A proposed millionaire tax amendment has stalled in Springfield after failing to gain enough support from House Democrats, dealing a blow to efforts aimed at restructuring Illinois flat income tax system. As first reported by Block Club Chicago, the measure would have allowed higher earners to be taxed at increased rates, potentially generating new revenue for the state. Its failure underscores continued divisions within the Democratic Party over how to address budget pressures without fundamentally changing the tax structure.
In Chicago, debates around public education are intensifying ahead of planned May Day actions on May 1. The Chicago Teachers Union has called for a day of civic engagement, prompting criticism from Victor P. Henderson, a candidate for Chicago Public Schools Board President.
Henderson argued that pulling students out of classrooms for what he described as a politically motivated demonstration risks worsening already concerning academic outcomes. He pointed to data showing fewer than one in three CPS elementary students are reading at grade level, and less than one in five meet math benchmarks, emphasizing that instructional time should remain the priority.
Chicago Public School officials, however, made clear that May 1 will proceed as a full instructional day across the district, with all scheduled school activities continuing as normal. For many school communities, district leaders say the day is expected to look no different than any other. Officials also noted that in schools where civic engagement activities do take place, student participation will be entirely voluntary and coordinated at the local level. The district emphasized that maintaining instructional continuity while allowing space for civic learning remains a central priority.
On the leadership front, the Chicago Urban League has opened applications for the 13th cohort of its IMPACT Leadership Development Program, with a May 1 deadline for prospective fellows. The nine-month program pairs mid- to senior-level professionals with executive mentors while offering a curriculum centered on civic engagement, leadership development, and public policy.
Through the IMPACT Leadership Development Program, we are continuing to invest in the talent and leadership that already exists within our communities, said Karen Freeman-Wilson, president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. Since its launch in 2014, the program has developed nearly 500 alumni who now serve across Chicagos civic, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. The upcoming cohort will begin in September.
Meanwhile, the Doc10 Film Festival returns this week, running April 24 through May 3, with screenings at venues including the Davis Theater and the Gene Siskel Film Center.
The festival, known for showcasing high-impact nonfiction storytelling, features 18 documentaries centered on themes of resilience and global perspective. Organizers say this years lineup includes stories ranging from international conflict zones to personal journeys, along with post-screening discussions featuring filmmakers and cultural figures. Since its founding, the festival has built a reputation for spotlighting films that go on to receive national recognition, reinforcing Chicagos role as a hub for documentary storytelling.