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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Finance Committee for March 3, 2026
Comptroller, state lawmaker call for federal tax credit scholarships
Jackson Township Board Approves Assessor’s Budget, Advances Electrical Pole Negotiations
Lincoln-Way West Softball Rolls to 4-0 with 9-0 Shutout Over Plainfield North
Early Offense, Stellar Pitching Lift Lincoln-Way West Past Wheaton North, 2-1
Lincoln-Way West Pitching Throws Perfect Three Innings in 15-0 Rout of Joliet West
Manhattan Township Residents, Officials Mobilize Against Proposed EarthRise Solar Farm
Six-Run Third Inning Propels Lincoln-Way West Softball Past Downers Grove South, 12-7
Pettit Homers, Four Pitchers Combine for Shutout as Lincoln-Way West Blanks Riverside-Brookfield, 9-0
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for March 10, 2026
Ad-Hoc Committee: Will County Sheriff’s Office to Acquire Decibel Meters for Noise Complaints
Will County Public Works Approves Access for 56-Acre Truck Services Hub on Manhattan-Monee Road
Crest Hill Homeowner Granted Side Yard Setback Variance for Accessible Addition
State Update: County Officials Raise Alarms Over Pritzker’s ADU Zoning Push and Data Center Tax Breaks