Chicago
As deadly bird collisions with buildings mount, cities look for solutions
Big buildings with glass facades are becoming notorious for deadly crashes, claiming a billion birds a year. Some want to do something about it.
In some cities, second thoughts about gunshot detection sensors
Recent studies on technology that alerts police to gunfire have found it has little impact on shootings or prosecutions.
Illegal border crossings have cooled, but the rhetoric is heating up
As national politicians spar over immigration, the reality in cities and states is rapidly changing.
Shiny new things and public priorities
COMMENTARY | The economic growth and civic pride benefits of new stadiums are not enough to compensate for the required public financial commitment.
Chicago is the latest city rethinking disputed technology that listens for gunshots
More than 150 U.S. cities use ShotSpotter, but a growing body of research shows that the tool has not succeeded in reducing gun violence, has slowed police response times to emergency calls and often did not lead to evidence recovery.
A gold star for EV Readiness: Chicago-area program prepares communities for electric vehicle adoption
The Chicago suburb University Park earned the second-highest score of a dozen municipalities participating in the first cohort of a Metropolitan Mayors Caucus program to boost electric vehicle adoption.
Migrant fight expands to suburbs, could force federal shutdown
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s actions are drawing more state and local leaders into debates over caring for migrants, while House Republicans target the Biden administration on border security. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
City frames art as a way to bolster mental health services
A pilot program in Chicago looks to address mental health workforce shortages, while exploring the benefits of holistic treatment through mediums like art.
A Land Deal Benefiting a Billionaire’s Soccer Team Is Muscled Through Despite Objections
A zoning committee initially rejected the mayor’s plan to lease public housing property to the Chicago Fire. Less than 24 hours later, a new vote reversed a rare mayoral defeat.
One of the Nation's Biggest Cities Begins Cash Payments to Low-Income Residents
For the next year, Chicago plans to distribute $500 a month to thousands of households who can use the money as they see fit.
Featured eBooks
The Difficult Push to Build More Housing Near Transit
Some states and cities are adopting policies to promote dense development near bus and rail lines. But it can be a hard sell politically and sometimes has unintended consequences.
No More Stairs: Cash Influx to Make Transit More Accessible
More than 25 million Americans have self-reported travel-limiting disabilities.
Thousands of City Workers Suspended Without Pay Over Vaccine Noncompliance
About 91% of New York City’s municipal workforce is vaccinated, but the police and fire departments are getting vaccinated at lower rates.
Percentage of Women in State Policing Has Stalled Since 2000
Female officers are less likely to use force and are named in fewer complaints.
‘An Insurrection’: When Police Reject a City’s Vaccine Mandate
Chicago employees were required to report their vaccination status by Friday or risk losing pay. The local FOP is encouraging officers not to do so.
The Cities With the Heftiest Parking Fines
A new report looks at how violations like blocking traffic, loading zones or pedestrian ramps can put a dent in drivers' wallets.
The Potential Flaw in How Many Big City Police Officers are Assigned to Neighborhoods
A new study finds that getting more experienced officers into higher crime districts could have a number of upsides, including reduced violent crime rates.
Full FDA Approval of Pfizer Vaccine Prompts Swift Mandates for State, Local Government Workers
Following approval for the vaccine, some leaders across the country immediately tell public employees and college students to get vaccinated now.
Why America's Great Crime Decline Is Over
COMMENTARY | Even before the recent mass shootings, violent crime was surging to its highest rate in 30 years. Patrick Sharkey illuminates what's happening.
Chicago Ballparks Will Reopen to Limited Number of Fans
The city will allow about 8,000 people to attend upcoming Cubs and White Sox baseball games.
