Illinois ranks last in U.S. for financial transparency
Illinois ranks last in U.S. for financial transparency
Illinois was just ranked last in the nation for financial transparency. The state’s chronic delays, audit failures and last-minute budgeting have put taxpayers in the dark and long-term stability at risk.
By Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis
Vallas: Pritzker works on national profile as Illinoisans tire of him
Vallas: Pritzker works on national profile as Illinoisans tire of him
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is burnishing his national image as a Democratic presidential candidate by inserting himself in the Texas redistricting controversy. But Illinoisans are growing tired of Pritzker and taxation, pushing his favorability rating into the negative.
By Paul Vallas
Over half of Illinoisans unhappy with Pritzker
Over half of Illinoisans unhappy with Pritzker
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is on the wrong side of public opinion, with new polling showing most voters view him unfavorably. They cited high taxes as their top concern. The poll should concern Pritzker as he eyes a third term and a White House run.
By Dylan Sharkey
Oak Park natural gas ban faces legal challenge
Oak Park natural gas ban faces legal challenge
In 2024, Oak Park, Illinois, went where Mayor Brandon Johnson tried to take Chicago – banning all natural gas connections in new building projects. The high cost of this inconsequential, feel-good move is getting legal pushback.
By Jerry Barmore
Testimony: Chicago cuts parking minimums near transit to boost housing affordability, availability
Testimony: Chicago cuts parking minimums near transit to boost housing affordability, availability
The Chicago City Council will allow residential developments near public transit to build without imposing parking space minimums, offering a major boost for affordability and the city’s housing supply.
By LyLena Estabine
37 states wouldn’t let Pritzker run for 3rd term in 2026
37 states wouldn’t let Pritzker run for 3rd term in 2026
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is running for a third term in 2026. In two-thirds of the states, term-limit laws would prevent him from running.
By Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis
16 missed chances for state lawmakers to help out Illinoisans
16 missed chances for state lawmakers to help out Illinoisans
Out of almost 7,000 bills filed, the Illinois General Assembly passed a little over 400. Some were good. Some were bad. Here are 16 bills that would have improved life in the state had they passed.
By Joe Tabor
Illinois lawmakers worry about paper coupons, death carpets, stickers, beauty sleep
Illinois lawmakers worry about paper coupons, death carpets, stickers, beauty sleep
What pressing issues did the Illinois General Assembly consider among 6,745 bills this past session? They pondered a sticker commission, “end-of-life” carpets, paper grocery coupons, 15-year-old voters and their own beauty sleep.
By Lilly Rossi
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Happy Fourth of July? Nope. We should always call it Independence Day. It reminds us of what we celebrate and what it means.
By John Tillman
Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music
Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan may be heading for a 7.5-year stint in the federal pen, but his corrupt legend lives on thanks to a folk song by a former staffer.
By Jess Plowman
Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music
Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan may be heading for a 7.5-year stint in the federal pen, but his corrupt legend lives on thanks to a folk song by a former staffer
Fireworks freedom denied: Illinois 1 of only 3 states still saying ‘no’
Fireworks freedom denied: Illinois 1 of only 3 states still saying ‘no’
While 47 states celebrate freedom with fireworks blazing across the sky, Illinois clings to a 1942 ban that limits autonomy and ignores safety data. Illinois residents cross state lines to partake in fireworks fun, while the state loses revenue and credibility.
By Charlotte Rotkis
Chicago’s South Side gets over 3X tickets per red-light cam as North Side
Chicago’s South Side gets over 3X tickets per red-light cam as North Side
Red-light cameras on Chicago’s South Side issued more than triple the number of tickets per intersection as on the North Side between June 2024 and May 2025. Fines citywide dropped over $12 million from the previous 12 months.
By Patrick Andriesen
July 1 starts Illinois laws on gender-inclusiveness, climate education, prostitution privacy
July 1 starts Illinois laws on gender-inclusiveness, climate education, prostitution privacy
Climate change education, gender inclusiveness, birth certificates, prostitution privacy, court translators and insulin costs all received attention from the Illinois General Assembly. Laws involving them take effect July 1. Plus, the state gasoline tax goes up.
By Lilly Rossi