Chicago makes it too hard to build dwelling units

By LyLena Estabine

04/16/2025

Other cities unleashed small-scale housing. Chicago buried it in red tape. Now it’s hurting renters, seniors and working families.

TAGS: affordable housing

One-third of Illinois’ March layoffs hit Chicago security firm

By Patrick Andriesen

04/15/2025

Illinois companies announced 947 mass layoffs in March. All but 21 of the job cuts were permanent.

TAGS: Chicago, jobs, unemployment

Illinois Federation of Teachers underfunds teachers, props up own officers

By Mailee Smith

04/10/2025

The Illinois Federation of Teachers represents educators in 200 districts in Illinois. But just 26% of its spending in 2024 was on “representational activities” – what should be its core focus.

TAGS: IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers

Illinois looks at adding more granny houses to boost affordability

By LyLena Estabine

04/08/2025

House Bill 1813 would prevent municipalities from prohibiting the construction of accessory dwelling units such as granny houses or basement apartments, allowing more opportunity for naturally affordable housing solutions.

Chicago Teachers Union spreads attacks on charter schools across Illinois

By Hannah Schmid

04/08/2025

The tentative agreement between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools will further damage charter schools in Chicago. CTU also has been working in the Statehouse to hinder charter schools and place more restrictions on them statewide.

Teaching Illinois students to be smart with money can cut poverty

By Chris Coffey

04/07/2025

Minnesota and Utah have taken practical approaches to financial literacy education that have measurably improved students’ understanding in both states. Illinois should do more to teach students how to manage their money.

Chicago Teachers Union contract will be costly, but did union get what it demanded?

By Mailee Smith

04/07/2025

After bankrolling Mayor Brandon Johnson’s way into office, the Chicago Teachers Union went into contract negotiations demanding 700-plus new provisions, estimated to cost at least $10 billion. What it got: 150 new provisions worth around $1.5 billion.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago mayor praises school with just 2% adept readers as example of his values

By Hannah Schmid

04/03/2025

Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated Dyett High School where only 2% of tested students can read at grade level – and none can do math at grade level – as a “great example” of a schooling model the Chicago Teachers Union’s tentative contract plans to boost.

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

Illinois drivers face some of nation’s highest costs, expected to grow

By Ravi Mishra

04/01/2025

Fears have grown that more efficient cars mean less money for Illinois to fund roads. But the state already collects higher revenues than ever while burdening drivers with high taxes and fees.

Vallas: Brandon Johnson’s war against Chicago’s Black community

By Paul Vallas

04/01/2025

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson claims racism is behind his inability to lead and help the Black community. But his policies on crime, taxes, migrants, education and jobs are the real villains.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Chicago

Chicago makes it too hard to build dwelling units

One-third of Illinois’ March layoffs hit Chicago security firm

Illinois Federation of Teachers underfunds teachers, props up own officers

Illinois looks at adding more granny houses to boost affordability

Chicago Teachers Union spreads attacks on charter schools across Illinois

Teaching Illinois students to be smart with money can cut poverty

Chicago Teachers Union contract will be costly, but did union get what it demanded?

Chicago mayor praises school with just 2% adept readers as example of his values

Illinois drivers face some of nation’s highest costs, expected to grow

Vallas: Brandon Johnson’s war against Chicago’s Black community

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help 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