Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

By Adam Schuster

03/17/2021

Illinois has a chance to fix its state finances, thanks to federal relief. But unless pension growth is brought under control, both retirees and taxpayers will be at risk as debt continues to consume state services.

Illinois students safe at 3-foot distance, unless they are in Chicago

By Patrick Andriesen

03/11/2021

New COVID-19 guidance from Illinois health and education departments allows schools to reduce social distancing to three feet. But the Chicago Teachers Union intends to ‘vigorously’ keep a six-foot distance.

TAGS: COVID-19, education

Madigan again picks his successor after first one lasted 2 days

By Brad Weisenstein

02/26/2021

Mike Madigan again controlled the choice of his replacement as state representative after his first pick resigned over ‘questionable conduct.’ This pick is a community activist who manages COVID-19 contact tracing.

TAGS: Mike Madigan, resignation

Weak accounting standards enable Illinois budget deficits

By Justin Carlson

02/19/2021

While the private sector is held to a higher standard, rules from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board have enabled Illinois to engage in reckless financial practices that harm taxpayers and the state’s economy.

TAGS: accounting, budget, deficit, Illinois Constitution

Where are Chicago parents at the bargaining table?

By Mailee Smith

02/09/2021

With the Chicago Teachers Union finally deciding students can return to classrooms, parent groups are clamoring to be heard. Unfortunately, Illinois law prohibits them from having much say about schools reopening.

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

Chicago students falling behind as city, teachers’ union squabble

02/05/2021

The Chicago Teachers Union has more demands before it will tell members to return to classrooms. Chicago’s mayor says the teachers’ union has a final offer.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Illinois lawmakers to vote on controversial ‘culturally responsive’ education rule

By Amy Korte

02/02/2021

The Illinois General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will vote Feb. 16 on whether to suspend a rule that would require Illinois teacher training programs to adopt ‘culturally responsive teaching and leading’ standards.

TAGS: activism, ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education, JCAR: Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, progressive

FAQs: What Chicago teachers should know before going on strike

By Mailee Smith

02/02/2021

Chicago Teachers Union is poised to go on strike for the fourth time in nine years. Here’s what Chicago Public Schools teachers need to know before joining a strike.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Chicago teacher strike threat grows as elementary students miss return

By Brad Weisenstein

02/01/2021

With an agreement close but the Chicago Teachers Union refusing to budge, elementary students missed what was to be their first day back in 10 months. Now the fourth strike in nine years is imminent.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Potential CTU strike about boosting power of nation’s teachers’ unions

By Mailee Smith

01/30/2021

The Chicago Teachers Union prided itself as the vanguard for a rash of nationwide teacher strikes following its 2012 walkout. It’s using the same playbook in 2021.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Chicago Public Schools

Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

Illinois students safe at 3-foot distance, unless they are in Chicago

Madigan again picks his successor after first one lasted 2 days

Weak accounting standards enable Illinois budget deficits

Where are Chicago parents at the bargaining table?

Chicago students falling behind as city, teachers’ union squabble

Illinois lawmakers to vote on controversial ‘culturally responsive’ education rule

FAQs: What Chicago teachers should know before going on strike

Chicago teacher strike threat grows as elementary students miss return

Potential CTU strike about boosting power of nation’s teachers’ unions

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