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Bite-sized updates from the PI staff »

Bleak Picture For Illinois Food Banks In 2012

By most measures, 2011 will be remembered as one of the most challenging years for many of the state’s food banks, pantries, shelters and soup kitchens.

Efforts to feed those residents who don’t know where their next meal is coming from has been a daunting task - as the level of demand has risen to some of its highest levels in recent memory.

With government and private donations on the decline, many charitable food providers have been forced to do more with less in order to continue operating, which has raised concerns that conditions for the state’s hungry might get even worse in 2012.

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By Steven Ross Johnson
Thursday, January 5th 3:38pm

Local Group Keeps Promise To Emanuel, Stages Education Sit-In At City Hall (VIDEO)

The Kenwood Oakland Community Organization made good Wednesday on a threat they issued last month to Rahm Emanuel – meet with us about public schools or we’ll stage a prolonged sit-in outside your office.

“We once again demand that the mayor hear the voices of those who will be most impacted by the proposed actions of the Chicago Public Schools,” said Shannon Bennett, lead organizer for Kenwood Oakland.

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By Matthew Blake
Thursday, January 5th 9:25am

Op-Ed: President Needs To Use Recess Power, Otherwise Consumer Financial Watchdog Has No Teeth

The following is an op-ed from Celeste Meiffren, field director for Illinois PIRG.

Since July 21, the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB – a centerpiece of the 2010 Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act --  has been up and running. It’s the nation’s first federal financial regulator with only one job—protecting consumers from unfair financial practices. Yet, until the bureau has a director, it does not gain all of its new authority to protect the public.

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By Progress Illinois
Tuesday, January 3rd 2:03pm

Protests, Lawsuit Could Trip Up Emanuel’s Education Policy

On December 23, the Chicago Teachers Union protested outside eight public schools slated for a school closure or turnaround. The high-profile demonstration took place nine days after CTU worked with community groups like the Kenwood Oakland community organization to wreak havoc at a Chicago school board meeting.

“We’re continuing to educate the public through these direct action campaigns,” says CTU spokeswoman Stephanie Gadlin.

The actions have prompted CPS to announce that they will hold public hearings on the 21 schools slated for closure, turnaround, or phase out on January 6 and 20.

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By Matthew Blake
Thursday, December 29th 11:57am

Chicagoans Push Back Against Housing Ordinance Lawsuit (VIDEO)

Action Now continued its aggressive pursuit for banks to maintain foreclosed properties Tuesday morning, when they protested outside Fannie Mae’s regional headquarters and demanded a meeting with Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Edward DeMarco.

Last week, FHFA filed a lawsuit to exempt Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from Chicago’s Vacant Property Ordinance, which requires that banks clean up and secure the properties banks own due to foreclosure.

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By Aaron Krager
Wednesday, December 21st 10:08am

From the archives

The Impact Of Civil Unions In Illinois

In Illinois, defenders of civil rights won a significant and satisfying victory this week with the passage of a civil unions bill. We explain what it will do for same-sex couples.

Live Blog: The Race For The Governor's Mansion

In our live blog, we're offering frequent updates on the race to fill the governor's mansion in Illinois.

How State Lawmakers Could Lead On Climate Change

While there's still hope that the U.S. Congress will pass a comprehensive climate bill, lawmakers in Illinois should not wait to take on the challenge of moving the state's energy economy into the 21st century. Here's how they can.

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