Illinois Federation of Teachers is failing students
Illinois Federation of Teachers is failing students
Students in large school districts unionized by the Illinois Federation of Teachers underperform the state average in reading and math.
9 things Illinoisans should know before letting ‘Homeschool Act’ become law
9 things Illinoisans should know before letting ‘Homeschool Act’ become law
House Bill 2827 would regulate both homeschool families and private schools in Illinois. Its extensive provisions have generated historic opposition. Here are nine things you should know about how it will impact education, privacy and your family.
Bensenville voters reject grocery tax with 90% voting ‘no’
Bensenville voters reject grocery tax with 90% voting ‘no’
With 90% voting “no,” Bensenville voters shot down a grocery tax proposal. Illinois’ statewide grocery tax is ending at the end of 2025, but some local leaders want it to stay.
Chicago mayor praises school with just 2% adept readers as example of his values
Chicago mayor praises school with just 2% adept readers as example of his values
Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated Dyett High School where only 2% of tested students can read at grade level – and none can do math at grade level – as a “great example” of a schooling model the Chicago Teachers Union’s tentative contract plans to boost.
Illinois townships vote to fix pensions, gerrymandering and unfunded mandates
Illinois townships vote to fix pensions, gerrymandering and unfunded mandates
Illinois townships are sounding the alarm on the state’s biggest issues. Eight townships voted in support of state lawmakers fixing the state’s pensions crisis, gerrymandering and unfunded mandates.
Illinois drivers face some of nation’s highest costs, expected to grow
Illinois drivers face some of nation’s highest costs, expected to grow
Fears have grown that more efficient cars mean less money for Illinois to fund roads. But the state already collects higher revenues than ever while burdening drivers with high taxes and fees.
Vallas: Brandon Johnson’s war against Chicago’s Black community
Vallas: Brandon Johnson’s war against Chicago’s Black community
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson claims racism is behind his inability to lead and help the Black community. But his policies on crime, taxes, migrants, education and jobs are the real villains.
Jim Murphy
Jim Murphy
“Illinois is the only state to lose a school choice program rather than expand one. If we can turn that around at the federal level, it would be a huge win for students in the state."
Survey: Illinoisans to pay over 10% of incomes to state, local taxes in 2025
Survey: Illinoisans to pay over 10% of incomes to state, local taxes in 2025
Illinois will impose the nation’s seventh-highest state and local tax burden on residents in 2025. Taxpayers on average will pay over 10% of their annual income to support government, according to WalletHub.
Illinois governors abuse budget projections, leaving taxpayers damaged
Illinois governors abuse budget projections, leaving taxpayers damaged
Illinois lawmakers can’t budget responsibly if they don’t know how much they have. Governors have a history of fudging the numbers to get what they want.
Spring time in Brandon’s Chicago
Spring time in Brandon’s Chicago
Chicago’s latest housing ordinance will make affordability worse
Chicago’s latest housing ordinance will make affordability worse
By imposing costly delays, intrusive financial disclosures and pushing up demolition fees, the Northwest Side Preservation Ordinance will drive rents even higher and hurt the residents it aims to help.
Illinois tipping bill could cut earnings for restaurants, servers
Illinois tipping bill could cut earnings for restaurants, servers
State politicians might eliminate the tipped minimum wage, putting tipped workers on the $15 per hour wage. But with higher wages come higher costs for businesses, which could raise prices or cut jobs.
Literacy epidemic hits Illinois as fewer than 1 in 3 students read well
Literacy epidemic hits Illinois as fewer than 1 in 3 students read well
Student literacy is in trouble nationally. Illinois is one of 41 states where just 1 in 3 or fewer of its fourth-graders met reading standards in 2024.