Chicago

5 ways to end Chicago’s stagnant growth

By Geoff Feinstein

11/19/2025

High taxes, red tape and fiscal mismanagement have stalled Chicago’s economy, but smart reform could get it growing again.

Illinois police pensions lock up local property taxes

By LyLena Estabine

11/18/2025

Across Illinois, police pensions are taking an ever-greater share of property tax dollars, leaving fewer resources for public safety.

Taxpayers pay $23.6M for Chicago Public Schools vacations

By Lilly Rossi

11/17/2025

Chicago Public Schools employees spent $23.6 million in tax dollars on lavish vacations at 5-star hotels and overseas trips. Much of it was without approval.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago business activity drops for 23rd straight month

By Josh Bandoch

11/17/2025

A barometer of business health shows Chicago is close to marking two years of decline. The city’s employment rate lags the nation.

Riverwalk eatery gone thanks to murky Chicago rules

By Dylan Sharkey

11/17/2025

Restaurants and bars bid to be along Chicago’s Riverwalk, so why a proven business with a lucrative offer was booted is a mystery wrapped up in a secretive city panel.

Illinois firefighter pensions torch local finances

By LyLena Estabine

11/17/2025

In Lake County and across Illinois, fire pensions are driving up property taxes and leaving fewer resources for safety.

Housing gets boost by easing parking lot mandates near transit

By LyLena Estabine

11/13/2025

The Illinois General Assembly just eliminated parking minimums for developments near transit hubs. That flexibility should boost housing.

Chicago Teachers Union lobby day costs taxpayers up to $19.3K

By Lilly Rossi

11/13/2025

More than 100 teachers left struggling students, cost taxpayers as much as $19,300 for Chicago Teachers Union “lobby day.”

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Scores down, absences up for Chicago low-income, minority students

By Hannah Schmid

11/12/2025

Chicago Public Schools’ low-income and minority students recorded lower proficiency rates than the state average. They are also missing more school.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Over 2-in-5 Chicago teachers chronically absent

By Hannah Schmid

11/12/2025

Last year, 43% of Chicago Public Schools teachers missed 10 or more school days. Statewide, it was 34%.

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FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

Illinois students could soon benefit from scholarship money to help them find a tutor, attend ACT or SAT prep sessions, pay tuition, get special education services or assist with other academic needs. That will happen in Illinois only if Gov. J.B. Pritzker lets the state’s schoolchildren benefit from the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, established...

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