How Mississippi ended its worst-in-the-nation early literacy epidemic

By Hannah Schmid

09/27/2024

Mississippi state lawmakers enacted science-based literacy legislation in 2013, laying the groundwork for improved reading proficiency among early grades, and additional legislation in 2016 to solidify improvement in literacy trends.

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

By Joe Tabor

09/26/2024

Published Sept. 26, 2024 Illinois is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. Over a third of residents are considered “burdened” by housing costs, meaning they pay over 30% of their income on costs related to housing. That is a greater portion of residents burdened by housing than any other state in the Midwest....

Illinois early voting starts as vote-by-mail ballots go out

By Patrick Andriesen

09/26/2024

With 40 days until the election, Illinois residents can vote early at their local county clerks’ office. Vote-by-mail ballots should arrive soon, but there is still time to apply for one.

TAGS: early voting, vote-by-mail

Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?

09/26/2024

More than a dozen candidates filled out an Illinois Policy questionnaire to give voters a better idea of who is running for office. Read their answers below.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Report: Chicago Teachers Union is new Chicago political machine

By Mailee Smith

09/25/2024

Years of exorbitant political spending in Illinois – more than $24.3 million since 2010 – has secured an enormous amount of political influence for the Chicago Teachers Union. It is now the main political player not just in Chicago, but across the state.

Illinois had 1,183 mass layoffs in August, with more than 9-in-10 stemming from business closures

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

09/24/2024

Chicago led the state in mass layoffs, accounting for more than one-third of job cuts in August. The statewide data shows 93% of job losses stemmed from companies closing up shop.

Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

09/20/2024

The Fed just cut interest rates over worries about the national jobs outlook, but in Illinois unemployment has been a persistent problem. Tax and state economic policy should get much of the blame.

TAGS: unemployment

How do I register to vote in Illinois?

By Patrick Andriesen

09/19/2024

Registering to vote in Illinois can be confusing. Here is what you need to know to make sure your voice is heard this Election Day.

TAGS: Election Day

Illinois government workers’ union dues being diverted to swing-state politics

By Mailee Smith

09/19/2024

Illinois government workers’ union dues fund Democratic Party campaign committees, which are now seeking to tip the presidential election outcome in swing states. That fails to align with at least 40% of members’ politics.

TAGS: SEIU: Service Employees International Union

How do I vote by mail in Illinois?

By Patrick Andriesen

09/19/2024

Voting by mail allows Illinoisans to cast their ballots in the upcoming election without making a trip to the polls. Here’s what you need to know.

TAGS: vote-by-mail

Illinois

How Mississippi ended its worst-in-the-nation early literacy epidemic

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

Illinois early voting starts as vote-by-mail ballots go out

Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?

Report: Chicago Teachers Union is new Chicago political machine

Illinois had 1,183 mass layoffs in August, with more than 9-in-10 stemming from business closures

Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.

How do I register to vote in Illinois?

Illinois government workers’ union dues being diverted to swing-state politics

How do I vote by mail in Illinois?

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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