Report: Chicago violent crime spikes 11%, arrests in just 11%
Report: Chicago violent crime spikes 11%, arrests in just 11%
Even though the number of violent crimes in Chicago grew to its highest level in a decade last year, the arrest rate dropped. Robbery and vehicle theft both rose by over 30% last year.
By Hilary Gowins, Jon Josko
Voter information on Chicago’s real estate transfer tax hike
Voter information on Chicago’s real estate transfer tax hike
March 19 primary ballots ask Chicago voters whether they support Mayor Brandon Johnson's real estate transfer tax hike. While he and 'Bring Chicago Home' advocates claim money will help homeless Chicagoans, there is reason to worry about hurting 5,143 commercial properties with no guarantee how this 'mansion tax' will be used.
Illinois Policy Institute Ethics Complaint: Chicago Teachers Union Pushing Students to Vote for Johnson Tax Hike
Illinois Policy Institute Ethics Complaint: Chicago Teachers Union Pushing Students to Vote for Johnson Tax Hike
The following is an ethics complaint from the Illinois Policy Institute filed March 11 with the Chicago Public Schools ethics office and inspector general.
By Mailee Smith
6 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, just 6 add jobs in January
6 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, just 6 add jobs in January
Six of the 13 Illinois metro areas still reported fewer jobs than prior to the pandemic. Six metros added jobs from December 2023 to January 2024, led by the Champaign-Urbana area.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
Chicago Teachers Union taking students out of class to vote for Johnson’s real estate tax hike
Chicago Teachers Union taking students out of class to vote for Johnson’s real estate tax hike
The event, which is taking place on March 15, likely violates school district rules that make clear students can’t attend a political event during school hours. Staff activity in such an event also likely violates the CPS Code of Ethics.
By Hilary Gowins
Illinois’ unemployment rate ranks 4th worst in the nation
Illinois’ unemployment rate ranks 4th worst in the nation
Illinois’ unemployment rate ranked fourth worst in the nation in January 2024 after a decline in the number of jobs statewide during the past 12 months. Illinois continues to lag the nation and all its neighbors in job growth.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
Nearly all Illinois public universities report higher costs, less money to operate
Nearly all Illinois public universities report higher costs, less money to operate
Every Illinois public university received about one-third less operational funding from the state in fiscal year 2024 than 15 years ago. University of Illinois spending per student dropped by nearly half.
By Patrick Andriesen
Report: Low-income scholarship students score better than public school peers
Report: Low-income scholarship students score better than public school peers
A report shows low-income students receiving Invest in Kids tax-credit scholarships were more proficient in reading and math in nearly every grade in 2023 than low-income students in Illinois public schools. Their high school reading bested statewide scores.
By Hannah Schmid
Pritzker plans to keep $45 your family should be taking off state taxes
Pritzker plans to keep $45 your family should be taking off state taxes
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed reduction of Illinois’ standard income tax exemption would increase taxes for over 11 million individuals. Some state leaders warn the effective tax hike would hit working families hardest.
By Patrick Andriesen
What you need to know about ‘Bring Chicago Home’
What you need to know about ‘Bring Chicago Home’
Chicago’s March 19 primary election includes Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate transfer tax hike to raise $100 million, dubbed “Bring Chicago Home.” Will higher taxes without a plan help homeless Chicagoans or hurt their job prospects?
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Teachers Union wants housing assistance for teachers making nearly $100K
Chicago Teachers Union wants housing assistance for teachers making nearly $100K
New contract demands from the Chicago Teachers Union include housing assistance for teachers. Chicago’s median teacher salary is more than $93,000.
By Dylan Sharkey
Editorial: CTU president wants us to stop asking questions about how Chicago will pay for her list of demands
Editorial: CTU president wants us to stop asking questions about how Chicago will pay for her list of demands
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates on March 5 told a packed house at the City Club of Chicago this: Stop asking questions about how to pay for her list of demands, even if it costs “$50 billion … and three cents.”
By Hilary Gowins