Illinois state gas tax to hit 47 cents July 1
Illinois state gas tax to hit 47 cents July 1
After July 1, Illinois motorists will be averaging $184 more in state gas taxes since Gov. J.B. Pritzker doubled them in 2019. Illinois motorists already pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation, and inflation adjustments just take them higher.
By Dylan Sharkey
Editorial: Chicago Teachers Union leaders flip-flop on taxpayer-funded stadiums
Editorial: Chicago Teachers Union leaders flip-flop on taxpayer-funded stadiums
Chicago Teachers Union leadership opposed publicly funded stadiums in 2013. That’s changed: Chicago’s mayor is pushing a Bears football stadium deal needing billions in tax subsidies. And his pals in CTU leadership have yet to speak out about it.
By Hilary Gowins
More states give parents control over education funds, so why not Illinois?
More states give parents control over education funds, so why not Illinois?
There are 18 private school choice programs called “education savings accounts” in 16 states and growing. But Illinois leaders refuse to let parents decide how their taxes are used to educate their children.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago Public Schools faces class-action lawsuit over religious practices kept secret from parents
Chicago Public Schools faces class-action lawsuit over religious practices kept secret from parents
Former Chicago Public Schools students have started a class-action lawsuit alleging they were forced to meditate and signed nondisclosure agreements agreeing not to tell parents, especially religious parents.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Teachers Union demands include 45 days off, 9 new ways to take off
Chicago Teachers Union demands include 45 days off, 9 new ways to take off
The Chicago Teachers Union contract already provides 43 days off each year to teachers during the school year, but CTU is seeking at least two more days outside of the classroom. Its demands also include nine additional or expanded types of leave.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago speed cameras fined motorists over $102M in 2023
Chicago speed cameras fined motorists over $102M in 2023
Chicago speed cameras hit motorists with over $102 million in fines during 2023, and $879 million total since they started flashing a decade ago. The mayor promised to eliminate the automated traffic cams, which issued a ticket every 20 seconds last year.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago Teachers Union boss finally pays city bills, because of FOIA?
Chicago Teachers Union boss finally pays city bills, because of FOIA?
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates finally paid all her city trash, sewer and water bills after letting $5,381 in debt pile up. The pay-off came after an open records request was made. Hmmm…
By Brad Weisenstein
Chicago Teachers Union’s questionable finances include hiring union boss’ mom
Chicago Teachers Union’s questionable finances include hiring union boss’ mom
Since 2018, the Chicago Teachers Union has paid Robin Potter’s law firms nearly $320,000 – with thousands of that for unspecified purposes. She’s the mother of CTU’s vice president.
By William O’Keefe
Chicago Teachers Union wants taxpayers to hand $2K to each asylum-seeking student
Chicago Teachers Union wants taxpayers to hand $2K to each asylum-seeking student
When the Chicago Teachers Union negotiates its new contract this summer, one of the demands will be to give each asylum-seeking student $2,000. Why that’s CTU’s business and not for elected representatives to decide is anyone’s guess.
By Jerry Barmore
Illinois may take on massive public pension boost with no clue on costs
Illinois may take on massive public pension boost with no clue on costs
Several bills that enhance Tier 2 state worker pension benefits, reduce retirement ages, allow for large end-of-career lump-sum payments and other pension sweeteners are moving through the Illinois General Assembly. They appear to be heading for a vote.
By Bryce Hill
Chicago among 4 of 15 largest cities unable to recall mayor
Chicago among 4 of 15 largest cities unable to recall mayor
One Chicago resident is petitioning to give people the power to recall Chicago’s mayor. He needs more than 56,000 fellow voters to agree before it can be placed on the November ballot.
By Dylan Sharkey