Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

The Policy Shop: The Chicago Teachers Union’s affinity for failure

The Policy Shop: The Chicago Teachers Union’s affinity for failure

This edition of The Policy Shop is by policy analyst Hannah Schmid. “We pigs are brainworkers. The whole management and organisation of this farm depend on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for your sake that we drink the milk and eat those apples.” – George Orwell, “Animal Farm” If...

Chicago Teachers Union pushing school model where kids perform poorly

Chicago Teachers Union pushing school model where kids perform poorly

Chicago Teachers Union leadership will use this summer’s contract negotiations with Chicago Public Schools to push for expansion of “sustainable community schools” in the district. The model doesn’t work: students perform worse, absenteeism rises.

By Hannah Schmid

Tio Hardiman

Tio Hardiman

“I grew up around gun violence on the South Side of Chicago between the projects of Avalon Park and the Henry Horner Homes. I saw all these young brothers losing their lives in situations that could have easily been avoided or mediated.” “I started organizing about 20 years ago because I got tired of seeing...

Where are you most likely to get shot in Chicago?

Where are you most likely to get shot in Chicago?

Nearly 1 of every 900 Chicagoans was shot last year, and 1 in 5,000 killed by gunshot. Where was the greatest risk? The Austin neighborhood reported the most fatal shootings as well as the most shootings overall, with 1 shooting for every 414 residents

By Patrick Andriesen

Harry Pena

Harry Pena

“I joined a gang at 10 years old. I spent most of my life on the streets. I had my first taste of whiskey. I smoked. I hit teachers in school. I tortured cats.” “My father mentally and physically abused my mother. I hated him. At 12 years old, I followed him to learn his...