Chicago Public Schools rejects opt-out testing solution
Chicago Public Schools rejects opt-out testing solution
CPS rejected a proposal from the Chicago Teachers Union that would have tested randomly selected students. Mayor Lighfoot says parents opting in is non-negotiable
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago’s $1 million-plus speed cameras hurting low-income areas
Chicago’s $1 million-plus speed cameras hurting low-income areas
Nearly half of Chicago’s highest cash-generating speed cameras were on the South Side. Two, including the top $3.1-million camera, are hitting Ward 20 Ald. Jeanette Taylor’s low-income constituents with fines she said they can’t afford.
By Patrick Andriesen
Sarah Sachen
Sarah Sachen
"Remote learning is dreadful for children with special needs. It’s so difficult to catch them up. My youngest in pre-K is doing really well so far in school. They need to be in a classroom.”
Nonprofit offers $5 million in grant money for Chicago families harmed by CTU walkout
Nonprofit offers $5 million in grant money for Chicago families harmed by CTU walkout
A nonprofit is dedicating $5 million in rescue funds to create more opportunities for students shut out of classrooms while negotiations between Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools drag on.
By Dylan Sharkey
Lightfoot fights back against CTU, withholds pay and considering legal action
Lightfoot fights back against CTU, withholds pay and considering legal action
In the ongoing CPS-CTU feud, Mayor Lightfoot says teachers on strike will be docked pay, and the city is considering legal recourse. The union says classrooms aren’t safe, and they won’t budge until COVID cases drop or demands are met.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois has been subject to Pritzker’s emergency powers for nearly 22 months. Where does this power come from?
Illinois has been subject to Pritzker’s emergency powers for nearly 22 months. Where does this power come from?
Illinois’ emergency management statute grants the governor broad powers to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the General Assembly has shown no interest in amending it.
By Joe Tabor
St. Charles City Council rejects vaccine mandate
St. Charles City Council rejects vaccine mandate
Chicago and Cook County have implemented vaccine mandates, requiring proof of vaccination to enter gyms, restaurants and other venues. St. Charles, which is in Kane and DuPage counties, does not fall under the purview of these mandates, but has pre-emptively opposed such a rule.
By Dylan Sharkey
Joe Ocol
Joe Ocol
“I have nothing against the union, but I have something against people who use the union for a political agenda for their own self-interest, because I feel that this has something to do with political motives.”
Day 2 of Chicago Teachers Union walkout costs students
Day 2 of Chicago Teachers Union walkout costs students
The Chicago Teachers Union’s refusal to conduct in-person classes is idling students for a second day. Students pay the price for a union ignoring the public health experts and other large districts.
By Brad Weisenstein
Chicago parents had 8 hours’ notice of teachers union walkout
Chicago parents had 8 hours’ notice of teachers union walkout
Not only were there few hours to find child care for working families, but the word came as most people were asleep that the Chicago Teachers Union was forcing schools to close the next day.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois loses more people faster to other states during COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois loses more people faster to other states during COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois, California and New York shrank the most and lost people fastest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas and Florida grew the most. Idaho, Utah and Montana grew the fastest.
By Bryce Hill
Chicago teachers who don’t want to walk out on students have options
Chicago teachers who don’t want to walk out on students have options
The Chicago Teachers Union refused to return to classrooms Jan. 5. Teachers who recognize the failings of remote learning and want to be there for their students have options.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Teachers Union uses COVID-19 to walk out on students, again
Chicago Teachers Union uses COVID-19 to walk out on students, again
Chicago schools closed Jan. 5 when the Chicago Teachers Union voted to keep members out of classrooms, trying to force an end to in-person learning over COVID-19 concerns.
By Dylan Sharkey