Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying

By Dylan Sharkey

06/15/2023

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill giving teachers 10 paid days off for union advocacy if elected to union leadership positions.

TAGS: teachers union

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

What you need to know about picking all those Chicago School Board members

By Joe Tabor

05/23/2023

Chicago revealed proposed district maps for the 2024 school board election that have drawn plenty of criticism. Here’s what you need to know about how, when and from where those 21 members will be picked.

What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago

By Patrick Andriesen

05/12/2023

Former Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union lobbyist Brandon Johnson will be sworn in as the 57th mayor of Chicago May 15. Here’s what Chicagoans should know about his political ties, policy proposals and prospects.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

4 ways Springfield should combat ‘ComEd 4’ corruption

By Joe Tabor

05/09/2023

A jury found all “ComEd Four” defendants guilty of bribing Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation. It was an alarm for Springfield lawmakers that half-measures don’t work and lasting ethics reform is needed in Illinois.

Illinois’ COVID disaster ends after 1,155 days

By Dylan Sharkey

05/09/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 42nd and final disaster proclamation has expired after 1,155 days in a state of emergency. Illinois was 1 of only 6 states still under emergency orders because of the pandemic.

TAGS: Commonwealth Edison, corruption

What Brandon Johnson’s tax plan needs from Chicago aldermen, Springfield

By Joe Tabor

04/24/2023

Chicago’s incoming mayor, Brandon Johnson, has a long list of tax proposals for the city, but he will have to get all of them past the City Council and some past the Illinois General Assembly.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

04/06/2023

No other state’s constitution or labor laws are like Illinois’ – broadly allowing government unions to override statutes simply by negotiating contrary provisions into collective bargaining agreements. Illinois may not be alone for long.

ComEd 4 trial shows why fixing Illinois House Rules vital to stop next Madigan

By Joe Tabor

03/31/2023

The ComEd 4 corruption trial proves concentrated power breeds corruption. The fix? Reform the rules former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan crafted to concentrate all that power.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Illinois General Assembly

Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying

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

What you need to know about picking all those Chicago School Board members

What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago

4 ways Springfield should combat ‘ComEd 4’ corruption

Illinois’ COVID disaster ends after 1,155 days

What Brandon Johnson’s tax plan needs from Chicago aldermen, Springfield

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

ComEd 4 trial shows why fixing Illinois House Rules vital to stop next Madigan

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