Big batteries to store renewable energy create fire hazard
Big batteries to store renewable energy create fire hazard
As Illinois pushes for more renewable energy, it comes with a fire hazard risk at battery storage centers. A battery storage facility explosion in Arizona hurt eight firefighters. There have been three other fires.
By Dylan Sharkey
Next Chicago mayor needs to put students ahead of politics
Next Chicago mayor needs to put students ahead of politics
The incoming mayor will inherit a troubled Chicago Public Schools system, a strike-happy Chicago Teachers Union with an expiring contract, and a transition to a fully elected school board. Whoever is elected must put kids first.
By Mailee Smith
Mail-in votes for Chicago mayor up nearly 10-fold
Mail-in votes for Chicago mayor up nearly 10-fold
Chicagoans are exponentially voting from home in the upcoming mayoral elections. Early voting is now available in all 50 wards, with 10 days left to seek a mail-in ballot.
By Dylan Sharkey
‘Local 1’: How Chicago Teachers Union impacts children, community
‘Local 1’: How Chicago Teachers Union impacts children, community
Illinois Policy Institute’s documentary about the history of the Chicago Teachers Union and its political influence is now available. Here’s a study guide about what the union has done to education in the city.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker signs bill allowing Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize
Pritzker signs bill allowing Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize
Chicago Public Schools principals already make nearly 30% more than their peers in the rest of the state. A newly signed law allows them to unionize and push for even more.
By Mailee Smith
Each Chicago taxpayer on hook for nearly $42,000 of city debt
Each Chicago taxpayer on hook for nearly $42,000 of city debt
Fiscal watchdog Truth in Accounting found Chicagoans are each responsible for the second-most debt in the nation. It again gave the city an ‘F’ grade despite improvements from one-time federal COVID-19 aid and unusually high pension investment returns.
By Justin Carlson
Illinois Senate Bill would allow noncitizen parents, guardians to vote in school board elections
Illinois Senate Bill would allow noncitizen parents, guardians to vote in school board elections
Illinois lawmakers are considering granting noncitizens the right to vote in school board elections if their children are in the school district. Registering to vote would come with a warning about possible risks under U.S. immigration law.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates put over $2.3M in Brandon Johnson campaign
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates put over $2.3M in Brandon Johnson campaign
The Chicago Teachers Union, the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers have backed CTU lobbyist Brandon Johnson with more than $2.3 million in his run for Chicago mayor. The sitting mayor said CTU wants to take over City Hall.
By Mailee Smith
How Chicago’s pension crisis drives high taxes, fiscal turmoil
How Chicago’s pension crisis drives high taxes, fiscal turmoil
Before deciding who best can lead Chicago through its financial problems, it helps to understand what those problems are. Here’s a primer.
By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson
Illinois shoppers pay highest sales tax in Midwest, 8th in nation
Illinois shoppers pay highest sales tax in Midwest, 8th in nation
Illinoisans shopping for Valentine’s Day will pay the highest sales tax in the Midwest and eighth-highest in the nation.
By Dylan Sharkey