Illinois tied for third-worst unemployment rate in the U.S.

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

06/25/2024

Illinois' employment growth lags the nation and neighboring states in May.

How public programs can penalize workers earning more

By Aayush Goodpaty

06/25/2024

Families trying to escape poverty are sometimes worse off with greater incomes because of benefits cliffs hidden in public programs.

Former Ald. Ed Burke sentenced to 2 years for racketeering, bribery

By Dylan Sharkey

06/24/2024

Former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke, once the longest-serving member of the city council, was sentenced to two years in prison and pay a $2 million fine.

Illinois third in U.S. for average in-state tuition, pricing people out of college

By Kurtis Karg, Dylan Sharkey

06/24/2024

Illinois’ average in-state tuition to public universities is among the highest in the nation. Getting an education is crucial to escaping poverty, putting Illinoisans at a great disadvantage.

TAGS: education

Utah makes life easier for job seekers; Illinois can, too

By Chris Coffey

06/21/2024

Utah consolidated and integrated government job and social services into a one-stop shop. Illinois can follow that example and efficiently pull more people out of poverty and into the working world.

TAGS: employment

Charter schools offer path to academic success for families in poverty

By Hannah Schmid

06/20/2024

A study found charter students in poverty had stronger growth in reading and math compared to their peers in traditional public schools, especially minority students in poverty. But the Chicago Teachers Union wants to limit families’ options to enroll their students in charter schools.

TAGS: education

What does it take to get a building permit in Chicago?

By Joe Tabor

06/20/2024

Chicago lags behind other cities in housing affordability. The city’s permitting process could be holding it back.

TAGS: construction, housing

Nearly 40% of Illinois government workers reject AFSCME membership

By Mailee Smith, Jon Josko

06/19/2024

The union’s federal reports show the union has suffered membership loss during the past two decades. It could be because the union’s spending priorities are completely misplaced.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Chicago Teachers Union killing charter school access for many families

By Hannah Schmid

06/19/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union’s current contract limits the growth of charter schools in Chicago. The union’s new contract demands seek to further deny access and limit parents’ options for their children’s educations.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Hard look at job rules can pull more Illinoisans from poverty

By Larry Han

06/18/2024

If Illinois used data-driven reviews before imposing job rules, more people could find work and escape poverty.

TAGS: poverty, unemployment

Illinois

Illinois tied for third-worst unemployment rate in the U.S.

How public programs can penalize workers earning more

Former Ald. Ed Burke sentenced to 2 years for racketeering, bribery

Illinois third in U.S. for average in-state tuition, pricing people out of college

Utah makes life easier for job seekers; Illinois can, too

Charter schools offer path to academic success for families in poverty

What does it take to get a building permit in Chicago?

Nearly 40% of Illinois government workers reject AFSCME membership

Chicago Teachers Union killing charter school access for many families

Hard look at job rules can pull more Illinoisans from poverty

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