Chicago school spending nearly doubles as scores drop
Chicago school spending nearly doubles as scores drop
As Chicago Public Schools spending per student continues to rise, test scores and proficiency levels among students continue to drop.
Chicago committee looks at free-market solution to affordable housing
Chicago committee looks at free-market solution to affordable housing
Josh Bandoch, head of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute, testimony about how accessory dwelling units can help fix Chicago’s affordable housing shortage. City regulations and mandates can derail this free-market solution, though.
Pritzker: Budgeting genius
Pritzker: Budgeting genius
Brandon Johnson’s sad excuses
Brandon Johnson’s sad excuses
3-in-10 seats are empty at Chicago Public Schools
3-in-10 seats are empty at Chicago Public Schools
Hundreds of Chicago Public Schools buildings have a space-use problem – they’re too empty. Nearly 60% of schools are underutilized while 5% are overcrowded. Only 37% are at ideal capacity. The Chicago Teachers Union wants to add staff to the empty schools.
Apprenticeships offer economic opportunity for Illinoisans
Apprenticeships offer economic opportunity for Illinoisans
College degrees are just one potential path to prosperity. Apprenticeships are a viable alternative Illinois’ education system should embrace.
How much does your town make from marijuana tax?
How much does your town make from marijuana tax?
Cannabis tax revenue is stalling statewide in Illinois, but communities still see a tax benefit. See how much your town took in during the past 12 months.
Chicago, Evanston leaders push for noncitizens to vote in local elections
Chicago, Evanston leaders push for noncitizens to vote in local elections
The surge of migrants to Chicago and Illinois has made noncitizen voting rights an issue. Chicago and Evanston leaders wanted noncitizens to vote in local elections. Illinois Senators wanted to prevent them from voting. Neither side has secured any changes.
Can noncitizens vote in Illinois? Depends on the election
Can noncitizens vote in Illinois? Depends on the election
The influx of migrants to Chicago and Illinois presents a potential voting bloc ahead of the 2024 election. Some politicians have tried to get them the vote. Others have tried to prevent it.
Schools need to be open about curriculum to fight Illinois student declines
Schools need to be open about curriculum to fight Illinois student declines
Illinois students’ reading and math proficiency have yet to rebound from pandemic losses. Illinois parents have a right to know what their children are being taught so they can be part of the solution.
Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families
Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families
Published July 9, 2024 America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their...
Literacy legislation aims to fix Illinois’ low reading proficiency
Literacy legislation aims to fix Illinois’ low reading proficiency
Lawmakers in 2023 required the Illinois State Board of Education to create a public school literacy plan using evidence-based reading instructional practices. A follow-up bill awaiting the governor’s signature would require school vendors to follow that plan.
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Fourth of July? No. We should always call it Independence Day to remember what we celebrate and what it means.
Vallas: Chicago has too few police, pays too much in police overtime
Vallas: Chicago has too few police, pays too much in police overtime
Chicago's violent crime is up. A record $300 million was spent on police overtime last year. It's simple: too few cops leads to too much crime and requires a very wasteful, inefficient fix. Chicago needs more officers on patrol.