Chicago’s average rent rises to $2,200, up 46% in 10 years

By Benjamin O'Donnell

08/15/2024

Rent is unaffordable for half of Chicagoans, averaging $2,200 a month. The key to affordable housing is to build more housing, but that won’t happen until city government reduces its role.

TAGS: affordable housing

Chicago population hits lowest point since 1920

By Bryce Hill

08/09/2024

At the 1920 Census, Chicago’s population was 2.7 million, up over 516,000 in a decade. More than 100 years later, Chicago’s population is 2.66 million, a loss of 128,034 from nine straight years of decline.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Democratic delegates might have tough time finding Chicago’s migrant crisis

By Kurtis Karg, Dylan Sharkey

08/08/2024

Chicago’s migrant crisis has been national news and a $430-million headache. But those in the city for the Democratic National Convention will have a hard time seeing the problem because the city has moved shelters out of downtown and to the South Side.

TAGS: immigration

Vallas: What to know about Chicago Public Schools budget

By Paul Vallas

08/01/2024

Chicago Public Schools just passed a $9.9 billion budget that spends nearly $30,000 per student. Despite receiving most city property taxes, boosted state funding and about 40% of federal aid, the new teachers contract will put the budget in the red.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Teachers Union funds 3 in 5 Chicago aldermen, with big bucks to Socialists

By Perry Zhao

08/01/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union has funneled over $850,000 to the political committees of 30 of the 50 current Chicago aldermen since 2010. Seven Socialists received the most money.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago Teachers Union demands $543K property tax break on union HQ

By Patrick Andriesen

07/31/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union is seeking a $543k property tax cut that would take about $301K from the schools where its members teach. CTU’s also making over $10 billion in contract demands, which would certainly drive up Chicagoans’ tax bills.

TAGS: Chicago Teachers Union, taxes

Illinois housing least affordable in Midwest

By Ravi Mishra

07/31/2024

It’s tougher to pay for shelter in Illinois than anywhere else in the Midwest, especially if you’re living in poverty. Illinois needs another 113,000 units and nearly 290,000 affordable rental homes to help its low-income families.

Illinois 3rd worst in U.S. for new construction

By Benjamin O'Donnell

07/30/2024

Illinois’ rate of new housing is the third lowest of any state, driving up prices for residents. Fixing that would make housing more affordable and help Illinoisans stay.

TAGS: construction, housing

Vallas: 10 things CTU doesn’t want voters to know about school board races

By Paul Vallas

07/30/2024

With 10 Chicago Public Schools Board of Education seats on the Nov. 5 ballot up for grabs, the battle is on for the Chicago Teachers Union to take full control of the city and district.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, school

1 in 3 Chicago violent crimes is a robbery, up 21% in a year

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

07/25/2024

Chicagoans reported 7.6% more violent crime from July 2023 through June 2024. Residents experienced a 21% increase in robberies during those 12 months, with robberies becoming one-third of all violent crimes.

TAGS: crime

Brandon Johnson

Chicago’s average rent rises to $2,200, up 46% in 10 years

Chicago population hits lowest point since 1920

Democratic delegates might have tough time finding Chicago’s migrant crisis

Vallas: What to know about Chicago Public Schools budget

Chicago Teachers Union funds 3 in 5 Chicago aldermen, with big bucks to Socialists

Chicago Teachers Union demands $543K property tax break on union HQ

Illinois housing least affordable in Midwest

Illinois 3rd worst in U.S. for new construction

Vallas: 10 things CTU doesn’t want voters to know about school board races

1 in 3 Chicago violent crimes is a robbery, up 21% in a year

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students