Vallas: What new school board members should know about Chicago Public Schools

By Paul Vallas

01/16/2025

Chicago’s first elected school board was just sworn into office. Here’s what members should know about what the Chicago Teachers Union has done to damage Chicago Public Schools and the city’s children, plus eight steps to undo the damage.

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

4,098 Chicagoans killed in gang crime in 20 years

By Patrick Andriesen

12/30/2024

Chicago gang crime declined to its lowest level in the past two decades in 2023, but the numbers may be more about gangs fracturing and police losing their gang database. Still, more than 1-in-5 homicides were suspected of being gang related.

Chicago shorts pensions by over $440M a year despite $2.3B hike in spending

By Bryce Hill

12/23/2024

Chicago’s public pension contributions remain lower than what actuaries say is needed to pay benefits despite a nearly six-fold increase in spending since 2014. Pension problems are driving high property taxes ever higher.

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

By Bryce Hill

12/17/2024

Chicago’s government pension obligations have increased nearly sixfold since 2014, driving up Chicago’s sky-high property taxes. Another increase for 2025 was likely avoided, but city leaders need state lawmakers to make a permanent fix.

Chicago mayor spends $700K per ‘affordable’ apartment unit

By Patrick Andriesen

12/12/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first effort at building “affordable” housing is costing nearly $700,000 per unit. Similar units in the same area cost $126,583.

TAGS: affordable housing

Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union’s school closing tall tale

By Paul Vallas

11/22/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union wails about schools closing, but it is the union’s actions that have been solely responsible for past school closings and for the conditions that will lead to more closures in the future.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Tax question on November ballot could open door for retirement tax

By Patrick Andriesen

10/29/2024

Implementing the “millionaire” tax would give lawmakers the power to tax retirement income. Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income.

Vallas: What the Acero closures signify about CTU’s power grab

By Paul Vallas

10/22/2024

The plan to close 7 of the 15 Acero Charter Schools is the latest maneuver in the Chicago Teachers Union’s campaign to solidify its monopoly by destroying even public school choice.

TAGS: Acero Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, INCS: Illinois Network of Charter Schools

Vallas: Biggest obstacle to improving city schools is Chicago Teachers Union

By Paul Vallas

09/04/2024

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates decried standardized testing. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said schools should be measured by spending, not performance. ‘Accountability’ is not in their vocabulary.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

27% of Chicagoans approve of Mayor Brandon Johnson

By Patrick Andriesen

08/16/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is about to host the Democratic National Convention. He’ll be a party cheerleader that nearly 2 in 3 Chicagoans would rather not follow.

Rahm Emanuel

Vallas: What new school board members should know about Chicago Public Schools

4,098 Chicagoans killed in gang crime in 20 years

Chicago shorts pensions by over $440M a year despite $2.3B hike in spending

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

Chicago mayor spends $700K per ‘affordable’ apartment unit

Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union’s school closing tall tale

Tax question on November ballot could open door for retirement tax

Vallas: What the Acero closures signify about CTU’s power grab

Vallas: Biggest obstacle to improving city schools is Chicago Teachers Union

27% of Chicagoans approve of Mayor Brandon Johnson

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