Coronavirus
ROUNDUP: As Illinois reopens, pandemic response leaves hardest hit behind
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Here’s what we’re reading as Illinois and Chicago prepare to advance into the next phase of reopening businesses and public spaces.
Coronavirus
ROUNDUP: Chicago and Illinois brace for mounting COVID-19 deaths, adjust to new normal
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Here’s everything you might have missed in week three of the pandemic as conditions remain dire on numerous fronts while promised federal aid may offer some relief.
Coronavirus
ROUNDUP: Chicago and Illinois take more drastic measures in week two of COVID-19 crisis
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As confirmed coronavirus cases climb into the thousands for Illinois, state and city officials, businesses and communities rally to fight the disease as questions remain about protecting the most vulnerable residents and workers.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Illinois changes Medicaid, food stamps and unemployment policies in response to COVID-19
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Advocates praise Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new measures meant to help low-income communities survive the crisis, but say much more is needed in a variety of areas.
Perspectives
AI algorithms intended to root out welfare fraud often end up punishing the poor instead
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States are increasingly turning to machine learning and algorithms to detect fraud in food stamps, Medicaid and other welfare programs – despite little evidence of actual fraud.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
City clinics to get boost in expanded mental health services budget
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Aldermen urged the Lightfoot administration to invest in public facilities instead of allocating new funding to private providers as the best way to rebuild the city’s mental health safety net.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Study: Restaurant industry thrives in cities that have eliminated subminimum wage
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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.
Health
Infective endocarditis, a side effect of the injection drug crisis is on the rise in Illinois, posing financial and ethical concerns
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Amid the high cost of hospitalizing an increasing number of young people suffering from the infection, doctors express reluctance to treat patients likely to resume drug use that will put them at greater risk in the future.
Perspectives
US poverty statistics ignore millions of struggling Americans
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In the US, poverty is measured by income level. But that measure misses many other aspects of poverty – like unemployment, poor health and a lack of health insurance.
Perspectives
Getting poorer while working harder: The ‘cliff effect’
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Stressing out about potentially losing benefits can prolong financial instability. Solving this problem will help low-paid workers and everyone else.