Articles by The Center Square

About The Center Square

The Center Square was launched in May 2019 to fulfill the need for high-quality statehouse and statewide news across the United States, focusing on state- and local-level government and economic reporting. A taxpayer sensibility distinguishes the outlet's work from other coverage of state and local issues, providing focus on the costs of government decisions. The Center Square is staffed by editors and reporters with extensive professional journalism experience. We engage readers with essential news, data, and analysis. The organization is a project of the 501(c)(3) Franklin News Foundation, headquartered in Chicago. Their web address is thecentersquare.com

Company raises concerns about Illinois grants for ‘less-lethal’ police tools

March 28, 2024 11:05 PM The Center Square

An executive at a policing technology company says Illinois’ less-lethal grant system is biased in favor of a single company, Axon, the makers of Taser-brand devices.

Alderman calls for a ‘better model of techology-based policing’

March 25, 2024 7:48 PM The Center Square

Chicago Ald. Chris Taliferro (29th) is calling for a united front in countering a trend that has seen homicides across the city jump by nearly 50% over the last decade, with much of the violence targeting young people.

CTA union leader supports deploying National Guard on Chicago transit system

March 15, 2024 9:32 PM The Center Square

Only days after one passenger shot and killed another aboard a West Side bus filled with other riders, Chicago Transit Authority union leader Keith Hill says he’s now open to seeing the Illinois National Guard provide security for the troubled transit system.

Decision to remove cops from Chicago schools was ‘terrible and disrespectful,’ Fr. Michael Pfleger says

March 9, 2024 3:58 PM The Center Square

ather Michael Pfleger worries Chicago city officials’ recent decision to remove school resource officers from all Chicago Public Schools could have the opposite effect of what’s intended.

Removing cops from Chicago schools ‘not a real good decision,’ anti-violence leader says

February 10, 2024 7:49 AM The Center Square

Violence Interrupters Executive Director Tio Hardiman is speaking out about rising violence after three Chicago Public Schools students were slain just steps from their schools’ front doors over the past month.

Chicago businesses eye barricades as crash-and-grab burglary cure

February 1, 2024 7:11 PM The Center Square

With crash-and-grab burglaries across Chicago on the rise over the past year, city officials are now weighing a safety plan calling for the installation of concrete bollards in various business sectors.

Chicago rideshare drivers look for safety solutions

January 22, 2024 8:04 AM The Center Square

Chicago Gig Alliance organizer Lori Simmons is leading the charge in demanding city officials take action in response to a rash of recent rideshare driver robberies on the city’s West Side.

With violent crime soaring in Chicago, CPD needs to make criminals ‘fear’ the police: activist

January 3, 2024 10:38 AM The Center Square

Tio Hardiman, a community activist with Violence Interrupters, says Chicago police need new strategies so criminals start to believe cops will be “right around the corner.”

Former prosecutor argues for Chicago police to revamp pursuit policy

December 14, 2023 2:39 PM The Center Square

With robberies on the rise at levels not often seen in Chicago, downstate Sen. Steve McClure says it is time to take the handcuffs off Chicago police by relaxing the city’s vehicle pursuit policy.

Check fraud soars 104%, fueled in part by widespread mail theft

November 29, 2023 4:49 PM The Center Square

Banking officials are warning Illinoisans about a rise in check fraud cases, an old scam that is getting a new lease on life thanks to organized mail theft rings.

Legality of sex offender housing restrictions is under review by Illinois Supreme Court

November 26, 2023 10:04 AM The Center Square

Illinois’ highest court is considering whether it is constitutional for the state to impose lifetime restrictions on where registered sex offenders can live.

Catalytic converter thefts declining in Illinois, State Farm says

November 11, 2023 5:25 AM The Center Square

State Farm has handled significantly fewer catalytic converter theft claims in Illinois this year, the company says.

Chicago among worst areas of the country for retail theft, industry group says

November 2, 2023 9:57 AM The Center Square

A new National Retail Federation study finds that Chicago now ranks among the worst cities in the country for retail thefts at a time when robberies have also skyrocketed across the region.