Illinois Supreme Court: Votes count on ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum

By Dylan Sharkey

03/13/2024

The Illinois Supreme Court rejected a petition to invalidate votes on the “Bring Chicago Home” referendum. Voting ends March 19.

TAGS: Chicago, real estate transfer tax

How many Chicagoans are homeless?

By Dylan Sharkey

03/13/2024

‘Bring Chicago Home’ advocates claim there are 68,000 homeless Chicagoans, but that’s 10 times higher than the estimate recognized by the federal government. If the problem is exaggerated, what will Mayor Brandon Johnson do with his tax hike money?

TAGS: Chicago

Johnson’s ‘Bring Chicago Home’ tax hike could fund Chicago Teachers Union’s contract demands

By Dylan Sharkey

03/13/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union is pushing Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate tax hike with cash and by taking students out of school to vote. The heavy push is understandable when CTU mentions the tax hike as a revenue source for their contract demands.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, real estate transfer tax

Chicago teachers nearly triple private-sector salary growth

By Bryce Hill

03/13/2024

Today’s average CPS teacher has seen a salary increase of 86% since the 2011-2012 school year. That’s over 2.5 times faster than inflation or the private sector.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax could hit more than 100 grocery stores

By Dylan Sharkey

03/12/2024

“Bring Chicago Home” would classify more than 100 grocery stores as high-end properties that need to “pay their fair share” if sold. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s rhetoric fails to match his tax hike’s realities.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, real estate transfer tax

Vallas: Johnson can’t be trusted with real estate tax hike

By Paul Vallas

03/12/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate transfer tax hike comes with no guarantees he won’t use the money for things other than homeless relief. So why should voters believe he won’t hand the money to his cronies at the Chicago Teachers Union?

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, real estate transfer tax

Report: Chicago violent crime spikes 11%, arrests in just 11%

By Hilary Gowins, Jon Josko

03/12/2024

Even though the number of violent crimes in Chicago grew to its highest level in a decade last year, the arrest rate dropped. Robbery and vehicle theft both rose by over 30% last year.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

Voter information on Chicago’s real estate transfer tax hike

03/11/2024

March 19 primary ballots ask Chicago voters whether they support Mayor Brandon Johnson's real estate transfer tax hike. While he and 'Bring Chicago Home' advocates claim money will help homeless Chicagoans, there is reason to worry about hurting 5,143 commercial properties with no guarantee how this 'mansion tax' will be used.

TAGS: Chicago, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, taxes

Illinois Policy Institute Ethics Complaint: Chicago Teachers Union Pushing Students to Vote for Johnson Tax Hike

By Mailee Smith

03/11/2024

The following is an ethics complaint from the Illinois Policy Institute filed March 11 with the Chicago Public Schools ethics office and inspector general.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago Teachers Union taking students out of class to vote for Johnson’s real estate tax hike

By Hilary Gowins

03/11/2024

The event, which is taking place on March 15, likely violates school district rules that make clear students can’t attend a political event during school hours. Staff activity in such an event also likely violates the CPS Code of Ethics.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago

Illinois Supreme Court: Votes count on ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum

How many Chicagoans are homeless?

Johnson’s ‘Bring Chicago Home’ tax hike could fund Chicago Teachers Union’s contract demands

Chicago teachers nearly triple private-sector salary growth

Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax could hit more than 100 grocery stores

Vallas: Johnson can’t be trusted with real estate tax hike

Report: Chicago violent crime spikes 11%, arrests in just 11%

Voter information on Chicago’s real estate transfer tax hike

Illinois Policy Institute Ethics Complaint: Chicago Teachers Union Pushing Students to Vote for Johnson Tax Hike

Chicago Teachers Union taking students out of class to vote for Johnson’s real estate tax hike

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