Vallas: The truth about the 2013 school closures the Chicago Teachers Union doesn’t want you to hear
Vallas: The truth about the 2013 school closures the Chicago Teachers Union doesn’t want you to hear
In 2013, Chicago closed 50 nearly empty schools. Since then, the CTU has barred charters and other schools from using these empty buildings to provide schooling options for local students. After railing against these school closures, CTU leadership locked students out of full-time, in-person learning for 17 months during 2020-21.
By Paul Vallas
Illinois high school students struggle, yet graduation rate hits 10-year high
Illinois high school students struggle, yet graduation rate hits 10-year high
Illinois celebrated its highest graduation rate in a decade. But high school student proficiency and average SAT scores are dropping as chronic absenteeism increases across the state.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers
Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson handed parental leave to his former employers at the Chicago Teachers Union with no negotiation. Now the city’s police union wants it.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois unemployment 4th worst in U.S., job growth slows in May
Illinois unemployment 4th worst in U.S., job growth slows in May
While government jobs outpaced the overall growth for the month, manufacturing and construction took the biggest losses as the unemployment rate remains among the worst in the nation.
By Justin Carlson
Welch, Harmon get millions from teachers unions before blocking school choice for poor kids
Welch, Harmon get millions from teachers unions before blocking school choice for poor kids
It’s a simple choice for Illinois’ top legislative leaders this fall: listen to the over $1 million each got in campaign cash from teachers unions, or back the futures of 9,600 low-income students with a tax credit that is barely a blip in the $50 billion state budget.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M
Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M
Being in the top 10 of Illinois’ five statewide pension systems is an investor’s dream and a taxpayer’s nightmare. The median investment is shy of $166,000, but the estimated lifetime payout is $5.5 million.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying
Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying
Illinois lawmakers passed a bill giving teachers 10 paid days off for union advocacy if elected to union leadership positions.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinoisans of every age, income bracket moving out of state
Illinoisans of every age, income bracket moving out of state
The bulk of those leaving Illinois are aged 26-54 and their dependents.
By Bryce Hill
California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
Illinois labor leaders claimed their push to enshrine public union supremacy in the Illinois Constitution was the “blueprint” for other states. Now both California and Pennsylvania are following Illinois’ lead.
By Mailee Smith
NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax
NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax
The typical racing fan will pay an extra $22 for general admission to Chicago’s NASCAR “Street Race Weekend” thanks to the city’s amusement tax. Luxury seating could cost residents more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.
By Patrick Andriesen