Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?
Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?
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.
Food assistance rises, with nearly 2M Illinoisans getting benefits in June
Food assistance rises, with nearly 2M Illinoisans getting benefits in June
Nearly 2 million Illinoisans – or nearly 1 in 6 – received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in June 2024. The number of Illinoisans needing federal help with groceries was the highest since September 2023.
By Patrick Andriesen
Where Chicago school board candidates stand on school choice
Where Chicago school board candidates stand on school choice
Chicago Public Schools Board of Education candidates have varying positions on school choice, according to a Chicago Sun-Times and Chalkbeat Chicago questionnaire.
By Dylan Sharkey
Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August
Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August
Illinois’ job market outpaced the national average during August. But 13 of Illinois’ 15 metropolitan areas continued to have higher unemployment rates than the national average.
By Ravi Mishra
What you need to know about advisory questions on Illinois ballots
What you need to know about advisory questions on Illinois ballots
Illinoisans will be asked to vote on three advisory questions in the election Nov. 5. Here is what voters should know.
By Joe Tabor
2 Illinois cities passed local grocery taxes. Is your town next?
2 Illinois cities passed local grocery taxes. Is your town next?
Illinois towns have started passing local grocery taxes that will take affect once the state grocery tax phases out in 2026. Will your town be next?
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago violent crime hits 5-year high
Chicago violent crime hits 5-year high
Chicago’s violent crime increased to the highest level in the past five years. Aggravated assaults increased the most in the past 12 months. Most victims were Black.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago neighborhoods see unequal housing restrictions
Chicago neighborhoods see unequal housing restrictions
The current Chicago ordinance on separate residences on the same lot puts extra limits on the Southeast, South and West sides that hinder development. Those are areas with some of the greatest need.
By LyLena Estabine
How much will your community save from Illinois grocery tax repeal?
How much will your community save from Illinois grocery tax repeal?
Illinois is doing away with the statewide grocery tax. Look below to see how much taxpayers in your town or county will save when the tax goes away in 2026 – unless local leaders decide to keep it.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker’s gas tax hike doubles yearly take to nearly $2B
Pritzker’s gas tax hike doubles yearly take to nearly $2B
Illinois drivers are expected to pay nearly $2 billion in state gas taxes by the end of the year, more than twice what they paid before Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office and doubled the tax. Pritzker’s tax hike took $4 billion extra from drivers between 2019 and 2023.
By Patrick Andriesen
4 things to know about Chicago Public Schools’ new strategic plan
4 things to know about Chicago Public Schools’ new strategic plan
The Chicago Board of Education’s five-year plan includes redefining student success and ending school ranking based on performance. It also includes expanding sustainable community schools, which record among the lowest student outcomes.
By Hannah Schmid