Latest News from Chicago City Wire

Cook County assessor begins using new formula to assess properties

By Robert Hadley | May 3, 2018

A new formula for calculating Cook County property taxes – one that aims to minimize impact on low-income wage earners – was announced May 1 by the Cook County assessor's office and will go into effect this year.

Biela tries to reach voters fed up with business as usual in Springfield

By Robert Hadley | May 2, 2018

Though she’s arguing for change from the state’s political past, 15th District House candidate Amanda Biela’s recycling of a Reagan-era campaign slogan may provide the key to reaching voters with her message.

Hosty: GOP unity is needed for November election victories

By Robert Hadley | Apr 27, 2018

After his recent victory over Carol Smith Donovan for a seat on the Illinois Republican Central Committee, newcomer Mark Hosty had some conciliatory words for his fellow Republicans.

Arena accused of bullying opponents of Northwest Highway development

By Robert Hadley | Mar 23, 2018

Alderman John Arena, who represents the 45th Ward, is accused of cyberstalking a police officer, allegedly over her opposition to a building at 5150 N. Northwest Highway.

Opposition growing to Arena's controversial 'upzoning' proposal

By Robert Hadley | Mar 12, 2018

Plans by Chicago's 45th Ward alderman, John Arena, to change the zoning in a Northwest Side neighborhood from residential to commercial – a process known as “upzoning” – is meeting with stiff opposition from a neighborhood group organized to fight the change.

In battle for success, school discipline doesn't have to come at the expense of safety

By Robert Hadley | Mar 1, 2018

In the wake of the Feb. 14 shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school that left 17 students dead and 15 others injured, questions are being raised about the role new disciplinary procedures may have played in allowing the alleged shooter to plot his mayhem without detection.

Comptroller's race highlights property tax issues facing Illinois

By Robert Hadley | Feb 13, 2018

A discrepancy between the property taxes of the Illinois comptroller, Susana Mendoza, and her predecessor and current deputy governor, Leslie Munger, has become a sticking point as Illinois faces a government funding crisis.

CORRECTION: Illinois a pioneer in effort to establish nationwide wireless 1st responders broadband network

By Robert Hadley | Jan 23, 2018

Illinois is joining all 50 states and U.S. territories in adopting FirstNet, a nationwide wireless broadband network boasting a near-unlimited capacity for crucial first-responder public-safety messages.

John Marshall Law School announces faculty promotions

By Robert Hadley | Jan 8, 2018

A new year means new roles for seven professors at the John Marshall Law School.

Challenge leaves Silverstein short of signatures needed to make March ballot

By Robert Hadley | Jan 8, 2018

State Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) faced another setback this election cycle with recent news that he lacks enough signatures on nominating petitions to be placed to be on the March primary ballot.

CPS inspector general reports 1,457 complaints alleging waste, misconduct, fraud in 2017

By Robert Hadley | Jan 5, 2018

Although it was able to investigate only a fraction of the complaints it received, the Chicago Public Schools Office of the Inspector General (OIG) noted in its annual report that it logged nearly 1,500 reports of alleged misconduct, waste, fraud and financial mismanagement during fiscal 2017.

Inspector general: CPS employees used gift cards to steal taxpayer funds

By Robert Hadley | Jan 4, 2018

During a three-year period, Chicago Public Schools employees spent more than $250,000 on gift cards, some of which were allegedly used as a way to get around a no-petty-cash policy instituted by the district, according to a recent report.

Harvard law professor claims Flynn plea deal clears Trump of collusion charge

By Robert Hadley | Jan 4, 2018

Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz spoke about the media frenzy and the merits of the Mueller investigation ion a recent broadcast of "Chicago's Morning Answer."

Trump's North Korea strategy working despite North Korea missile launch, analyst says

By Robert Hadley | Jan 2, 2018

Although the launch of a North Korean missile on Nov. 28 spurred talk of changing U.S. strategy toward the potential military threat, there was actually no need to worry, according to Jim Carafano, vice president of foreign policy and national security at the Heritage Foundation.

Watchdog group questions success of City Colleges under Emanuel

By Robert Hadley | Dec 28, 2017

Although the City Colleges of Chicago are often held up by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as exemplars of a successfully reformed municipal college system, a recent investigation by the Better Government Association published on Crain’s Chicago Business indicates otherwise.

Earle STEM Elementary chess team seeks funding

By Robert Hadley | Dec 28, 2017

A funding shortage is threatening to put an end to an award-winning Chicago Public Schools chess team.

Boykin blames Chicago gun violence on bad policy, poverty, drugs

By Robert Hadley | Dec 20, 2017

With a 2016 per capita homicide rate of 34.22 (as reported by the FBI), Chicago’s problem with gun violence has plenty of politicians talking about solutions. One of them is Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, who calls the crime wave “genocide.”

Watchdog to Chicago: Raise taxes, shrink government in debt crisis

By Robert Hadley | Dec 18, 2017

According to a report by the nonprofit Truth in Accounting (TIA) watchdog group, 41 states are facing mountains of debt, and Illinois is one of the worst offenders.

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Illinois GOP release states Pritzker 'continues to lie to Illinoisans'

By Robert Hadley | Dec 15, 2017

Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker drew criticism this week for his personal investments in Big Oil, apparently contradicting his public statements condemning the fossil fuel industry, according to a press release from the Illinois Republican Party.

Tax reform bill would keep more money in taxpayers' pockets, Ryan says

By Robert Hadley | Dec 13, 2017

Speaking recently on a Chicago radio program, U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) said the House and Senate budget bills winding through Congress represent a “philosophical change.”

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