Illinois Quick Hits: Violent Crime down, arrest rates up in Chicago

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Litchfield Logo Graphic.3

Litchfield City Council Switches Employee Health Insurance to United Healthcare, Secures Projected 13 Percent Savings

Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council on Thursday, March 19, 2026, approved a switch to United Healthcare for city employee health insurance,...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Montgomery County Prepares for Solar Ordinance Changes, Hires Tax Consultant for Renewable Energy Credits

Montgomery County Board Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board is taking steps to align its local zoning ordinances with the state's new Energy Omnibus bill...
Litchfield Panthers Baseball Graphic

New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly Stays Undefeated With 13-2 Win Over Litchfield

The New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly varsity baseball team kept its perfect season alive on Thursday afternoon, rolling to a commanding 13-2 home victory over non-conference opponent Litchfield. Continuing their dominant start to...
Memorial Pool

Park District Secures $12,000 for Memorial Pool Diving Board, Pursues $52,000 Restroom Grant

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | March 4, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield Park District is advancing multiple facility upgrades, recently receiving a $12,000 grant from the Corwin Fund for...
Litchfield Panthers Baseball Graphic

Litchfield Overwhelms Lanphier 15-0 Behind Explosive Offense and Combined Shutout

The Litchfield varsity baseball team delivered a masterclass on both sides of the diamond Wednesday, rolling to a 15-0 road victory over Lanphier in a five-inning non-conference clash. Capitalizing on...
Litchfield Panthers Track Graphic

Litchfield Women Capture Title, Men Take Second at North Mac Outdoor Meet

The Litchfield track and field program showcased its depth and talent on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as both the men's and women's teams delivered standout performances at the first North...
Litchfield Panthers Softball Graphic

Collinsville Walks Off Litchfield 7-6 in Seventh-Inning Thriller

The Collinsville varsity softball team treated their home crowd to a dramatic finish on Wednesday, securing a 7-6 walk-off victory over non-conference visitor Litchfield. After watching a mid-game lead evaporate...
Screenshot

New Litchfield Police Chief Sworn In as Fire Department Lauded for Containing Massive Bowling Alley Blaze

Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council on Thursday, March 19, 2026, officially swore in Robert L. Carpenter as the city's new Chief...
montgomery county Graphic Logo.2

Montgomery County Board Approves $300,000 Highway Truck Loan, Allocates Coal Funds for Upgrades

Montgomery County Board Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board authorized multiple expenditures from its Coal Royalty Fund, including a $300,000 internal loan to the Highway...
Photo courtesy of Litchfield Fire Department

Litchfield Firefighters Save Residence After Intense Camper Fire Threatens Nearby Structures

Article Summary: Fire crews successfully contained a camper fire on North Brown Street on March 2, preventing the blaze from consuming an adjacent residential trailer and detached garage despite moderate...
Photo courtesy of Litchfield Fire Department

Litchfield Firefighters Extinguish Out-of-Control Kitchen Fire at Kirk Drive Apartment Complex

Article Summary: Litchfield fire crews and police officers collaborated early Monday morning to contain a kitchen fire that had spread to the ceiling of an apartment building, preventing further extension...
White House calls on Pritzker to cooperate with ICE

White House calls on Pritzker to cooperate with ICE

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The White House called on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday to cooperate with immigration enforcement, after the killing of a student in Chicago. White...
montgomery county Graphic Logo

Montgomery County Board Approves 54 Percent Salary Benchmark for Elected Officials After Debate

Montgomery County Board Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board formally established the upcoming compensation rates for three elected official positions, passing resolutions that peg the...
Litchfield Park-Walton Park Graphic Logo

Litchfield Park District Finalizes 2026 Summer Concert Lineup, Plans ‘Celebrate Walton Park’ Event

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | March 4, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield Park District Board solidified its upcoming recreational schedule, confirming the full lineup and sponsors for the 2026...
DHS pushes back on Minnesota lawsuit over Metro Surge shootings

DHS pushes back on Minnesota lawsuit over Metro Surge shootings

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is defending federal agents’ actions in three Minnesota shootings while pushing back on claims of “unprecedented noncooperation” raised in...