Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

The Policy Shop: What are Mayor Brandon Johnson’s political allies thinking?

The Policy Shop: What are Mayor Brandon Johnson’s political allies thinking?

This edition of The Policy Shop is written by policy analyst Justin Carlson. “First We Get The Money” sounds like the title of a pretty dope, 1990s rap album. It’s not. It’s the name given to what’s intended to be a serious academic paper detailing the various means the city of Chicago can deploy (taxes, taxes,...

Chicago Teachers Union prioritizes politics as student proficiency suffers

Chicago Teachers Union prioritizes politics as student proficiency suffers

The Chicago Teachers Union told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just six legislative sessions. It used its powerful position to pressure the state to follow its radical politics. Here are five examples of the union placing politics over its core purpose.

By Mailee Smith

Aimee Orta

Aimee Orta

“One of my children was coming home from school frustrated, emotional and explosive. I asked the kindergarten teacher if she was seeing any issues at school. She said, ‘No. Everything is fine.’”

Jeff ‘Rafi’ Boyd

Jeff ‘Rafi’ Boyd

“I came to the realization while I was incarcerated that I had to make some serious, life-changing decisions. I had obviously made a bad career choice. I made a conscious effort and decision to turn my life around.”