Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

The Policy Shop: The Chicago Teachers Union’s Fringe Ideology, Explained

The Policy Shop: The Chicago Teachers Union’s Fringe Ideology, Explained

This edition of The Policy Shop is by Mailee Smith, staff attorney and director of labor policy. People who go to the Illinois Statehouse almost always want something. One way to tell what they want is by looking at the legislation they support or oppose. That’s one way we’ve learned so much about just how...

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

Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college

Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college

The graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates in Chicago were below the statewide average in 2022. Reading and math SAT scores were also below the Illinois average. Other large districts in Cook and the collar counties performed better.

By Hannah Schmid

The Policy Shop: Illinois public schools lower the bar instead of raising proficiency

The Policy Shop: Illinois public schools lower the bar instead of raising proficiency

Summer break is here, and with it an opportunity to reflect on how things are going in our schools. Illinois found itself among the minority of states graduating a higher percent of students post-pandemic in 2022. Yet, a deeper dive into state data reveals a troubling trend: while high school graduation rates rose, SAT scores...