Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime
Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime
The SAFE-T Act could make it too hard for Chicago to detain offenders. Residents can’t afford that when the city is already amid a violent crime surge. Chicago leaders should use home rule powers to create a city public safety act.
By Paul Vallas
There is no longer cash bail in Illinois. What happens now?
There is no longer cash bail in Illinois. What happens now?
After litigation delaying its implementation, the full provisions of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act went into effect on Sept. 18. Here’s what to expect.
By Joe Tabor
Vallas: SAFE-T Act starts Monday. 4 ways to make it safer
Vallas: SAFE-T Act starts Monday. 4 ways to make it safer
Proponents of the SAFE-T Act see it as an end to discrimination in a system that favors the wealthy. Opponents see it as depriving law enforcement of the tools they need to keep streets safe. Both are right. Four legislative actions could fix that.
By Paul Vallas
Vallas: Chicago has a new police chief, what’s his plan to fix the city’s crime problem?
Vallas: Chicago has a new police chief, what’s his plan to fix the city’s crime problem?
Larry Snelling, formerly the Chicago Police Department’s counterterrorism bureau chief, was selected Aug. 13 to become CPD’s next superintendent. Now, the city needs clarity on his plans to address Chicago’s crime problems.
By Paul Vallas
Vallas: Youth crime is on the rise in Chicago – and CTU’s school closures may be to blame for the trend
Vallas: Youth crime is on the rise in Chicago – and CTU’s school closures may be to blame for the trend
Rising crime in Chicago is being driven by an increase in youth crime – as a result of
the Chicago Teachers Union’s policies and agenda, which undermine police and
public safety.
By Paul Vallas
Chicago gun violence by neighborhood: South, West sides remain most dangerous
Chicago gun violence by neighborhood: South, West sides remain most dangerous
Chicago Police Department reports show shootings in 2022 were 32% higher than 2019. Shootings in the Loop tripled during that time.
By Patrick Andriesen
Vallas: Chicago Police overtime cost $126M, plus cost of burn-out
Vallas: Chicago Police overtime cost $126M, plus cost of burn-out
One way to “defund the police” is by not hiring officers – a strategy supported by many in Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s camp.
The problem is, failing to hire more officers is backfiring. It leads to higher costs, some of which are very hard to count but easy to see.
By Paul Vallas
What to expect when cash bail ends in Illinois
What to expect when cash bail ends in Illinois
The Illinois Supreme Court ruled ending cash bail is constitutional. What does that mean for Illinois? It means ready or not, the system changes Sept. 18.
By Joe Tabor
Illinois Supreme Court: Criminal cash bail goes away Sept. 18
Illinois Supreme Court: Criminal cash bail goes away Sept. 18
Illinois will become the first state to eliminate cash bail. The Illinois Supreme Court on July 18 upheld the Pretrial Fairness Act, ruling it doesn’t violate the Illinois Constitution.
By Dylan Sharkey
Vallas: A real strategy for containing out-of-control violence in Chicago
Vallas: A real strategy for containing out-of-control violence in Chicago
Chicago can’t afford to wait on immediate crime reduction efforts – the city needs a plan. Unfortunately, no concrete details have emerged on how the new administration plans to address public safety, the No. 1 issue on Chicagoans’ minds. Here are nine steps Chicago officials could take to begin curbing crime today.
By Paul Vallas
Illinois 1 of 3 states banning you from using fireworks
Illinois 1 of 3 states banning you from using fireworks
Independence Day means residents of 47 states will celebrate their freedom by choosing to set off fireworks. Not in Illinois.
By Dylan Sharkey
‘Ballot selfies’ are a felony in Illinois
‘Ballot selfies’ are a felony in Illinois
Voters wanting to show their Election Day pride should be careful. Sharing a voting-booth selfie on social media is a felony in Illinois.
By Dylan Sharkey