Wirepoints — News Tracking and Analysis

Paul Vallas: Illinois can’t bail out CPS, but it could cover more pension costs and ensure fiscal discipline – Chicago Tribune*

Real financial accountability is unlikely while CPS leadership and CTU continue doing business as usual. CPS bureaucrats maintain central control, and the CTU relies on that centralized structure to enforce expansive contracts. (Gov. JB) Pritzker should reestablish the Chicago School Finance Authority, which from 1980 to 1996 provided independent fiscal oversight, ensured fiscal discipline and helped stabilize CPS during a prior financial crisis.

Illinois Speaker Welch tries to contain fallout over handling of Harry Benton harassment allegations – Chicago Tribune/Yahoo

Chicago aldermen sign ‘ICE Out’ pledge demanding officials reject money tied to immigration enforcement – Chicago Tribune/Yahoo

The eleven companies and one PAC singled out by ICE Out of Chicago are: Motorola Solutions, Waste Management and Stericycle, Target, SP+Parking, Home Depot, Amazon, FedEx, Microsoft, Dell, Deloitte, Ean Holdings (Enterprise, National and Alamo) and the Illinois Hotel Motel PAC. For the last name, the pledge says Marriott and Hilton allow immigration agents to stay at their properties. The list can change depending on the companies' contracts and policies.

Watchdog report on Cook County tax tech contract: ‘Nobody’s hands are clean’ – Chicago Tribune/Yahoo

Save A Lot stores set to close Saturday after years of turmoil, recent CEO death threatens city-funded deal – Chicago Sun-Times

Ohio-based Yellow Banana has a redevelopment agreement with the city of Chicago, through which it received over 13 million in taxpayer financing to renovate and reopen Save A Lot locations. Yellow Banana was pitched to Chicagoans in 2022 as a Black-owned company that wanted to reinvest in Save A Lot locations that came with a reputation for dirty stores, a rat infestation and expired foods.

Gov. JB Pritzker touts climate, green energy record as capacity leaves, rates rise – Center Square

Noah Finley of the National Federation of Independent Business said much of Pritzker’s energy policy is a major reason for increases in costs for Illinoisans: “They're looking to eliminate, or really constrain, energy options such as investments in natural gas, which many small businesses depend upon. And at a time when our electricity grid is already overburdened and we're seeing skyrocketing electricity prices, this is a very bad time to be exploring the phasing out of natural gas.

A 2026 update on the State of Chicago Pensions – A City that Works

...(W)e started the year at 12.42 billion in assets against 48.95 billion in liabilities for a 25.4 percent funded rate and a 36.53 billion net liability. We ended the year at 14.20 billion in assets against 50.63 billion in liabilities for a 28.1 percent funded rate and a 36.43 billion net liability. That’s pretty solid progress.

Chicago Pension Watch: No, There Aren’t Many Choices – Stump

Actuary Mary Pat Campbell: Thing is I don’t think Chicago or Illinois can really be repaired with Chapter 9, either. They’re not ready for the level of honesty required for Chapter 9.

Illinois Took in $2.6B in Gambling Taxes in 2025 but Spent Spare Change on Treatment – Play USA

For every 100 the state collected from gambling last year, it devoted less than 0.06 to treatment, according to the report.

5 things to know about the Bears stadium financing controversy – Northwest Indiana Times

The longer loan term, paired with Indiana's highest-possible AAA credit rating and its considerably stronger financial position compared to Illinois, should enable the Hoosier State to secure a lower interest rate and require less money each year to cover the stadium debt.