A state government home buyout program has helped hundreds of people move out of harm’s way. But for many, it takes too long.
Equity & Economic Opportunity
Posted inInvestigation
Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared?
When it comes to preventing severe flooding, there’s not one fix. Over the next few weeks, the Illinois Answers Project will examine what city and state agencies are doing to protect residents.
Posted inInvestigations
Landlord Pushes Tenants Out Despite Getting State Money
Tenants at an Englewood apartment building are left out in the cold after their landlord pockets rental assistance with little oversight from the state.
Posted inEducation
Could a Ride-Sharing Network Help Get Chicago Students to School?
Chicago Public Schools has had early conversations with HopSkipDrive, a transportation network company designed specifically for students. Here’s how it operates in other cities – and what it would take to work here.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
How Black Investors are Taking Back a Legal Tool to Restore Affordable Housing on South, West Sides
For decades, big investors profited off neglected buildings at the expense of predominantly Black neighborhoods. Now, the Community Receiver Program is working to ‘right historical wrongs’ by empowering residents to use receivership in a new way.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
5 Ways Lawmakers Could Boost Equity in Illinois’ Stalled Cannabis Industry
“If we don’t provide real, intentional help for these social equity dreamers, we’re going to let them down as a state. All of their money will be lost,” a key lawmaker said.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
Illinois Doled Out Millions to Pot Growers. It Still May Not Be Enough to Save the Industry.
As independent ‘craft growers’ in Illinois struggle to secure financing for their cannabis businesses, a state-backed fund has emerged as a key lifeline.
Posted inInvestigations
Repeat Violators Leave Families Out in the Cold
Hundreds of buildings across Chicago have been cited repeatedly for violating heat-requirement ordinances, which are in effect from November through May.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
How the ‘Most Equity-Centric’ Law on Weed Went Wrong – and Where Illinois Can Go from Here
Illinois is finally issuing new dispensary licenses. But after legislation failed last month, advocates say the state’s cannabis industry has a long way to go to achieve true social equity.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Illinois Gender-Neutral Bathroom Bill Was Tip of the Iceberg for Trans-Inclusive Legislation Passed This Session
As anti-trans legislation piles up in red states, Springfield is looking to raise a ‘beacon’ for inclusiveness in the Midwest
