Fewer than 1-in-3 Chicago Public Schools students read at grade level
Fewer than 1-in-3 Chicago Public Schools students read at grade level
Chicago Public Schools third- through eighth-grade state test scores increased in 2024, with reading finally surpassing 2019 levels. But for Chicago’s 11th grade students, both reading and math remained below pre-pandemic levels.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago mayor, Chicago Teachers Union want ‘millionaire tax’ money
Chicago mayor, Chicago Teachers Union want ‘millionaire tax’ money
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is banking on $300 million in new property taxes from residents in his latest budget. He and his former coworkers at the Chicago Teachers Union want a progressive state income tax to deliver more money to them, not to property tax relief.
By Dylan Sharkey
Marsha Familaro Enright
Marsha Familaro Enright
“Part of the idea is to have people in many different professions who are knowledgeable about the principles of entrepreneurship and liberty."
Cracking down on fare evasion can help deter Chicago transit crime
Cracking down on fare evasion can help deter Chicago transit crime
Washington, D.C., and New York City have cracked down on fare evasion because it is linked to serious and violent crime. The Chicago Transit Authority should do the same to curb its growing crime problem.
By Chris Coffey
Johnson’s 2025 Chicago budget breaks property tax promise
Johnson’s 2025 Chicago budget breaks property tax promise
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered his 2025 budget Oct. 30, including a nearly $1 billion deficit, runaway spending and low revenues that have him breaking his campaign promise not to raise property taxes.
By Lauren Zuar, Ravi Mishra
Unemployment high in 13 of 15 Illinois metro job markets
Unemployment high in 13 of 15 Illinois metro job markets
The statewide Illinois job market outpaced the national average. But 13 of 15 metro areas continued to have higher unemployment rates than the U.S. average.
By Ravi Mishra
Argie Karafotias
Argie Karafotias
"There needs to be transparency and accountability."
Illinois schools see small academic gains, but still need improvement
Illinois schools see small academic gains, but still need improvement
New Illinois public school test data shows reading and math proficiency rates for third- through eighth-grade students increased since 2023. Not so for 11th graders, who performed worse in reading and math.
By Hannah Schmid
Another Illinois town has passed a grocery tax. Is yours next?
Another Illinois town has passed a grocery tax. Is yours next?
Another Illinois town voted to pass a local grocery tax. See how much grocery shoppers in your community could lose if your local leaders also impose the tax.
By Dylan Sharkey
3 ways a ‘millionaire tax’ would hurt Illinois
3 ways a ‘millionaire tax’ would hurt Illinois
Illinois voters on Nov. 5 will be asked whether they favor a “millionaire tax.” Here are three things to know about it: the tax can be easily avoided, it fails to provide stable revenue and it discourages or limits economic growth.
By Matheus Cosso
Illinois pension crisis would devour ‘millionaire tax’
Illinois pension crisis would devour ‘millionaire tax’
Illinois needs to spend $4.9 billion more annually to pay for pensions, but the “millionaire tax” would only raise an estimated $3-$4.3 billion. That’s too little for the pension bills and would leave nothing for property tax relief.
By Bryce Hill
Tax question on November ballot could open door for retirement tax
Tax question on November ballot could open door for retirement tax
Implementing the “millionaire” tax would give lawmakers the power to tax retirement income. Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income.
By Patrick Andriesen