The Last Ward

The Chicago Teachers Union is toxic among Democrats

The results of the union’s transformation into a political machine speak for themselves.

Feb 15 • Austin Berg

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How Democrats can unlock $100M+ for Chicago education without tax hikes

Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he “would be crazy” to reject a new federal tax credit program. But Illinois leaders haven't committed.

Feb 8 • Austin Berg

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5 steps Chicago’s next mayor can take to fix city finances

Here’s how to tell if a candidate is serious about putting the city on more stable ground.

Feb 1 • Austin Berg

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January 2026

One year later: What the gift room scandal reveals about Chicago

The city's governance structure actively works against accountability.

Jan 25 • Austin Berg

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Exclusive: Chicago Teachers Union audits show potential criminal conduct

New audit records reveal inconsistencies in union reporting that may have led to misstatements to members and the federal government.

Jan 19 • Austin Berg

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Chicago is investigating how residents learned of a meeting to hike their property taxes

It's story that reads like The Onion. But there’s a deeper issue here.

Jan 11 • Austin Berg

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Why you can’t start a Chicago-style hot dog cart in Chicago

An unworkable licensing regime is hurting the city's culinary culture.

Jan 4 • Austin Berg

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December 2025

Chicago’s new budget kills head tax, but lacks brains

City Council was not designed for independence. It's time to change that.

Dec 21, 2025 • Austin Berg

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The truth about TIFs: Chicago’s secret property tax hikes

How financial shell games and a loophole in state law denies Chicagoans the power to vote on their property tax bills.

Dec 14, 2025 • Austin Berg

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How to hate Chicago’s parking meter deal for the right reasons

Last week marked the 17th anniversary of the parking meter deal, but Chicagoans haven't learned the proper lessons from the city's most infamous…

Dec 7, 2025 • Austin Berg

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November 2025

Remembering Chicago’s greatest Thanksgiving

Lessons from a manmade catastrophe.

Nov 30, 2025 • Austin Berg

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Everything you need to know about the Chicago Teachers Union's audits scandal

Local teachers' fight for transparency has finally reached Congress.

Nov 23, 2025 • Austin Berg

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