Thousands of CHA residents lack reliable internet due to cost, outdated infrastructure and inequality, impacting education, jobs, healthcare and daily life. (Art direction by Gabriel Palos | Illustration by DALL-E 3)
RLP
Chicago’s Mental Health Challenges Persist Despite Growing Support Services
A recent study shows Chicago recorded 15.7% of adults self-reporting poor mental health, while Illinois reports 16.3%. Both are just below the national average.
How Obesity in the United States Has Increased Over the Last 60 Years
Obesity rates have in the United States have increased four-fold in the past 60 years. It's increased among children, too.
CPD Internal Affairs Handles High Volume of Conduct Complaints, Few Sustained
In the past decade, only 267 of the Chicago Police Department's 1,525 conduct-unbecoming violations have been sustained.
Data Show Crime Decreasing on the CTA in 2026
Chicago public transportation has faced significant criticism over the past couple of years due to crime, but it has surprisingly reduced overall crime rates.
Data: Male Arrests in Illinois Peak in Their Early 30s
Over the last five years, male arrests in Illinois were highest among adults in their late 20s and 30s, with men 30 to 34.
Data Put Cook County Housing Shortage into Context
Finding a home in Chicago has become a challenge as homebuyers are running out of options or can’t adjust to rising costs.
How Mail-in Early Voting Exploded in Illinois 2006-2016
Illinois voters began turning to mail-in early voting ballots as far back as two decades ago, and the trend exploded by the 2016 election.
Chicago’s Library Divide: Circulation Differences in North, South Sides
Chicago Public Library branches in lower-income areas show consistently lower circulation numbers than branches in higher-income neighborhoods.
Stagnant Funding Leaves Chicago Artists in a ‘Waiting Game’
Artists learned in February that Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed $56 billion budget keeps Illinois Arts Council funding nearly flat at $25.9 million.
Tech Gap: The Digital Divide in Chicago Public Housing
Thousands of CHA residents lack reliable internet due to cost, outdated infrastructure and inequality. This digital divide impacts education, jobs and healthcare.
The Shadow of Dark Money: Lessons from the Illinois 2nd District
Donna Miller’s congressional bid gained and lost a key endorsement over AIPAC funding, highlighting debates about outside money in elections.
All the Rave: Axiom Gives Back to Charities, Communities
Chicago rave organizations are donating proceeds to charities in need, but organizers say that rave culture needs to change.
Special Projects
AI Storytelling
- Stagnant Funding Leaves Chicago Artists in a ‘Waiting Game’
- Tech Gap: The Digital Divide in Chicago Public Housing
