Latasha Fields
Latasha Fields
Latasha Fields is a mom of four and homeschool advocate on the South Side of Chicago. She founded a homeschool co-op and a microschool to help other South Side families teach their children independently. She is one of hundreds of parents who rallied at the Statehouse in opposition to House Bill 2827, which intends to...
Chicago area gets over 96K international migrants in 2024; 238K since 2020
Chicago area gets over 96K international migrants in 2024; 238K since 2020
Chicagoland’s population has been boosted by international migrants in recent years. But 347,000 residents left for other states since April 2020.
By Bryce Hill
64 of Illinois’ 102 counties see populations drop in 2024
64 of Illinois’ 102 counties see populations drop in 2024
While Illinois’ total population grew slightly last year, many areas of the state experienced population decline. People moved out of state from half the counties.
By Bryce Hill
Figure out if there’s a problem before boosting Illinois pensions
Figure out if there’s a problem before boosting Illinois pensions
Without careful evaluation of whether Illinois’ pensions for newer employees are running afoul of federal rules or what the penalties would be, spending $78 million from the state’s budget is premature and wasteful.
By LyLena Estabine
Illinois companies announce 1,666 mass layoffs in February
Illinois companies announce 1,666 mass layoffs in February
Illinois companies announced 1,666 mass layoffs in February, with more than 4-in-5 impacting workers in Cook County. Schaumburg alone accounted for one-third of job losses.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
How to vote in your April 1 election
How to vote in your April 1 election
Groceries, schools and public safety are all affected by local elections taking place April 1. Here’s what to know.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois craft distillers face tough future without changes to liquor law
Illinois craft distillers face tough future without changes to liquor law
Liquor regulations written at the end of Prohibition are strangling Illinois’ craft distillers. A new bill is trying to change that.
By FJ Hilgart
Report: Illinoisans pay nation’s highest combined state, local taxes
Report: Illinoisans pay nation’s highest combined state, local taxes
Illinois families will pay the highest combined state and local tax burden in the nation this year on the median U.S. income. That’s $13,099, which will consume more than 16.5% of their money.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois lawmakers attack parents’ constitutional rights
Illinois lawmakers attack parents’ constitutional rights
House Bill 2827 would require all Illinois private schools to report personal information about students to local and state authorities – a prime example of Illinois government overreach and an infringement of parents’ constitutional rights.
By Mailee Smith
Shaunta Gray
Shaunta Gray
“I’m a realtor and a real estate appraiser, so I’ve seen how property taxes is a big issue. In 2021, I was appointed to be a school board member, and in 2023 I won an election to stay on the school board, so this is my first full term as an elected official.” “In that...
Illinois’ emergency reserves lowest in nation
Illinois’ emergency reserves lowest in nation
Illinois is dead last of the 50 states in its ability to handle a financial crisis. It couldn’t last a month. The rainy-day fund that should be its primary reserve, and that Gov. J.B. Pritzker lauded himself for refilling, could barely cover two weeks.
By Bryce Hill
Pritzker’s $1.5B wish for cash quickly vanishes
Pritzker’s $1.5B wish for cash quickly vanishes
The latest forecast from the Illinois General Assembly estimates Illinois will have $737 million to $1.2 billion less in revenue than Gov. J.B. Pritzker hopes to spend.
By Bryce Hill
Every 9 minutes, 21 seconds, Illinois loses another resident
Every 9 minutes, 21 seconds, Illinois loses another resident
Illinois continues to lose residents to other states. Another Illinoisan left every 9 minutes and 21 seconds from July 2023 to June 2024.
By Bryce Hill
Parents would see what children are learning under school transparency bills
Parents would see what children are learning under school transparency bills
Illinois schools would be required to share curriculum materials with parents under a pair of bills in Springfield. State Rep. Amy Grant’s House Bill 3806 and state Sen. Andrew Chesney’s Senate Bill 2080 require school materials be made available to parents.
By Dylan Sharkey