Workers penalized just for living in Illinois
Workers penalized just for living in Illinois
Illinois workers are at a disadvantage compared to people in other states with the same job. Illinois’ 4.8% unemployment rate is third-highest in the nation.
Chicago Public Schools’ academic struggles top Chicagoans’ concerns
Chicago Public Schools’ academic struggles top Chicagoans’ concerns
Half of Chicagoans said their biggest concern was “students not learning enough academically.” They expect Chicago Public Schools to “prepare students to go to college.” But the Chicago Teachers Union is demanding more schools that fail those expectations.
Illinois retailers taxed $186M by capping sales tax credit
Illinois retailers taxed $186M by capping sales tax credit
A cap on the retailers’ sales tax credit will effectively hikes taxes on Illinois retailers by $186 million. Retailers are already facing razor-thin margins, but the record $53.1 billion state budget required $1.1 billion in new taxes.
See how well your local 3rd graders can read
See how well your local 3rd graders can read
Third grade is a critical year for young readers, predicting the success of their entire educations. See how well your local schools are doing at producing proficient readers by the end of third grade.
Black Chicagoans 20X likelier to be homicide victims; arrest rate hits record low
Black Chicagoans 20X likelier to be homicide victims; arrest rate hits record low
Black Chicagoans were over 20 times more likely to become homicide victims during the past 12 months than their white peers, with 9-in-10 homicides on the South Side and West Side. Hopes of catching killers hit a new low.
Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead
Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead
Third grade marks a critical reading milestone: if students struggle then, they will face greater problems during the rest of their educations. State data shows 7 of 10 Illinois third graders can’t read at grade level, meaning there’s trouble awaiting most Illinois students.
Illinois’ new budget ends statewide grocery tax
Illinois’ new budget ends statewide grocery tax
The new state budget eliminates the 1% grocery tax, placing Illinois with 37 other states by 2026. But the bill gives municipalities the option to implement their own tax without voter approval.
The Policy Shop: In Chicago, violent crime goes up as arrests go down
The Policy Shop: In Chicago, violent crime goes up as arrests go down
This episode of The Policy Shop is by staff writer Patrick Andriesen and data scientist Jon Josko. Two recent measures of Chicago crime yielded a disturbing theme: Crimes are getting more violent; police are making fewer arrests. One of those crimes, a carjacking, left a Chicago Police officer dead. Officer Luis Huesca was shot 10...
Illinois General Assembly OKs $1.1B in tax hikes for record $53.1B spending
Illinois General Assembly OKs $1.1B in tax hikes for record $53.1B spending
Illinois state lawmakers’ spending plans came in $410 million higher than what Gov. J.B. Pritzker originally proposed. Taxpayers will be forced to pay $1.1 billion more so Illinois can spend record amounts in fiscal year 2025.
Chicago Teachers Union demands parents be kept in dark on curriculum
Chicago Teachers Union demands parents be kept in dark on curriculum
The Chicago Teachers Union’s past lobbying to keep curriculum a secret plus its divisive tweets show the union’s demand to allow off-the-record curriculum isn’t in parents’ or students’ best interests.
Editorial: Illinois public schools lose 127,000 students since pandemic
Editorial: Illinois public schools lose 127,000 students since pandemic
As public school enrollment continues to drop, Illinois faces the prospect of a smaller future workforce.
Report: How Illinois can give parents more choice within public school system
Report: How Illinois can give parents more choice within public school system
Illinois has limited charter school options or open enrollment policies. Lawmakers should expand public school choice options in Illinois to give families more control over their children’s education.
2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax
2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax
The typical racing fan will pay an extra $22 for general admission to Chicago’s NASCAR “Street Race Weekend” thanks to the city’s amusement tax. Luxury seating could cost residents more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.
Chicago crime: Assaults up 6.7% past 12 months, more violent
Chicago crime: Assaults up 6.7% past 12 months, more violent
Assaults were up 6.7% for the 12 months ending in April as confrontations became more violent. Black Chicagoans were more than 5 times more likely to be assault victims than their white counterparts.