5 Ways state law empowers Chicago Teachers Union and how it can change
5 Ways state law empowers Chicago Teachers Union and how it can change
The Chicago Teachers Union is widely regarded as one of the most powerful teachers’ unions in the country because of massive political spending, militant activism and its adopted model of progressive political organizing. The union’s success is rooted in its deep political involvement, influencing elections, state and local policy to a level that sets it...
By Gerrin Alexander
Chicago Peace Initiative: Reducing violence with jobs
Chicago Peace Initiative: Reducing violence with jobs
Gangs and prison often keep Chicago’s youth out of the workforce, but the Chicago Peace Initiative works to change that.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago business activity growing for first time since November 2023
Chicago business activity growing for first time since November 2023
Chicago employment situation improves after hitting lowest level since 2009 in December 2025.
By Josh Bandoch, Jon Josko
Waste watch: Illinois gives $1.5M to ICE opponents
Waste watch: Illinois gives $1.5M to ICE opponents
Illinois lawmakers funded a Hispanic chamber of commerce connected to Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Its chief opposes ICE deportations.
By Geoff Feinstein
The good and bad in Pritzker pension proposals
The good and bad in Pritzker pension proposals
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced plans to handle Illinois’ pension crisis. Some build on proven reforms while others could delay real progress.
By LyLena Estabine
Waste watch: Illinois gives almost $1.2M to labor activist group
Waste watch: Illinois gives almost $1.2M to labor activist group
Illinois lawmakers provided nearly $1.2 million to a political advocacy group promoting progressive labor policies. Little info was offered about how the taxes will be used.
By Geoff Feinstein
Three-peat: Illinois’ pension system last place for 3rd year in a row
Three-peat: Illinois’ pension system last place for 3rd year in a row
Illinois state pensions have less money to pay retirees than any state according to Equable Institute. It’s the third year in a row for Illinois coming in last.
By LyLena Estabine
Illinois must keep promise to join nursing group or risk millions
Illinois must keep promise to join nursing group or risk millions
To get part of $50 billion for a federal health program, Illinois promised to join nurse licensure and physician assistant compacts. Will state lawmakers keep that promise?
By Joe Tabor
Illinois’ social mobility is worst in Midwest
Illinois’ social mobility is worst in Midwest
Illinois placed 38th nationally for social mobility. Its rank was pulled down by economic problems and corruption in its legal system.
By Josh Bandoch
Kifowit bill risks digging Illinois pension hole deeper
Kifowit bill risks digging Illinois pension hole deeper
Illinois lawmakers propose a Tier 2 pension expansion that adds costly sweeteners, despite struggling to keep up with current obligations.
By LyLena Estabine
Illinois No. 3 in U.S. for high gas taxes
Illinois No. 3 in U.S. for high gas taxes
Illinoisans pay the third-highest gas taxes in the nation at nearly $0.85 per gallon. California leads and Michigan edged into the No. 2 spot.
By Brad Weisenstein
Chicago violent crime at decade low as arrest rates rise
Chicago violent crime at decade low as arrest rates rise
Violent crime in Chicago fell to more than a decade low in 2025. It dropped across 88% of the city’s neighborhoods as arrests rose.
By Patrick Andriesen