Chicago’s COVID-19 rules hit minority neighborhood restaurants harder

By Patrick Andriesen

01/19/2022

Restaurant owners in Chicago communities with low COVID-19 vaccination rates, mostly on the city’s South and West sides, say pushback against the vaccine proof mandate has hurt sales and cost them customers.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, vaccine mandate

Lightfoot admits speed cameras hurt low-income Chicagoans more

By Patrick Andriesen

01/12/2022

A university study of Chicago automated traffic cameras commissioned by the city found minority and low-income residents are hurt more. Researchers recommended the city reform the regressive system of fines.

TAGS: Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, speed cameras

Chicago, Cook County under emergency rule for 22 months. How can that be?

By Joe Tabor

01/11/2022

Chicago and Cook County leaders have exercised executive emergency powers for 22 months to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. Why can they do that and when does it end?

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, COVID-19

Chicago’s $1 million-plus speed cameras hurting low-income areas

By Patrick Andriesen

01/10/2022

Nearly half of Chicago’s highest cash-generating speed cameras were on the South Side. Two, including the top $3.1-million camera, are hitting Ward 20 Ald. Jeanette Taylor’s low-income constituents with fines she said they can’t afford.

TAGS: Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, speed cameras

Chicago now requires COVID-19 vaccination, ID for public venues

By Dylan Sharkey

01/03/2022

Planning an evening out in Chicago? You now need proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a photo ID to get in most places.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, vaccine mandate

Chicago’s speed cameras ticket 8X faster after limit drops to 6 mph

By Patrick Andriesen

01/03/2022

Chicago’s speed cameras in 10 months churned out nearly as many tickets as the prior 3 years combined, handing every city household 2.2 tickets. The 8-fold spike came immediately after the city started ticketing at 6 mph over the limit.

TAGS: Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, speed cameras

Vaccination proof, ID required to enter Chicago restaurants, bars, gyms

By Patrick Andriesen

12/21/2021

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s new mandate will require Chicagoans ages 5 and older to prove they received a COVID-19 vaccination and to show a photo ID before entering restaurants, bars and gyms starting Jan. 3.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, vaccine mandate

Lightfoot’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate upheld for Chicago firefighters, city workers

By Patrick Andriesen

12/20/2021

The ruling upholding Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s vaccination mandate for city workers, except police, sets a precedent ahead of arbitration between the city and more than 20 Chicago labor unions.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, Lori Lightfoot, vaccine mandate

Illinois may sell Thompson Center for $70M, buy back part for $148M

By Dylan Sharkey

12/18/2021

Has Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker got a deal for you: Sell a whole state building in downtown Chicago for less than half of what taxpayers will pay to get back one-third of it.

TAGS: Chicago, Thompson Center

Chicago property tax hikes cause housing struggles for seniors

By Patrick Andriesen

12/17/2021

A report on rapid growth among Cook County’s senior population found nearly 60% spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Experts insist on more county housing options or tactics to lower costs.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

Government unions in Illinois have tremendous power. Most are allowed to go on strike and can bargain over virtually anything.1 It creates an uneven playing field, with unions able to demand costly provisions in their contracts and threaten to strike – denying Illinoisans needed services – to get what they want.2 Until recently, the potential...

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Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

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Toni Larocco

Policy lessons from Illinois’ exodus of people and money

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students