Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

The Policy Shop: A warning for Chicago

The Policy Shop: A warning for Chicago

This episode of The Policy Shop is by writer Patrick Andriesen Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign pledge to end the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system has come to fruition. The city’s contract expired on Sept. 22. Analysis of city data shows the aldermanic wards reporting the most gunshots were the ones who fought hardest to keep...

Report: Chicago Teachers Union is new Chicago political machine

Report: Chicago Teachers Union is new Chicago political machine

Years of exorbitant political spending in Illinois – more than $24.3 million since 2010 – has secured an enormous amount of political influence for the Chicago Teachers Union. It is now the main political player not just in Chicago, but across the state.

By Mailee Smith

Sam Goldman

Sam Goldman

“I would say at a high level, our policymakers have been too focused on affordable housing, and not housing affordability. We’re not focused on sustainable, long-term economic development. We’re not focused on jobs.” “Folks will point to the West Loop and say it’s evidence the policy works. I look at the West Loop and see...