As Mayor Lori Lightfoot and City Council members debate changes to how Chicago’s tipped workers are paid, a new report highlights how other cities have fared after eliminating the subminimum wage.
Perspectives
What Trump’s travel ban really looks like, almost two years in
|
Was the ban a Muslim ban — or was that just an anti-Trump narrative? A political scientist combs through the data for answers.
Perspectives
Cities with more black residents rely more on traffic tickets and fines for revenue
|
A study looked at fines in 93 California cities. Cities with more black residents and more disproportionately white police forces tended to rely the most on fines.
Perspectives
Lower refugee limits are weakening resettlement in the US
|
Over the past few decades, the US has gradually lowered the ceiling for refugees.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Countywide income tax could provide ‘revenue that grows with the real economy’
|
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.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
There’s some progress in Lightfoot’s Chicago budget plan, despite progressive backlash
|
Lori Lightfoot is not actually Rahm 2.0, and demonizing her risks isolating progressive voices vital to the Chicago’s future.
Perspectives
The Chicago teachers’ strike isn’t just about kids – it’s about union power too
|
Teachers’ unions often say they go on strike to improve conditions for students. A closer look at recent walkouts suggests they are also fighting for something else: membership.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Lightfoot’s only option to ease perpetual budget deficits may be city income tax
|
To win support from voters and the City Council, the mayor will have to address budget shortfalls while reducing regressive taxation and responding to demands for better services and economic development in long-neglected communities.
Perspectives
Los Angeles is far from ending homelessness – but other American cities can still learn a lot from it
|
Donald Trump has some ideas about how to end homelessness in the US. Los Angeles’ recent experiences may be an important part of the discussion.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
EXPLAINER: This is how the Chicago teachers contract talks broke down
|
Despite common ground with Mayor Lori Lightfoot, disagreement on Chicago Public Schools’ financial position and who manages control over staffing decisions is pushing the teachers union to strike.
Perspectives
Why more places are abandoning Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day
|
The official celebration of Native Americans represents the fruits of a decades-long effort.