Chicago homicides lowest in decade, but so is arrest rate
Chicago homicides lowest in decade, but so is arrest rate
Chicago homicides were at a decade low for the 12 months through June, but also down was the arrest rate from 42% to 27%.
August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know
August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know
There is one time a year for most public education employees to opt out of their teachers union. That time is now. Here’s why it might make sense for you.
North Carolina makes first move to join federal school choice; Illinois should, too
North Carolina makes first move to join federal school choice; Illinois should, too
The North Carolina state legislature became the first in the U.S. to approve a bill joining the Educational Choice for Children Act. Illinois owes the same to its children after taking away private-school choice from over 15,000 low-income students.
Hosed by CTU
Hosed by CTU
Chicago’s commercial property taxes 2X U.S. city average, kill opportunity
Chicago’s commercial property taxes 2X U.S. city average, kill opportunity
Chicago’s high commercial property taxes hurt both businesses and homeowners. The result is less business, fewer jobs and growing inequality across communities.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Sisyphus
Chicago Mayor Brandon Sisyphus
Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth
Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth
The Illinois Senate attempted to pass a “rescue package” for Chicago area mass transit that would punish suburban homeowners with a new real estate transfer tax. State leaders must instead focus on reforms to boost housing and economic growth.
5 new bills help fix Illinois education, but more is needed
5 new bills help fix Illinois education, but more is needed
About 2-in-5 Illinois elementary students can read at grade level, so there is a lot of room for improvement. Five new bills would improve student outcomes and parental involvement.
Illinois economy declines 2.2% in early 2025, one of biggest drops in U.S.
Illinois economy declines 2.2% in early 2025, one of biggest drops in U.S.
Illinois’ latest drop in gross domestic product shows broader issues with the state. The state’s real GDP has been struggling for years.
Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.
Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.
Illinois has the nation’s worst public pension crisis. Nationwide analysis from the Equable Institute shows Illinois state pensions remain fiscally unstable and threaten retirees and taxpayers, underscoring the need for reform.
Illinois teachers can opt out of unions in August. Here’s why they should.
Illinois teachers can opt out of unions in August. Here’s why they should.
Just 15% to 26% of Illinois teachers union spending was on representing teachers in 2024. But public education employees can opt out of union membership and keep their hard-earned money.
Vallas: Hunger strike saved school, but academic neglect starves students
Vallas: Hunger strike saved school, but academic neglect starves students
The Chicago Teachers Union’s refusal to close near-empty schools and push for more “sustainable community schools” is hurting student achievement. CTU is about adding members and escaping accountability, not about what’s best for Chicago students.
Congress wants largest teachers union to pick kids over politics
Congress wants largest teachers union to pick kids over politics
A bill in Congress would hold the National Education Association accountable, forcing it to once more put students and educators first or risk losing its special status as a chartered organization.
Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes
Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes
Despite record revenues, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2026 budget hikes taxes by another $482 million. Illinoisans are paying 44% more than six years ago and getting higher tax burdens as thanks.