New Michigan law will require reading teachers to get training in evidence-based instruction
New Michigan law will require reading teachers to get training in evidence-based instruction
The state will require elementary teachers to be trained in the “science of reading.” Illinois should do the same.
By Hannah Schmid
Bill on Pritzker’s desk would let high-schoolers take more career classes
Bill on Pritzker’s desk would let high-schoolers take more career classes
Gov. J.B. Pritzker could expand access to training for high school students in careers such as welding and web development.
By Katie Crain
83% of online commenters oppose proposed toll hikes
83% of online commenters oppose proposed toll hikes
The Illinois Tollway board could vote as soon as next week on a proposal that would include the largest passenger toll increase in state history.
By Ethan Soifer
Pritzker’s third-term bid for Illinois governor would be barred in 37 states
Pritzker’s third-term bid for Illinois governor would be barred in 37 states
Illinois has no term limits on governors or state lawmakers.
By Shaw Carlson
Northwestern’s new Ryan Field enjoys the school’s 1855 exemption from property taxes
Northwestern’s new Ryan Field enjoys the school’s 1855 exemption from property taxes
Several aldermen recently made an initial attempt at getting around the school’s big exemption, but it didn’t advance.
By Riya Kapoor
Illinois’ back-to-school sales tax break provides relief for 10 days
Illinois’ back-to-school sales tax break provides relief for 10 days
The state will slash its sales tax for 10 days this month.
By Shaw Carlson
Education Freedom Tax Credit can save donors 354% more than a deduction
Education Freedom Tax Credit can save donors 354% more than a deduction
Under the program, donors can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700. That’s a direct subtraction from your tax bill, not just a deduction from your taxable income.
By Rich Witzel
Chicago charges a 10.25% tax to stream a Cubs game
Chicago charges a 10.25% tax to stream a Cubs game
The city raised the streaming tax last year and maintains a 9% amusement tax on tickets.
By Grace Hansen
Johnson’s relocation fee threatens affordable rentals
Johnson’s relocation fee threatens affordable rentals
A proposed ordinance would force landlords to pay tenants thousands to end a lease. The mandate risks higher rents and fewer affordable units.
By LyLena Estabine
Almost 40% of lawmakers who passed Pritzker’s automatic gas tax hikes no longer in office
Almost 40% of lawmakers who passed Pritzker’s automatic gas tax hikes no longer in office
Of the 131 who voted for the increases in 2019, 51 aren’t in the General Assembly today.
By Rich Witzel
Naperville could scrap grocery tax in favor of higher sales tax
Naperville could scrap grocery tax in favor of higher sales tax
Revenue is falling short of expectations from the grocery tax, which was enacted after Gov. J.B. Pritzker repealed the state grocery tax.
By Jessica Rehberg
Stacy Davis Gates: The scandal-plagued leadership of a teachers union president
Stacy Davis Gates: The scandal-plagued leadership of a teachers union president
Stacy Davis Gates’ tenure as president of the Chicago Teachers Union and Illinois Federation of Teachers has been riddled with scandals. Now, fewer than 1-in-3 Chicagoans have a favorable opinion of the union.
By Hannah Schmid
Why No One is Selling Homes in Illinois
Why No One is Selling Homes in Illinois
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Illinois? From sky-high property taxes to confusing new commission rules, navigating the real estate market is tougher than ever.