Chicago Teachers Union honors convicted murderer, wanted terrorist
Chicago Teachers Union honors convicted murderer, wanted terrorist
The Chicago Teachers Union posted a social media memorial tribute to Assata Shakur, a convicted cop killer who fled to Cuba and was wanted as a terrorist. It drew sharp condemnation from Chicago aldermen and multiple governors.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago finds 39 ways to get $1.65B more to spend
Chicago finds 39 ways to get $1.65B more to spend
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s task force outlined 39 ways to raise up to $1.65 billion to close Chicago’s 2026 budget deficit. More taxes is the wrong answer.
By Bryce Hill
Wait it out? Illinois pensions probably can’t afford to
Wait it out? Illinois pensions probably can’t afford to
Illinois’ pension crisis won’t be solved without constitutional reform. Waiting for Tier 1 members to completely leave the system would take decades and cost taxpayers billions in unsustainable benefits.
By LyLena Estabine
Pritzker blames Trump for cuts, but Illinois is high risk for recession
Pritzker blames Trump for cuts, but Illinois is high risk for recession
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said state agencies need to trim 4%, blaming President Donald Trump and a slowing national economy. Illinois’ economic woes started long before Trump.
By Dylan Sharkey
Vallas: Stacy Davis Gates’ destructive vision for Chicago schools
Vallas: Stacy Davis Gates’ destructive vision for Chicago schools
The Chicago Teachers Union is shutting down school choice by attacking charter schools, hurting Black and Latino families who rely on them. Their actions put power over student success.
By Paul Vallas
Just 4-in-5 businesses from 2015 likely still open in your Chicago neighborhood
Just 4-in-5 businesses from 2015 likely still open in your Chicago neighborhood
Chicago lost nearly 1-in-5 businesses between 2015 and 2024, translating to nearly 11,200 fewer businesses operating in the city. Of the city’s 98 neighborhoods, 80 lost 10% or more of their businesses. Mag Mile lost 41% of its stores.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
More than 3-in-4 Illinois lawmakers get money from Illinois Federation of Teachers
More than 3-in-4 Illinois lawmakers get money from Illinois Federation of Teachers
The Illinois Federation of Teachers has poured more than $11 million into state lawmakers’ campaigns. Lawmakers then did IFT’s bidding on more than 2-in-5 bills in 2025, with what they wanted often hurting students’ and parents’ best interests.
By Mailee Smith
4 myths about federal scholarship tax credit program
4 myths about federal scholarship tax credit program
Illinois students could be denied donor-funded scholarships for tutoring and other academic services because opponents are spreading misinformation about how the program works. Here are the facts about four of their fictions.
By Hannah Schmid
As more states push to consolidate local elections, Illinois should follow their lead
As more states push to consolidate local elections, Illinois should follow their lead
States are pushing to consolidate elections into fewer election days. Aligning municipal with gubernatorial and federal elections streamlines voting and could increase voter turnout.
By Gerrin Alexander
Uber surcharge, property taxes, liquor prices: Chicago’s push for new taxes
Uber surcharge, property taxes, liquor prices: Chicago’s push for new taxes
New taxes on Uber, automatic property tax hikes and higher liquor taxes are all being pushed as Chicago leaders seek to spend $1 billion more than they will have.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois housing stock remains woefully low, prices climbing
Illinois housing stock remains woefully low, prices climbing
Policies that make building expensive have continued to choke Illinois’ housing supply, pushing more families away with high prices. Nearly $90K has been added to the average house price since 2018.
By LyLena Estabine
Illinois sports betting taxes 5th highest in nation, highest in Midwest
Illinois sports betting taxes 5th highest in nation, highest in Midwest
Sports betting in Illinois comes with the fifth-highest taxes in the nation. Users on FanDuel, DraftKings or other sites had new fees start in September – just in time for the NFL regular season.
By Dylan Sharkey