Editorial: Chicago Public Schools’ chronic absenteeism worst of 5 largest districts

By Hilary Gowins

04/18/2024

Chronic absenteeism has been bad across the nation since the pandemic, but in Chicago it’s worse. That hurts students’ futures and the city’s wellbeing.

Bill would broaden Illinois agency’s emergency powers

By Dylan Sharkey

04/16/2024

A bill expanding emergency powers for a state agency passed the Illinois Senate and is in the Illinois House. Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared COVID-19 an emergency for more than 3 years, so why is the bill needed?

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Plan could help Chicago’s housing affordability problem by cutting red tape

By Bryce Hill

04/15/2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson has moved on from his failed tax hike and found a good answer to Chicago’s housing affordability issue. His “Cut the Tape” proposal would streamline the housing and commercial development process, increasing the supply and affordability.

How does Illinois spend millions in cannabis cash?

By Dylan Sharkey

04/15/2024

In Illinois’ fifth year of recreational cannabis sales, it’s already made nearly $180 million in tax revenue. But it is losing sales to neighboring states with lower taxes.

Vallas: All Illinois parents deserve school choice because it works

By Paul Vallas

04/12/2024

Private education excels and school choice help students across race and income demographics. So why are teachers unions working against parents having choices and students excelling?

How Chicago, Illinois can prepare so workers don’t become obsolete

By Ravi Mishra

04/12/2024

Jobs are the best way to escape poverty, but the workplace will continue to change rapidly. To ensure Illinoisans don’t lose the jobs that lift them up, job skills will need to evolve along with education.

Chicago crime: Assaults up 7% for year, as women targeted

By Jon Josko, Hilary Gowins

04/11/2024

Assaults were up 7% for the year ended in March. Black Chicagoans were 5 times more likely to be assaulted, with Black women assaulted nearly as often as Black men – a much higher rate than women of other races. There’s a disturbing trend of targeted violence.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

Chicago Teachers Union contract demands about politics, bosses’ power

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

04/11/2024

A 142-page leaked document contains hundreds of Chicago Teachers Union contract demands, from 100% abortion coverage to pay for surrogates, from housing students in old schools to a fleet of electric school buses. Then there are 180 more of the union’s favored, failing schools.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Illinois cities could significantly speed up new home, business construction

By Patrick Andriesen

04/09/2024

Illinois cities and villages could reduce from months to just days the time it takes to issue permits for new residential and commercial construction. Phoenix saw housing units increase 10% in a decade by cutting costly delays.

TAGS: affordable housing, zoning

Eradicating poverty through the dignity of work

By Matt Paprocki

04/09/2024

Illinois Policy Institute President Matt Paprocki told members of congress how the Center for Poverty Solutions is working to end poverty by boosting work opportunities. He said human dignity requires work rather than dependence.

Chicago

Editorial: Chicago Public Schools’ chronic absenteeism worst of 5 largest districts

Bill would broaden Illinois agency’s emergency powers

Plan could help Chicago’s housing affordability problem by cutting red tape

How does Illinois spend millions in cannabis cash?

Vallas: All Illinois parents deserve school choice because it works

How Chicago, Illinois can prepare so workers don’t become obsolete

Chicago crime: Assaults up 7% for year, as women targeted

Chicago Teachers Union contract demands about politics, bosses’ power

Illinois cities could significantly speed up new home, business construction

Eradicating poverty through the dignity of work

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