Driving that trend is the collapse of America’s birthrate since the 2008-09 financial crisis…. But how likely is it that superintendents and school boards in the cities and inner-ring suburbs, where most of the underenrolled schools are, will follow this advice? We can get an idea by looking at communities such as Houston, Chicago, Denver and Columbus, Ohio, which face the greatest declines in student enrollment and the largest budget crises as a result.

The idea that minorities can’t succeed in the United States today not only encourages defeatism but is also untrue. Data on legal immigrants from Latin America and Africa reveal that many outperform native-born Americans from their demographic group, and other figures reveal non-white groups’ increasing economic success. Politicians need to muster the courage to say that family breakdown is a major cause of minority communities’ economic and crime troubles.

Despite Chicago’s many challenges, Mayor Johnson is optimistic about its ability to stage a convention that will showcase what he sees as best about both the city and the Democratic Party. “Chicago was chosen to have the starring role because of our commitment to Democratic values,” Johnson said.

A project aimed at keeping invasive carp out of the Great Lakes could be in jeopardy if Illinois doesn’t meet a fast-approaching deadline to release federal funds.

Although merchants have long advocated for this change, banking and payment industry representatives argue that it imposes an undue hardship by forcing them to process certain components of transactions without compensation.

Harris has partnered with two men who run an insurance brokerage, even though Harris is chair of the Illinois Senate’s Insurance Committee. The committee oversees legislation affecting the multibillion-dollar insurance industry in the state.

Many residents who live next to the park oppose the plan, fearing construction of a casino or even a hotel would draw more tourists and lead to a larger, more congested community.

“It’s a loophole in one respect for getting out of penalties for engaging in coordination. But it also makes it difficult for candidates and independent expenditure committees to know what they’re supposed to do and what they’re not supposed to do,” said veteran election law attorney Ed Mullen.