Digital license plates could solve Chicago carjackings, but give hackers data

By Noah Shaar

06/18/2021

Chicago’s surge in carjackings prompted an Illinois Secretary of State candidate to call for digital license plates. The plates could be a convenience that could create privacy problems.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

Chicago plan to cap Uber, Lyft fares could lead to fewer rides

By Ann Miller

05/28/2021

A Chicago alderman wants to cap ride-share prices during peak demand. But price controls could leave more riders stranded if extra drivers are no longer attracted by extra cash.

TAGS: Chicago, regulations, rideshare, Uber

Lightfoot pushes permanent 10 p.m. curfew on liquor store sales in Chicago

By Patrick Andriesen

05/26/2021

Grocery and liquor stores would be barred from selling beer, wine and liquor after 10 p.m. if Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot gets her way. She said the move would curb crime by stopping gatherings outside liquor stores and help recovering bars and restaurants.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, curfew, liquor laws, Lori Lightfoot

Chicago’s plan to pay off COVID-19 debt with federal aid hits a snag

By Justin Carlson

05/21/2021

Chicago had planned to use half of its federal relief funds to pay down pandemic debts, but new federal guidance may prevent that. Regardless, without pension reform the city will continue drowning in debt.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, debt, pensions

Former Chicago Ald. Richard Munoz indicted on fraud charges

By Ann Miller

04/30/2021

Former Chicago Ald. Ricardo Munoz, appointed by Richard M. Daley, faces federal charges stating he used campaign funds to pay for personal expenses and committed money laundering. Over 30 Chicago aldermen have been convicted or charged with corruption.

TAGS: Chicago, corruption, federal investigation, Richard Munoz

Chicago alderman related to Daleys indicted for tax fraud

By Brad Weisenstein

04/29/2021

Chicago Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson, related to both Mayor Daleys, faces federal charges stating he filed false tax returns and lied about $219,000 in payments from a neighborhood bank. Over 30 Chicago aldermen have been convicted or charged with corruption.

TAGS: Chicago, corruption, federal investigation, Patrick Daley Thompson, tax fraud

COVID-19 ‘Vax Pass’ may be needed to see Chicago summer concerts, events

By Patrick Andriesen

04/28/2021

Chicago’s public health commissioner said residents are not required to get vaccinated against COVID-19 – unless they want to attend summer events. City spending nearly $10 million to reach more neighborhoods with vaccines and close racial gaps.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, reopen, vaccine

Chicago considers $500 monthly guaranteed income for 5,000 low-income residents

04/22/2021

Under a new proposal, the city of Chicago would issue debit cards to 5,000 low-income residents that provide $500 each month for a year using some of its COVID-19 relief money.

TAGS: Chicago, debt, government spending, UBI: Universal Basic Income

Feds call Chicago Ald. Ed Burke ‘thoroughly corrupt’

By Patrick Andriesen

04/22/2021

Chicago’s longest-serving alderman, Ed Burke, tried to extort redevelopers of the old West Loop post office and others. They said there was no need to entrap Burke because his hand was regularly out.

TAGS: Chicago, corruption, Ed Burke, FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation, federal investigation

Restrictions ease, but Chicago cites 5 bars, restaurants over COVID rules

By Laura Bianchi

03/11/2021

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is allowing bars and restaurants to be open later and increase capacity, but city inspectors are looking for COVID-19 rules violations. Five restaurants and bars were just cited.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, Lori Lightfoot, regulations