Chicago Teachers Union defies its own rules with $1.5M more in member dues to Johnson
Chicago Teachers Union defies its own rules with $1.5M more in member dues to Johnson
To date, the Chicago Teachers Union and its affiliates have funneled nearly $5 million to the mayoral campaign of Brandon Johnson, ignoring member criticism and violating union rules.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund invested in now-collapsed Silicon Valley Bank
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund invested in now-collapsed Silicon Valley Bank
Financial reports show IMRF held nearly $8.6 million worth of SVB Financial Group Stock at the end of 2021.
By Bryce Hill, Jordan Carlson
March Madness means millions in tax revenue for Illinois
March Madness means millions in tax revenue for Illinois
Illinoisans bet more than $275 million on March Madness in 2022, with the state netting more than $2 million in tax revenue. Revenue totals for sports betting in 2022 were the second highest in the nation behind New York.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois House backslides toward Madigan-era rules
Illinois House backslides toward Madigan-era rules
The Illinois House has rolled back reforms made to its House Rules that govern how it conducts business in the wake of the Madigan Com-Ed scandal. New boss, same as the old boss?
By Joe Tabor
Nearly 40K Illinois jobs still missing 3 years after pandemic
Nearly 40K Illinois jobs still missing 3 years after pandemic
Illinois is still missing 39,500 jobs that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic hit three years ago. Also, 2022 jobs growth was weaker than first thought.
By Bryce Hill
How Brandon Johnson plans to impose $800M in taxes if he’s Chicago’s mayor
How Brandon Johnson plans to impose $800M in taxes if he’s Chicago’s mayor
Brandon Johnson’s mayoral campaign still states his six new taxes on “the suburbs, airlines and ultra-rich” would generate $800 million, even after he dropped his Metra tax. But the math is fuzzy, especially his claim $800 million can become $2 billion.
By Patrick Andriesen
What you need to know about voting in Illinois’ upcoming local elections
What you need to know about voting in Illinois’ upcoming local elections
Voting has started in many Illinois counties for the April 4 consolidated election for early, in-person voting and for those who’ve requested mail-in ballots. Here’s your guide to voting in the upcoming election.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago Teachers Union charges members $8 a month for Brandon Johnson campaign
Chicago Teachers Union charges members $8 a month for Brandon Johnson campaign
Chicago Teachers Union delegates voted to apportion $8 per month per member’s dues to help fund Brandon Johnson’s mayoral campaign. The motion to potentially triple the union’s campaign investment has drawn criticism from members.
By Patrick Andriesen
3 years after COVID-19 hit, Pritzker declares 40th emergency order
3 years after COVID-19 hit, Pritzker declares 40th emergency order
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared COVID-19 a disaster in Illinois for the 40th time. Illinois is 1 of only 6 states still using COVID-19 to declare a public health emergency.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates donate nearly $3.2M to Johnson campaign
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates donate nearly $3.2M to Johnson campaign
The Chicago Teachers Union and its affiliates have given nearly $3.2 million to Brandon Johnson’s campaign for Chicago mayor. The union has come under fire for shifting dues to political activities without members’ OK, but the cash is still flowing.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois Jeep plant shutters indefinitely, shedding 1,200 jobs
Illinois Jeep plant shutters indefinitely, shedding 1,200 jobs
For the first time in 57 years, Belvidere doesn’t have workers finishing their shifts at the local auto plant. Jeep manufacturer Stellantis idled the plant indefinitely. It is one of the five biggest auto assembly plants in the world. In a city of 25,000, it’s a vital part of the local economy. The state has...
By Dylan Sharkey
SAT scores in decline across Illinois, Chicago since 2017
SAT scores in decline across Illinois, Chicago since 2017
SAT scores are dropping for high school students in Illinois and Chicago. Here’s how Illinois’ 20 largest school districts compared to the state average in reading and math.
By Hannah Schmid
Poll: Johnson’s $800M tax hike likely to speed Chicago exodus
Poll: Johnson’s $800M tax hike likely to speed Chicago exodus
New polling shows more than one-third of Chicago voters would leave the city if they could, citing taxes and affordability as a top concern. Mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson’s $800 million tax hike could make them move out faster.
By Patrick Andriesen