Survey: Homeschooled students face less abuse. So why are Illinois lawmakers targeting families?
Survey: Homeschooled students face less abuse. So why are Illinois lawmakers targeting families?
The “Homeschool Act” adds taxpayer costs and exposes families’ religion and private information – all in the name of curbing child neglect and abuse. Trouble is, a survey showed state lawmakers are targeting the students where they are least at risk.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois close to ending strict hair braiding requirements
Illinois close to ending strict hair braiding requirements
Hair braiders across Illinois may face fewer restrictions on their trade. The Illinois House unanimously passed a bill changing the state’s hair braiding laws.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois looks at adding more granny houses to boost affordability
Illinois looks at adding more granny houses to boost affordability
House Bill 1813 would prevent municipalities from prohibiting the construction of accessory dwelling units such as granny houses or basement apartments, allowing more opportunity for naturally affordable housing solutions.
By LyLena Estabine
Illinois lawmakers get chance to boost affordable family housing
Illinois lawmakers get chance to boost affordable family housing
Illinois House Bill 1814 would legalize more affordable options such as duplexes and townhomes for working families. If the bill passes, it will mark a win for affordability and housing choice.
By LyLena Estabine
Statehouse finds ‘Homeschool Act’ would cost taxpayers unknown amount
Statehouse finds ‘Homeschool Act’ would cost taxpayers unknown amount
A note added to House Bill 2827 shows it likely will add costs for school districts, regional offices of education and even individual schools. The Illinois State Board of Education should retract its support of the bill restricting homeschools and private schools.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Teachers Union spreads attacks on charter schools across Illinois
Chicago Teachers Union spreads attacks on charter schools across Illinois
The tentative agreement between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools will further damage charter schools in Chicago. CTU also has been working in the Statehouse to hinder charter schools and place more restrictions on them statewide.
By Hannah Schmid
How well are students learning in Illinois Federation of Teachers schools?
How well are students learning in Illinois Federation of Teachers schools?
Does it matter which union represents your child’s teachers? The Illinois Federation of Teachers represents a lot of school districts where student performance is lacking.
By Hannah Schmid
Teaching Illinois students to be smart with money can cut poverty
Teaching Illinois students to be smart with money can cut poverty
Minnesota and Utah have taken practical approaches to financial literacy education that have measurably improved students’ understanding in both states. Illinois should do more to teach students how to manage their money.
By Chris Coffey
Chicago Teachers Union contract will be costly, but did union get what it demanded?
Chicago Teachers Union contract will be costly, but did union get what it demanded?
After bankrolling Mayor Brandon Johnson’s way into office, the Chicago Teachers Union went into contract negotiations demanding 700-plus new provisions, estimated to cost at least $10 billion. What it got: 150 new provisions worth around $1.5 billion.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois Federation of Teachers is failing students
Illinois Federation of Teachers is failing students
Students in large school districts unionized by the Illinois Federation of Teachers underperform the state average in reading and math.
By Hannah Schmid
9 things Illinoisans should know before letting ‘Homeschool Act’ become law
9 things Illinoisans should know before letting ‘Homeschool Act’ become law
House Bill 2827 would regulate both homeschool families and private schools in Illinois. Its extensive provisions have generated historic opposition. Here are nine things you should know about how it will impact education, privacy and your family.
By Mailee Smith
Bensenville voters reject grocery tax with 90% voting ‘no’
Bensenville voters reject grocery tax with 90% voting ‘no’
With 90% voting “no,” Bensenville voters shot down a grocery tax proposal. Illinois’ statewide grocery tax is ending at the end of 2025, but some local leaders want it to stay.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago mayor praises school with just 2% adept readers as example of his values
Chicago mayor praises school with just 2% adept readers as example of his values
Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated Dyett High School where only 2% of tested students can read at grade level – and none can do math at grade level – as a “great example” of a schooling model the Chicago Teachers Union’s tentative contract plans to boost.
By Hannah Schmid
Illinois townships vote to fix pensions, gerrymandering and unfunded mandates
Illinois townships vote to fix pensions, gerrymandering and unfunded mandates
Illinois townships are sounding the alarm on the state’s biggest issues. Eight townships voted in support of state lawmakers fixing the state’s pensions crisis, gerrymandering and unfunded mandates.
By Dylan Sharkey