The irresistible force is hitting the immovable object. Just as the state is effectively bankrupt, municipalities throughout Illinois will be confronting that unfortunate reality. It’s tempting to say that Peoria’s problems represent the canary in the coal mine. But the canary checked out a long time ago. Peoria represents a coal miner succumbing to a financial threat too long ignored.

At Bradley Elementary School District 61, six of the nine educators pulling in six figures are pensioners.