New York has a Rat Czar. Other cities are trying new trapping methods. But the “rattiest city in America” can’t keep up with skyrocketing rodent complaints, data shows.
Posted inSolutions
East Coast Cities Are Zapping Rats With High-Tech Traps
SMART Boxes shock rats with electricity, collect their carcasses, then share data wirelessly with local officials.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
One Real Estate Empire, $15M in Unpaid Rat-Related Tickets
A group of real estate companies managed by a north suburban woman has racked up hundreds of rat-related tickets on properties — many on Chicago’s South and West sides.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Local Governments Get Slapped with Rat-Related Tickets
In the past four-and-a-half years, the City of Chicago has fined local agencies, including the CHA and the Cook County Land Bank Authority, more than $750,000.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Chicago Rat Problem Map: Search Rat Complaints Across the City
An Illinois Answers Project and Block Club Chicago joint investigation found that Chicagoans made more than 214,000 complaints for rat abatement from 2019 through the end of 2022. Search the […]
Posted inEducation
Records Raise Questions on CPS Transparency Over Near South Side High School Plan
Chicago Public Schools promised to listen to residents concerning the school location but did closed door planning for months. Appraisals for purchased land differ by millions of dollars, records show.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
City Has Spent Only 15% of $52M in Federal Money Dedicated for Homeless Programs
Two years after receiving the COVID-era funding, Chicago has been slow off the mark with some of its programs to help people experiencing homelessness.
Posted inSolutions
As Chicago Considers a ‘Mansion Tax,’ Evanston and LA Show Potential Paths Forward
Evanston is using its additional revenue to fund a housing reparations effort. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ new funds are frozen as the tax is challenged in court.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: How Will Mayor Brandon Johnson Handle the Limits of His Power?
One of the biggest changes to the mayor’s powers, so far, is unfolding in the selection of a new police superintendent.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: Red Flag Tools Are Critical With Assault Weapons Ban in Limbo. We Need Court Transparency.
Because Illinois courts are exempt from FOIA requests, the public has no way of knowing how many restraining order requests are made and how many are denied.
