Illinois Quick Hits: Violent Crime down, arrest rates up in Chicago
(The Center Square) – New research from the Illinois Policy Institute shows that violent crime declined in nearly 90% of Chicago’s neighborhoods last year.
The report also shows that 71% of the city’s communities reported higher arrest rates for violent crimes.
Following a national trend, the number of violent crimes being committed in Chicago hit a 10-year low in 2025, declining from a peak of nearly 30,000 in 2023 to 22,760 last year.
FUR FARM BILL
State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, has introduced legislation that would end the establishment of new fur farms in Illinois.
House Bill 4777 would also require existing fur farms to obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources by Jan. 1. The Animal Welfare Institute says mink, foxes and other animals on fur farms incubate diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1, creating conditions for new variants to jump to humans.
CTU LEADER ON LEAVE
According to a member bulletin from the Chicago Teachers Union, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates is on temporary medical leave.
The bulletin said union vice president Jackson Potter will temporarily lead CTU along with recording secretary Vicki Kurzdlo and financial secretary Diane Castro. Gates is also president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.
Latest News Stories
IL congressman’s retirement announcement sparks calls for election fixes
WATCH: Trump calls Pritzker ‘fat slob;’ Talk of reviving progressive tax criticized
Illinois quick hits: Man arrested for threating legislator; vigilance urged during shopping season
County Takes Over “Central Will” Dial-A-Ride in Major Consolidation
Manhattan Officials Praise IDOT’s ‘Swift Action’ on Route 52, Discuss Further Safety Measures
Manhattan Park Board Rejects Site Plan Proposal, Halts Planning Over Cost Dispute
Board Denies Appeal for “Tiny Home” RV Living in Crete
Jackson Township Board Notified of Proposal for 800-Acre Data Center
JJC Board Censures Trustee Broderick Twice, Denies Request to Restore Good Standing
Will County Board Compromises on Mental Health Levy, Approves $10 Million After Debate
Green Garden’s Wildflower Farm Granted Second Extension for Rural Events Permit
Will County Board Rejects Proposed Tax Hike, Approves 0% Levy Increase in Contentious Vote
Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening Project
Regional Office of Education Highlights School Safety, New Learning Programs in Update