Red-light cameras take another $500M from Illinois drivers in 5 years
Red-light cameras take another $500M from Illinois drivers in 5 years
Local governments generated $500 million from red-light camera tickets since 2019, with Chicago alone collecting $223.8 million. Total since 2008: $1.56 billion.
By Patrick Andriesen
Terry Boone
Terry Boone
“I’m old enough to remember when they implemented the Tollway system in Illinois. That was supposed to be a temporary measure to pay for the interstate and it was supposed to end in 40 years. We know how that turned out.”
Chicago Kilwins owner named small businessperson of the year
Chicago Kilwins owner named small businessperson of the year
Jackie Jackson has repeatedly helped people understand what it means to be an entrepreneur in Chicago, from crime to the pandemic to taxes. But being able to create jobs keeps her going and is why she was named businessperson of the year.
By Dylan Sharkey
Lawmakers take all 3 advisory question spots on November ballot
Lawmakers take all 3 advisory question spots on November ballot
Illinois lawmakers gave voters three issues on which they can offer opinions during the November election. They filled all the available ballot spots, leading a group with their own advisory question to cry ‘foul.’
By Dylan Sharkey
Phoenix’s building permit privatization could help reverse Illinois’ housing woes
Phoenix’s building permit privatization could help reverse Illinois’ housing woes
Phoenix, Arizona, established a program to streamline building permits for certain projects. It has seen results. It could help Illinois’ drop in housing permits.
By Joe Tabor
Carl Kunz
Carl Kunz
“I told people, ‘You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.’ When you just complain and you’re not going to do anything about it, you’re likely a part of the problem. By running for office, I felt like I was able to be part of the solution.”
Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races
Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races
Why did SB 2412 need to pass on May 2, in the middle of the election cycle, weeks after the primary election but still well ahead of the November general election? Many candidates had already started the complicated process of petition gathering and paperwork under the old rules. What justifies changing those rules in the middle of the game?
By Hilary Gowins
Leslie Collazo
Leslie Collazo
On May 2, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an election law change in the middle of a campaign year. It ends “slating,” a process through which candidates could be put on the general election ballot by local parties after the primary election. There are 78 active Statehouse races affected, many with potential candidates who had put...
Chicago Teachers Union wants leave so teachers can work for CTU Foundation, Mayor Johnson
Chicago Teachers Union wants leave so teachers can work for CTU Foundation, Mayor Johnson
CTU’s contract demands include leave time for Chicago Public Schools employees to work for the union’s non-profit organization and accept city government appointments, including from former CTU staffer Mayor Brandon Johnson.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Teachers Union demands 130M free rides
Chicago Teachers Union demands 130M free rides
The Chicago Teachers Union has 142 pages of demands for its next contract. They include free mass transit for all students and employees in the Chicago Public Schools. That’s as many as 130.3 million free CTA tickets that could cost as much as $122.5 million.
By Jerry Barmore
Violent crime surges 26% at Chicago Public Schools, arrests hit record low
Violent crime surges 26% at Chicago Public Schools, arrests hit record low
Chicago Public Schools saw violent crime increase 26% in 2023 and arrests hit a record low of 8%. Now thanks to pressure from the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson, police are being removed from schools.
By Patrick Andriesen