Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Emanuel promises another Chicago property-tax hike

Emanuel promises another Chicago property-tax hike

Mere months after passing the largest tax hike in modern Chicago history, Mayor Rahm Emanuel vows to hit residents with even higher property-tax bills, this time to bail out pension mismanagement by Chicago Public Schools officials – behavior tacitly endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union.

By Austin Berg

CPS’ postponed bond sale poses questions for Chicago and Emanuel

CPS’ postponed bond sale poses questions for Chicago and Emanuel

Amid CPS’ postponed $875 million bond sale, Chicagoans should question whether the district can fill its budget hole and whether Emanuel will stand up for Chicago taxpayers or give in to more teachers union demands.

New proposal would hold schools accountable for ensuring students can read

New proposal would hold schools accountable for ensuring students can read

Across the state, only 36 percent of third-grade black children read at grade level in 2014, while only 39 percent of Hispanic children met the standards. Yet state education rules force 4th grade children to advance to the next grade – whether they’re reading-ready or not.

By Ted Dabrowski