Will back to school in Chicago Public Schools be back to same-old, same-old?
Will back to school in Chicago Public Schools be back to same-old, same-old?
Chicago Public Schools students return to class Aug. 26. Here’s what parents should know about academics, building use, enrollment, absenteeism and finances.
By Hannah Schmid
Grocery bills have increased by nearly $3,000 in just 4 years
Grocery bills have increased by nearly $3,000 in just 4 years
Consumers have been hammered with inflation on groceries during the past four years. Illinois was heading in the right direction by eliminating the tax on them, but now communities are faced with either imposing a new grocery tax or losing the money.
By Ravi Mishra
Democratic delegates need not go far to see why Chicago is U.S. murder capital
Democratic delegates need not go far to see why Chicago is U.S. murder capital
Chicago for the 12th year is America’s murder capital. The deadliest areas are not far from the Democratic National Convention, with at least one a moderate walk from the United Center and others that can be visited on a city-sponsored tour.
By Patrick Andriesen
Johnson hides 8 Chicago homeless camps from Democratic delegates
Johnson hides 8 Chicago homeless camps from Democratic delegates
While Mayor Brandon Johnson has denied clearing Chicago’s homeless encampments had anything to do with the Democratic National Convention, his administration has said otherwise. Even his allies suspect a double standard.
By Patrick Andriesen
What to know about Illinois education as students head back to school
What to know about Illinois education as students head back to school
Students in Illinois are steadily returning to class across Illinois’ 852 school districts, where improvement is needed on the 35% of elementary students who can read at grade level. What to know about how well the state’s public schools are preparing students for life.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago mayor is Democratic convention’s most unpopular host in 40 years
Chicago mayor is Democratic convention’s most unpopular host in 40 years
New polling on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson showed the lowest approval rating for a mayor hosting the Democratic National Convention in 40 years.
By Dylan Sharkey, Kurtis Karg
27% of Chicagoans approve of Mayor Brandon Johnson
27% of Chicagoans approve of Mayor Brandon Johnson
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.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois unemployment rate in July hits 2nd highest in U.S.
Illinois unemployment rate in July hits 2nd highest in U.S.
July unemployment hit 5.2% in Illinois, ranking second worst in the nation. It equated to 341,630 workers looking for a job.
By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko
Democratic National Convention to tout education policy near Chicago school where no kids read at grade level
Democratic National Convention to tout education policy near Chicago school where no kids read at grade level
Education will be a major platform piece during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Too bad the party will meet near a Chicago school where spending $27K per student yields none who can read at grade level.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois No. 2 in nation for highest gas taxes
Illinois No. 2 in nation for highest gas taxes
Only California has higher gasoline taxes than Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s automatic gas tax boost just bumped the rate to 47 cents per gallon. It was 19 cents before Pritzker took office.
By Dylan Sharkey
Johnson’s loyalty to Chicago Teachers Union clear as he pushes out schools chief
Johnson’s loyalty to Chicago Teachers Union clear as he pushes out schools chief
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is reportedly working to get rid of Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. Martinez has been fighting financial ploys by Johnson and the mayor’s former employer, the Chicago Teachers Union.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago has more public pension debt than 43 states
Chicago has more public pension debt than 43 states
Chicago’s pension systems for city workers have $51 billion in debt, so much that they are in worse shape than 43 states. Fixing them requires Chicago’s mayor to push for a change in the Illinois Constitution.
By Ravi Mishra