform acknowledged by scholars and policymakers – aligning the timing of municipal elections to coincide with general elections – offers a clear solution to enhance voter participation significantly. Research shows the timing of local elections influences voter turnout, which subsequently impacts...