Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers

By Dylan Sharkey

06/20/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson handed parental leave to his former employers at the Chicago Teachers Union with no negotiation. Now the city’s police union wants it.

Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

By Patrick Andriesen

06/15/2023

Being in the top 10 of Illinois’ five statewide pension systems is an investor’s dream and a taxpayer’s nightmare. The median investment is shy of $166,000, but the estimated lifetime payout is $5.5 million.

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

06/13/2023

The typical racing fan will pay an extra $22 for general admission to Chicago’s NASCAR “Street Race Weekend” thanks to the city’s amusement tax. Luxury seating could cost residents more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.

TAGS: NASCAR

Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield

By Mailee Smith

06/08/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union registered its opinion on legislation more than 1,360 times in just six legislative sessions. Its legislative priorities would drive up taxes and make government more expensive, no matter where you live in Illinois.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions

By Mailee Smith

06/08/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union pours money into political campaigns, but that isn’t all. It also pressures lawmakers to abide by its legislative agenda. It’s a one-two political punch: helping elect lawmakers and then telling them what to do.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college

By Hannah Schmid

06/07/2023

The graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates in Chicago were below the statewide average in 2022. Reading and math SAT scores were also below the Illinois average. Other large districts in Cook and the collar counties performed better.

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

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

06/06/2023

An ominously titled document by close confidants of new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson states the new administration’s top priority is to take more money from households making $100,000 or more to fund what they claim is a “just Chicago.”

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids

By Dylan Sharkey

05/30/2023

The Illinois General Assembly approved $100 million in grants so students can choose a private or public university. But when it comes to giving that private or public choice to low-income students, there soon may be no choice at all.

TAGS: budget, education, school choice

Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget

By Dylan Sharkey

05/26/2023

The Illinois General Assembly is poised to pass a budget without extending the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, which allows 9,000 low-income students to attend a school of their choice. The program expires Dec. 31.

TAGS: Invest in Kids

Memorial Day brings extra pain at Illinois gas pumps

By Dylan Sharkey

05/25/2023

Memorial Day weekend means millions will hit the road, but Illinoisans should try and fill up across states lines to avoid some of the nation’s highest gas taxes.

TAGS: Memorial Day

Chicago

Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers

Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield

CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions

Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids

Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget

Memorial Day brings extra pain at Illinois gas pumps

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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