April, 2017 Stories | Chicago City Wire

Bankruptcy law would help ease Illinois pension liability, expert says

By Chandra Lye | Apr 24, 2017

The state’s ability to negotiate a better pension debt deal may rest with congressional approval of a state bankruptcy option, according to one financial expert.

Financial pundit sees dark clouds over Windy City

By Justin Stoltzfus | Apr 23, 2017

USA Today’s Nathan Bomey has some experience covering municipal bankruptcy, and looking at the state of Chicago’s finances, Bomey’s sees only three options – and none of them are good.

GOP leader files ethics complaint over Chicago schools letter

By Ruth de Jauregui | Apr 22, 2017

Illinois Republican Party Chair Chris Cleveland, who is also a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) parent, filed an ethics complaint against CPS CEO Forrest Claypool following a letter sent home with all 381,000 CPS students in February.

Radio hosts rap Rauner for missing his Chance

By Karen Kidd | Apr 22, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner missed more than a beat at his meeting with Chance the Rapper, the hosts of a Chicago-based radio talk show said recently.

Track triumphs touted as just a start for two at Chicago State

By Darren Yuvan | Apr 22, 2017

It's a good thing the Chicago State University track and field team doesn't have to carry its awards in competition.

Lack of quorum spells limbo for disputed apartment construction

By Glenn Minnis | Apr 22, 2017

The Chicago City Council Zoning Committee effectively put a hold on Ward 45 Alderman John Arena's plans for a much-debated storage facility in his Jefferson Park neighborhood when after a seven-hour meeting not enough panel members were still around to vote.

Governor's whirlwind tour winds down

By Caitlin Nordahl | Apr 22, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner wrapped up a two-day tour of the state recently after riding from town to town on a message of reform.

Writer won't grin and bear it for day devoted to Cubs

By Caitlin Nordahl | Apr 22, 2017

It might be. It could be. But it shouldn't be.

Not all minimum wage advocates have pure motives, economist says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 22, 2017

A proposal to raise Illinois' minimum wage to $15 per hour would knock low-skilled workers out of their jobs, George Mason University economist said on a Chicago-based radio show recently.

Minister argues ignorance, not oppression, led to Chicago violence

By Jireh Gibson | Apr 22, 2017

Blaming violence in Chicago on the historical treatment of African-Americans and demanding government intervention inflames a "spirit of victimization," Mychal Massie, founder of the Racial Policy Center, told the Chicago City Wire recently.