Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers

By Dylan Sharkey

06/20/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson handed parental leave to his former employers at the Chicago Teachers Union with no negotiation. Now the city’s police union wants it.

Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

By Patrick Andriesen

06/15/2023

Being in the top 10 of Illinois’ five statewide pension systems is an investor’s dream and a taxpayer’s nightmare. The median investment is shy of $166,000, but the estimated lifetime payout is $5.5 million.

Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield

By Mailee Smith

06/08/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union registered its opinion on legislation more than 1,360 times in just six legislative sessions. Its legislative priorities would drive up taxes and make government more expensive, no matter where you live in Illinois.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college

By Hannah Schmid

06/07/2023

The graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates in Chicago were below the statewide average in 2022. Reading and math SAT scores were also below the Illinois average. Other large districts in Cook and the collar counties performed better.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

06/06/2023

An ominously titled document by close confidants of new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson states the new administration’s top priority is to take more money from households making $100,000 or more to fund what they claim is a “just Chicago.”

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids

By Dylan Sharkey

05/30/2023

The Illinois General Assembly approved $100 million in grants so students can choose a private or public university. But when it comes to giving that private or public choice to low-income students, there soon may be no choice at all.

TAGS: budget, education, school choice

Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget

By Dylan Sharkey

05/26/2023

The Illinois General Assembly is poised to pass a budget without extending the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, which allows 9,000 low-income students to attend a school of their choice. The program expires Dec. 31.

TAGS: Invest in Kids

Brandon Johnson appoints Chicago Teachers Union leader to transition team

By Dylan Sharkey

05/23/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s cabinet includes staff from the Chicago Teachers Union and Service Employees International Union.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

What you need to know about picking all those Chicago School Board members

By Joe Tabor

05/23/2023

Chicago revealed proposed district maps for the 2024 school board election that have drawn plenty of criticism. Here’s what you need to know about how, when and from where those 21 members will be picked.

Chicago Public Schools principals file petition to unionize

By Patrick Andriesen

05/17/2023

The Chicago Principals and Administration Association president said the new union would advocate for better pay and working conditions. But Chicago Public School principals already earn nearly 30% more than their Illinois peers.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers

Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield

Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids

Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget

Brandon Johnson appoints Chicago Teachers Union leader to transition team

What you need to know about picking all those Chicago School Board members

Chicago Public Schools principals file petition to unionize

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