Chicago has seen its minimum wage steadily rise in the last several years, from a hourly rate of $8.25 in 2014 to $13 today. But labor activists and some public officials say it’s not nearly enough.
Stories by Paris Schutz
Pritzker Upset With Harassment Report Findings, But Not With Madigan
More fallout from a report detailing a culture of harassment and abuse in the state capitol on Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan’s watch. But is the speaker getting a pass?
Report Outlines Culture of Fear, Harassment on Speaker Madigan’s Watch
A long-awaited report on sexual harassment in the Illinois House outlines a culture of fear, intimidation and bullying under House Speaker Michael Madigan’s former chief of staff Tim Mapes.
Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown Won’t Seek Re-Election
Long the subject of federal scrutiny, Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown explains why she will not seek re-election.
Chicago Casino Study: Taxes Too High to Be Profitable
An onerous tax structure would virtually kill any chance that a Chicago casino operator could make a profit, despite an ability to make massive amounts of money, according to a newly released feasibility study.
Chicago Casino Study to Be Released Tuesday
Where to put a Chicago casino? A $120,000 feasibility study may offer some insight on five potential sites proposed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Racial Tensions Boiling Over in City Water Department
Two years after a scathing report unveiled a rampant problem at the Department of Water Management, more employees are speaking out about what they call a toxic culture at the city agency.
Feds Indict Illinois Sen. Tom Cullerton
State Sen. Tom Cullerton is alleged to have fraudulently received labor and benefits from a labor union in which, according to the indictment, he did “little or no work.”
In Chicago, TIF Revenues Soaring
The city of Chicago could be in line for a giant windfall of tax revenue, just in time to face down a $700 million budget gap.
Mayor Lightfoot ‘Concerned’ About Feasibility of Chicago Casino
As part of a wide-ranging discussion on “Chicago Tonight,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she will be seeking public input on possible locations for a Chicago casino.
Lightfoot’s Ethics, Workplace Initiatives Unanimously Pass City Council
Two key initiatives of Mayor Lori Lightfoot were put to the test Wednesday, and the unanimous passage of each shows that Chicago’s new mayor has command over City Council.
Mayor, Aldermen Negotiate Fair Workweek Ordinance
Should larger Chicago companies be required to let employees know of their work schedules two weeks ahead of time?
Lightfoot Rejects Chicago Port Investment Deal
A deal to have a private operator invest up to $100 million to run the Illinois International Port District, also known as the Port of Chicago, appears to be dead.
Spotlight Politics: New Investigation of Ex-Alderman with Madigan Ties
Why the federal probe into a former Chicago alderman could spell trouble for House Speaker Michael Madigan. Our politics team takes on that story and more in our weekly roundtable.
Chicago International Port Considering Massive Investment Deal
A new deal could be worth up to $100 million for the giant Port of Chicago on the city’s Southeast Side.
Despite Trump Threats, ICE Raids Fail to Materialize in Chicago
There has been no sign yet of a beefed-up presence from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Chicago. Nonetheless, several immigrants’ rights groups and concerned citizens are trying to combat the fear those threats have caused.
Spotlight Politics: Murky Waters of Lead Pipe Debate
Mayor Lori Lightfoot wades into the murky waters of the lead pipe debate. Our politics team takes on that story and more in our weekly roundtable.
City Analysis: Pension Debt Grew Last Year
The city of Chicago saw a little more tax revenue than expected last year. That’s the sliver of good news in a new report that spells out the bleak long-term financial forecast.
Socialized Electricity? Alderman Floats Government Takeover of ComEd
The self-styled democratic socialist members of Chicago’s City Council – led by Veteran 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa – want the city to explore true socialist policy.
Spotlight Politics: Austin Real Estate Deal Under Scrutiny
More details emerge about the investigation into 34th Ward Ald. Carrie Austin, as a former alderman is sentenced to one year in prison. Our politics team takes on those stories and more in our weekly roundtable.
Spotlight Politics: Feds Raid Another Longtime Alderman’s Office
Assessing the political fallout from the federal raid of another longtime alderman’s office. Our politics team tackles that and more in our weekly roundtable.
FBI Raids 34th Ward Office of Ald. Carrie Austin
Federal agents have executed a search warrant at the South Side ward office of Chicago Ald. Carrie Austin. A source close to the matter says Austin has been under federal investigation for several years.
Lightfoot: Independent Commission Should Redraw City’s 50 Wards
The decennial redrawing of Chicago’s 50 ward boundaries is messy and anything but transparent. Mayor Lori Lightfoot calls the current map an obvious case of gerrymandering, and says it’s bad for Chicago residents.
Legislative Leaders in the Dark on Gaming Bill Specifics
Recently passed legislation to expand gambling in Illinois is so massive, not many people know everything that’s in it. That includes at least two of the state’s legislative leaders who helped negotiate the bill.
Spotlight Politics: Lightfoot Proposes New Ethics Plan in Wake of Burke Plea
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is out with a new round of ethics proposals. Our politics team tackles that and more in our weekly roundtable.
