Illinois allows lawmaker conflicts of interest
Illinois allows lawmaker conflicts of interest
The indictment of state Rep. Carol Ammons is a reminder that Illinois still relies on the honor system in conflicts of interest.
Illinois food stamp use drops to lowest in a decade
Illinois food stamp use drops to lowest in a decade
Federal changes in work requirements have played a role.
Paul Vallas: Making the SAFE-T Act safe
Paul Vallas: Making the SAFE-T Act safe
The well-intentioned law must be adjusted to deny pretrial release to repeat violent offenders and those suspected of violent crimes.
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CPS proposes cuts after adding positions that enrollment, finances couldn’t justify
CPS proposes cuts after adding positions that enrollment, finances couldn’t justify
Chicago Public Schools followed Chicago Teachers Union’s staffing-first approach. Now the district faces cuts.
Illinois loses young people at more than 3 times the U.S. rate
Illinois loses young people at more than 3 times the U.S. rate
The number of state residents under 20 fell 6.8% from 2020 to 2025.
Matt Paprocki: The Declaration of Independence, and a question for all of us
Matt Paprocki: The Declaration of Independence, and a question for all of us
The document reflects a sacrifice that its 56 signers chose to make.
Chicago homicides lowest in more than 10 years
Chicago homicides lowest in more than 10 years
The number in the year ended in May was the fewest since 2014.
Dozens of amendments hit lawmakers in last days of session
Dozens of amendments hit lawmakers in last days of session
Illinois lawmakers got many amendments at the end of the legislative session.
America 250: Illinoisans show the promise of liberty
America 250: Illinoisans show the promise of liberty
State leaders can take the lead of businesses and residents and work to lessen the burden of corruption and high taxes.
Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits
Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits
A city charter could impose them. All other big cities have one
Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions
Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions
Under the measure, aspiring barbers, cosmetologists and others would have a path to a license that doesn’t require expensive schooling.
Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities
Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities
Hourly pay in the city rises every year per ordinance. On July 1 it goes to $17.05.
How a school district cut chronic absenteeism by 65%
How a school district cut chronic absenteeism by 65%
Nearly 1-in-4 students were chronically absent in 2023 at New Trier High School. That dropped by 65% after reforms were implemented.