By using public money to create local funds, public banks can reverse decades of racist disinvestment to repair Black and Brown communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 recession.
Government and Politics
Bill Conway gives Kim Foxx a run for her money in most expensive Cook County state’s attorney’s race
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Despite establishment support and external spending from super PACs, incumbent Kim Foxx has not been able to keep pace in the most expensive state’s attorney’s race in Cook County history.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Fair tax: the other most consequential vote Illinoisans will be making this November
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Irrational scare tactics and myths shouldn’t obscure a proposal that will determine whether the state can move beyond its perpetual fiscal crisis and begin to fund education adequately.
Government and Politics
Is Lightfoot’s war on poverty too late to stop Chicago’s black exodus?
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A new study says Chicago’s black population decline is due to decades of racial inequality.
Government and Politics
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she’s ending poverty in a generation. Is it possible?
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The STEP summit dissected the scope of poverty in Chicago and examined policies that have been successful so far.
Government and Politics
Six things to know about Illinois’ historic marijuana legalization law
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We’re annotating the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act to dig deeper into the key questions you have about social equity measures, enforcement and more.
Government and Politics
Chicago City Council’s Black Caucus splits on historic marijuana vote
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A plan by the caucus to halt weed sales in Chicago to establish better social equity measures fell short this week after six of its own members voted against it.
Government and Politics
Marijuana dispensary rollout illustrates fears that social equity measures are just blowing smoke
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As legalization looms, Chicago’s Black Caucus voices concerns that the emerging recreational pot industry is rigged for white operators.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Countywide income tax could provide ‘revenue that grows with the real economy’
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Unlike the one-time solutions Mayor Lori Lightfoot offered in her budget proposal, a local income tax could help stabilize Chicago’s finances long-term.
Government and Politics
Chicago City Council quietly begins push to decriminalize psychedelics
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Ald. Brian Hopkins sponsored a resolution calling for the city to deprioritize arrests and investigations of adults using the drugs and for the public health department to study the plants as alternative treatment options.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
There’s some progress in Lightfoot’s Chicago budget plan, despite progressive backlash
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Lori Lightfoot is not actually Rahm 2.0, and demonizing her risks isolating progressive voices vital to the Chicago’s future.