Illinois SNAP use falls to lowest in 13 years

By DaNae Estabine, Jon Josko

08/31/2026

New federal work requirements are driving the decline.

TAGS: SNAP

Solutions for vacant lots would reduce crime and poverty in Chicago

By LyLena Estabine

08/17/2026

Reducing property taxes and bureaucratic holdups will lead to safer communities and more economic opportunities on Chicago's South and West sides.

Combating fare evasion could help lagging CTA ridership

By Ravi Mishra

07/17/2026

Fare evasion leads to lower revenue and higher crime. Two cities have found a way to fight it.

TAGS: CTA: Chicago Transit Authority

A review of Pritzker scandals

By Lilly Rossi

05/04/2026

With Gov. J.B. Pritzker stepping further onto the national stage and priming for politics outside of Illinois, let’s not forget his scandalous past.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

CTU wants a day off for students and teachers — for political activism

By Lilly Rossi

04/09/2026

The Chicago Teachers Union wants the mayor and school board to approve May 1 as a paid day off and excused absence for a “Day of Civic Action.”

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

How will CTU-backed candidates fare in the primary?

By Lilly Rossi

03/16/2026

The Chicago Teachers Union endorsed and financially backed candidates for federal, state and local elections in the March 17 primary.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Poll: Chicago Teachers Union hits record-low popularity among Chicagoans

By Mailee Smith

03/11/2026

Just 27.5% of Chicago voters have a favorable opinion of CTU. Half are less likely to vote for a candidate who takes money from the union.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Massive property tax hikes hurt Chicago’s low-income families

By LyLena Estabine

10/16/2025

Chicago homeowners on the South and West Sides are bracing for huge property tax hikes, driven by surging assessments and government spending tied to pensions.

TAGS: property taxes

Illinois superintendent pay doesn’t match performance: district consolidation could help

By Lilly Rossi

10/01/2025

Superintendent salaries often do not reflect the district’s size, wealth or student performance. School district consolidation could help fix that.

Vallas: Stacy Davis Gates’ destructive vision for Chicago schools

By Paul Vallas

09/26/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union is shutting down school choice by attacking charter schools, hurting Black and Latino families who rely on them. Their actions put power over student success.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates

Chicago Tribune

Illinois SNAP use falls to lowest in 13 years

Solutions for vacant lots would reduce crime and poverty in Chicago

Combating fare evasion could help lagging CTA ridership

A review of Pritzker scandals

CTU wants a day off for students and teachers — for political activism

How will CTU-backed candidates fare in the primary?

Poll: Chicago Teachers Union hits record-low popularity among Chicagoans

Massive property tax hikes hurt Chicago’s low-income families

Illinois superintendent pay doesn’t match performance: district consolidation could help

Vallas: Stacy Davis Gates’ destructive vision for Chicago schools

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit Illinois students?

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