Enrollment barely rises at Chicago Public Schools amidst 12% increase in English Learners
Enrollment barely rises at Chicago Public Schools amidst 12% increase in English Learners
Preliminary enrollment data for the 2024-2025 school year show a less than 1% uptick in enrollment. The biggest increase is in English Learners.
By Hannah Schmid
How Mississippi ended its worst-in-the-nation early literacy epidemic
How Mississippi ended its worst-in-the-nation early literacy epidemic
Mississippi state lawmakers enacted science-based literacy legislation in 2013, laying the groundwork for improved reading proficiency among early grades, and additional legislation in 2016 to solidify improvement in literacy trends.
By Hannah Schmid
Illinois early voting starts as vote-by-mail ballots go out
Illinois early voting starts as vote-by-mail ballots go out
With 40 days until the election, Illinois residents can vote early at their local county clerks’ office. Vote-by-mail ballots should arrive soon, but there is still time to apply for one.
By Patrick Andriesen
Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?
Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?
More than a dozen candidates filled out an Illinois Policy questionnaire to give voters a better idea of who is running for office. Read their answers below.
Tracker: who Chicago Teachers Union is funding in Chicago’s school board race
Tracker: who Chicago Teachers Union is funding in Chicago’s school board race
The Chicago Teachers Union is backing various candidates for Chicago Board of Education. CTU has donated more than $175,000 to their endorsed candidates.
By Dylan Sharkey, Jon Josko
Illinois had 1,183 mass layoffs in August, with more than 9-in-10 stemming from business closures
Illinois had 1,183 mass layoffs in August, with more than 9-in-10 stemming from business closures
Chicago led the state in mass layoffs, accounting for more than one-third of job cuts in August. The statewide data shows 93% of job losses stemmed from companies closing up shop.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
ShotSpotter support highest in Black, Hispanic Chicago wards mayor claims it hurts
ShotSpotter support highest in Black, Hispanic Chicago wards mayor claims it hurts
Where is support strongest for the gunshot detection system Chicago’s mayor wants to dump? In the Black and Hispanic wards where it is most needed and has saved lives.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.
Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.
The Fed just cut interest rates over worries about the national jobs outlook, but in Illinois unemployment has been a persistent problem. Tax and state economic policy should get much of the blame.
By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko
How do I register to vote in Illinois?
How do I register to vote in Illinois?
Registering to vote in Illinois can be confusing. Here is what you need to know to make sure your voice is heard this Election Day.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois government workers’ union dues being diverted to swing-state politics
Illinois government workers’ union dues being diverted to swing-state politics
Illinois government workers’ union dues fund Democratic Party campaign committees, which are now seeking to tip the presidential election outcome in swing states. That fails to align with at least 40% of members’ politics.
By Mailee Smith