The new Chicago Teachers Union contract grows an education model that is failing students while attacking parents’ ability to choose alternatives. All that, at a higher cost.
Granny flats and basement dwellings could help with housing affordability, but Chicago’s outdated zoning rules make them nearly impossible to build. Those rules were created to promote economic and racial segregation. They need to be changed
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The “gift room” scandal, a botched police raid and a smokestack implosion underscore how the head of Chicago’s Law Department, also known as the corporation counsel, too often lacks independence from the mayor’s office. Chicago’s corporation counsel is appointed by the mayor and can be removed at the mayor’s discretion. Experience in other major cities...