Legislator: Migrants attracted to Illinois' health care, 'soft-on-crime' policies

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Secretary of State will not provide any facial recognition, search service or photographs from their database to any federal, state or local law enforcement agencies, if a bill advancing in Springfield passes.

‘State of Loop’ report boasts Chicago Loop comeback already in full swing

(The Center Square) – Loop Alliance President Michael Edwards is boldly shouting from the rooftops after a new “State of the Loop” quarterly report outlines how pedestrian activity on State Street during workweek hours is now back at pre-pandemic levels…

Cook County aims to accelerate apprenticeships

(The Center Square) – The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development has created a Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator.

Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II have 'informal' meeting as Gaza cease-fire seems unlikely

Jordan's King Abdullah II visited President Joe Biden at the White House for an informal meeting to discuss challenges facing the allies, like Israel's possible Rafah ground offensive.

Justice Department program helps solve murders, disappearances in Native communities

The Justice Department's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons outreach program seeks to improve communication surrounding disappearances among Indigenous communities.

Juror in New Hampshire youth center abuse trial voices concern over $38M verdict

A juror who awarded a New Hampshire man $38 million in a landmark lawsuit over abuse at the state's youth detention center has voiced concerns about the outcome.

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?

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.

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.

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.