Chicago schools cancel class for COVID-19 ‘Vaccine Awareness Day’

By Dylan Sharkey

11/05/2021

Chicago Public Schools declared a day off for students ages 5 to 11 to get their COVID-19 shots. But little notice and the fact the vaccines were just approved for younger children mean parents face challenges to actually getting shots for their kids.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Amendment 1 would give Illinois government union bosses nation’s most extreme powers

By Mailee Smith

10/22/2021

No other state constitutions guarantee unmitigated powers to government unions, and 28 state constitutions don’t even find a need to mention labor.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Illinois, strike, unions

Chicago Public Schools have lost 25,000 students since COVID-19 hit

By Robert Brutvan

09/29/2021

As enrollment declines CPS may lose its spot as the third-largest school district nationally, yet spending increases continue.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools

COVID-19 vaccination proof might be required to dine out in Chicago

By Robert Brutvan

09/13/2021

A group of Chicago aldermen have called for residents to prove their COVID-19 vaccination status before allowing them to attend indoor venues such as restaurants, bars and theaters

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, Vax Pass

Higher revenue leads to tax cuts in 11 states, but not Illinois

By Perry Zhao

08/25/2021

State revenue losses around the country have ranged from far less than expected to non-existent. Fiscally healthy states are giving back to taxpayers. That doesn’t include Illinois.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, taxes

Classrooms First: District consolidation can improve Illinois’ education outcomes while saving taxpayers money

By Adam Schuster

08/24/2021

Classrooms First Act would benefit virtually all Illinoisans including teachers, parents and students.

Pritzker seeks credit upgrades despite growing pension debt, budget deficits

By Adam Schuster

08/17/2021

Pension debt is a record $144.2 billion while Illinois’ short-term debt is on track to reach $22 billion in three years, exceeding the record $16.7 billion hit during the budget impasse.

TAGS: credit rating, debt, JB Pritzker, pensions

Chicago’s debt grows to $43,700 per taxpayer despite federal COVID-19 aid

By Perry Zhao

08/10/2021

Fiscal watchdog Truth in Accounting’s July 2021 report showed the Windy City’s pension-fueled debt rose by $2.3 billion from 2019 to 2020 despite receiving substantial federal aid during the pandemic.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, debt

Chicago almost hits bottom rank of 150 cities for high cost, poor services

By Luke Schafer

07/30/2021

Out of 150 cities, Chicago came in almost at the bottom when the quality of city services and the total budget per capita were ranked, confirming what most Chicagoans already knew.

TAGS: Chicago, government spending, taxes

Illinois home building lags virtually every other state during past decade

By Bryce Hill

07/18/2021

New census data shows Illinois ranked 48th in the U.S. for new single-family home permits during the past decade.

TAGS: construction, homeownership, Illinois, real estate

New York

Chicago schools cancel class for COVID-19 ‘Vaccine Awareness Day’

Amendment 1 would give Illinois government union bosses nation’s most extreme powers

Chicago Public Schools have lost 25,000 students since COVID-19 hit

COVID-19 vaccination proof might be required to dine out in Chicago

Higher revenue leads to tax cuts in 11 states, but not Illinois

Classrooms First: District consolidation can improve Illinois’ education outcomes while saving taxpayers money

Pritzker seeks credit upgrades despite growing pension debt, budget deficits

Chicago’s debt grows to $43,700 per taxpayer despite federal COVID-19 aid

Chicago almost hits bottom rank of 150 cities for high cost, poor services

Illinois home building lags virtually every other state during past decade

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