Chicago Fact Sheet
Chicago Fact Sheet
Chicago is one of the nation's greatest cities, but it has challenges. An outline of four of the most significant problems.
Mapes corruption conviction again shows need for 4 Illinois ethics reforms
Mapes corruption conviction again shows need for 4 Illinois ethics reforms
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s former chief of staff and confidant was found guilty of perjury. His conviction is a reminder Springfield has a long way to go on ethics reform.
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union out to destroy superior performance of charter schools
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union out to destroy superior performance of charter schools
Charter schools give low-income and minority students a better shot at success. So why is the Chicago Teachers Union trying to hurt charter schools’ better academic performance at lower cost?
Former Madigan chief of staff found guilty on perjury charges
Former Madigan chief of staff found guilty on perjury charges
Tim Mapes, former chief of staff to ousted Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, was convicted on perjury and obstruction of justice charges.
What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?
What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reportedly compromised on his proposed mansion tax in favor of a graduated real estate tax. What needs to happen before he can start collecting the extra taxes?
3 ways Chicago Mayor Johnson is likely to repay unions for bankrolling him
3 ways Chicago Mayor Johnson is likely to repay unions for bankrolling him
Nearly 83% of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s funding has been from unions, according to data obtained from Illinois Sunshine. More than half of that came from teachers unions. Here are three ways we could see him pay them back.
The Policy Shop: AFSCME’s new contract worsens Illinois’ pension crisis
The Policy Shop: AFSCME’s new contract worsens Illinois’ pension crisis
This edition of The Policy Shop was written by Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research. It’s a good month to be a state worker in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has awarded the largest ever American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) contract, which includes 19% pay raises and a $1,200 signing bonus for...
Vallas: After 100 days, trying to make sense of Johnson’s plans for Chicago
Vallas: After 100 days, trying to make sense of Johnson’s plans for Chicago
If the slow start of the Johnson administration is any indication, Chicagoans could be looking at four years without any meaningful government reform.
Midwest states expand school choice while Illinois fights to save scholarships for low-income students
Midwest states expand school choice while Illinois fights to save scholarships for low-income students
Five Midwest states have enacted or expanded school choice programs since the Invest in Kids Act was enacted in 2017. Now Illinois’ scholarships are set to expire while other programs thrive.
Back to school in Chicago Public Schools
Back to school in Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Public Schools students return to class Aug. 21. Take a look at the state of district proficiency, building utilization, enrollment, student-teacher ratios, absenteeism and finances.
Brandon Johnson’s first 100 days
Brandon Johnson’s first 100 days
The city of Chicago faces a pension crisis, heightened crime and a failing public school system. New Mayor Brandon Johnson has taken no concrete steps to deal with any of it.
Illinois teachers unions have threatened to strike 188 times since 2010
Illinois teachers unions have threatened to strike 188 times since 2010
Illinois public school students are at a severe disadvantage. Educational unions here can strike, keeping kids out of school, but that’s not the case in other big cities or neighboring states.
Concerned Citizens or “Carnival Barkers?”
Concerned Citizens or “Carnival Barkers?”
Rena Garrett
Rena Garrett
“If it weren’t for the scholarship, he probably would have been home taught. Public school was just not an option for him.”