Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Ep. 48: The housing market goes bust

Ep. 48: The housing market goes bust

After a few years of homes flying off the market, signs are indicating the market is starting to cool. Is a housing bubble going to burst? Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to discuss what’s going on in Illinois’ housing world, how prices fair today and what to expect next. This week’s Policy Shop is...

Majority of IFT spending goes to Chicago

Majority of IFT spending goes to Chicago

The Illinois Federation of Teachers in 2021 spent 190 times more on Chicago-area teachers than it did on teachers south of Interstate 80. That could be why IFT membership has shrunk nearly 18% since 2017.

By Mailee Smith

NEA dues rise, spending on teachers drops for 6 straight years

NEA dues rise, spending on teachers drops for 6 straight years

Federal documents filed by the National Education Association show just 5% of its total spending was on representing members in 2021. NEA and its state affiliate – the Illinois Education Association – prioritized leadership salaries and politics over teachers.

By Mailee Smith

Permanent vote-by-mail registration opens Aug. 10 in Illinois

Permanent vote-by-mail registration opens Aug. 10 in Illinois

Permanent vote by mail allows Illinoisans to vote at home, offering convenience and a chance to make better-informed decisions. Voters automatically receive a ballot for each future election, so illness or forgetfulness aren’t barriers to civic duty.

By Dylan Sharkey