Illinois’ per-pupil spending 7th-highest in U.S., but outcomes shaky
Illinois’ per-pupil spending 7th-highest in U.S., but outcomes shaky
Spending was $25,000 per student in 2022-23, almost $5,000 above the national average.
Tollway board could approve largest passenger hike in state history, automatic increases with one vote
Tollway board could approve largest passenger hike in state history, automatic increases with one vote
The proposal would raise tolls Jan. 1, with inflation-linked increases every two years after that.
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
The state finally passed legislation to comply with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the government may not keep surplus equity when property is sold for unpaid taxes.
Pritzker doubled your gas tax and is sitting on the money
Pritzker doubled your gas tax and is sitting on the money
The law promised major infrastructure improvements, but the state’s roads aren’t in any better shape than when it took effect seven years ago.
Pastor Dollie Sherman: Building Community One Block at a Time
Pastor Dollie Sherman: Building Community One Block at a Time
From transforming a couple vacant lots into thriving gardens to connecting residents with jobs, Pastor Dollie Sherman has spent decades proving that lasting change starts on the block.
Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs
Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs
Leaders of these organizations on the South and West sides connect residents to jobs and engage youth to build safer neighborhoods.
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.
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.
Illinois lawmakers sandwich in less crucial bills
Illinois lawmakers sandwich in less crucial bills
Not all of the nearly 3,100 bills introduced this year in Springfield aim at top voter concerns.
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.