Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?
Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?
More than a dozen candidates filled out an Illinois Policy questionnaire to give voters a better idea of who is running for office. Read their answers below.
Chicago neighborhoods see unequal housing restrictions
Chicago neighborhoods see unequal housing restrictions
The current Chicago ordinance on separate residences on the same lot puts extra limits on the Southeast, South and West sides that hinder development. Those are areas with some of the greatest need.
By LyLena Estabine
How much will your community save from Illinois grocery tax repeal?
How much will your community save from Illinois grocery tax repeal?
Illinois is doing away with the statewide grocery tax. Look below to see how much taxpayers in your town or county will save when the tax goes away in 2026 – unless local leaders decide to keep it.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker’s gas tax hike doubles yearly take to nearly $2B
Pritzker’s gas tax hike doubles yearly take to nearly $2B
Illinois drivers are expected to pay nearly $2 billion in state gas taxes by the end of the year, more than twice what they paid before Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office and doubled the tax. Pritzker’s tax hike took $4 billion extra from drivers between 2019 and 2023.
By Patrick Andriesen
4 things to know about Chicago Public Schools’ new strategic plan
4 things to know about Chicago Public Schools’ new strategic plan
The Chicago Board of Education’s five-year plan includes redefining student success and ending school ranking based on performance. It also includes expanding sustainable community schools, which record among the lowest student outcomes.
By Hannah Schmid
Enrollment barely rises at Chicago Public Schools amidst 12% increase in English Learners
Enrollment barely rises at Chicago Public Schools amidst 12% increase in English Learners
Preliminary enrollment data for the 2024-2025 school year show a less than 1% uptick in enrollment. The biggest increase is in English Learners.
By Hannah Schmid
How Mississippi ended its worst-in-the-nation early literacy epidemic
How Mississippi ended its worst-in-the-nation early literacy epidemic
Mississippi state lawmakers enacted science-based literacy legislation in 2013, laying the groundwork for improved reading proficiency among early grades, and additional legislation in 2016 to solidify improvement in literacy trends.
By Hannah Schmid
Illinois early voting starts as vote-by-mail ballots go out
Illinois early voting starts as vote-by-mail ballots go out
With 40 days until the election, Illinois residents can vote early at their local county clerks’ office. Vote-by-mail ballots should arrive soon, but there is still time to apply for one.
By Patrick Andriesen
Tracker: who Chicago Teachers Union is funding in Chicago’s school board race
Tracker: who Chicago Teachers Union is funding in Chicago’s school board race
The Chicago Teachers Union is backing various candidates for Chicago Board of Education. CTU has donated more than $175,000 to their endorsed candidates.
By Dylan Sharkey, Jon Josko