Studies show Illinois’ population is decreasing because birth rates are low, immigration numbers have declined, people want to be closer to family and they are pursuing job offers.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
South Side’s maternal health desert poses added risks for Black women during pandemic
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The planned closing of Mercy Hospital underscores the dramatic loss of maternity services in Chicago over the past year — reflecting the failure of local government agencies to adequately fund critical services in vulnerable communities, advocates say.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Social justice movement should focus on passing Fair Tax Amendment this November
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The latest Springfield scandal shouldn’t stop the drive for a graduated income tax to fund programs that promote equity and opportunity as Illinois contends with unprecedented crises and growing income inequality.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Stephen Douglas and the ‘right side’ of history
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As memorials to the notorious Civil War era politician get challenged, Douglas’ legacy may offer lessons for the path forward in addressing racism and police brutality.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Work-share program can save Illinois jobs at no cost to the state
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The Pritzker administration can increase incomes and shore up struggling employers by finally implementing a program that allows workers to stay on the job at reduced hours on partial unemployment insurance.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Community oversight or control? Coalitions meet on competing police accountability proposals
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Both the Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability and the Civilian Police Accountability Council campaigns want to maximize the community’s role in selecting public safety leaders.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Denying arrestees access to lawyers a longstanding problem at the Chicago Police Department
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A lawsuit became necessary after Mayor Lori Lightfoot failed to back an ordinance on the immediate right to legal counsel in police custody, a measure called for by her Police Accountability Task Force four years ago, advocates say.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
What’s the alternative to police in schools? Restorative justice.
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Restorative justice programs have already proven effective at Chicago Public Schools, but lack the level of funding budgeted for the district’s contract with the Chicago Police Department.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
To mobilize outrage over George Floyd’s killing, look to lessons of social movements past
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The Chicago Black Panther Party, Rainbow Coalition, the Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement and other historical organizing projects point to the possibilities for harnessing the vast mobilization of outrage we’re seeing today.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Chicago needs new use-of-force policy that bans chokeholds
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George Floyd’s horrifying death at the hands of Minneapolis police underscores the urgent need to continue working towards reforms outlined in the consent decree at the Chicago Police Department.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Emergency housing relief proposed in Illinois to stave off mass evictions, foreclosures
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To make rent cancellation work, legislators want to maximize a fund for landlords to recoup lost rental income while waiting for federal action.