Illinois checks, balances? Not under Pritzker
Illinois checks, balances? Not under Pritzker
As veto session begins and power goes back to the Democratic majority state legislature, the consequences of a single-party state are more evident than ever.
Michael Madigan begins prison term
Michael Madigan begins prison term
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s 7.5-year federal prison sentence started Oct. 13 for his role in a bribery scheme involving Commonwealth Edison, Illinois’ largest utility.
Fines per Chicagoan more than triples since 1996 to prop up city budget
Fines per Chicagoan more than triples since 1996 to prop up city budget
Chicago’s 2025 budget needed $345 million in fines, forfeitures and penalties. It was $99 million 30 years ago. What will the new budget extract from residents?
Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits
Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits
Chicago’s $1.15 billion projected budget gap is the latest in a decades-long string of structural deficits. Making Chicago’s high taxes worse is not the solution.
Chicago Teachers Union pays for audit, doesn’t let members see it
Chicago Teachers Union pays for audit, doesn’t let members see it
The Chicago Teachers Union is over five years behind in releasing its 'annual' audits, yet its own reporting shows it’s been paying accountants for those audits.
Illinois grows enough pumpkins for 8B pumpkin-spice lattes
Illinois grows enough pumpkins for 8B pumpkin-spice lattes
Illinois can take credit for plenty of Starbucks’ pumpkin spice lattes. The state produces enough pumpkins to make nearly 8 billion pumpkin spice lattes, the most pumpkins in the U.S.
Chicago Teachers Union undermines yet another charter school
Chicago Teachers Union undermines yet another charter school
The Chicago Teachers Union’s attacks on charter schools are to blame for the upcoming closure of the Chicago High School for the Arts.
Without reforms, pension insolvency will eat Chicago alive
Without reforms, pension insolvency will eat Chicago alive
If Chicago’s pension systems become insolvent, the city will have to reduce benefits or make serious cuts to city services. The only way out is constitutional reform.
Rockford youth move from mean streets to building sidewalks
Rockford youth move from mean streets to building sidewalks
Rockford youths often faced a hopeless future, but a program is helping them find a trade as they rebuild their community. It is led by a man who once faced their troubles.
Teachers union strike threats as school starts is an unfair tactic
Teachers union strike threats as school starts is an unfair tactic
At least three Illinois teachers unions threatened to strike at the start of this school year. Keeping students out of class so unions can get their way should be illegal in Illinois.
Pritzker stands between public school students, academic help
Pritzker stands between public school students, academic help
If Gov. J.B. Pritzker lets Illinois join the federal scholarship tax credit program, public school students could receive grants for tutoring, books and other academic services.
Illinois GDP grew 4.8% in 2nd quarter of 2025
Illinois GDP grew 4.8% in 2nd quarter of 2025
Illinois’ economy bounces back after early 2025 slump. Long-term growth is threatened by taxation, regulation and barriers to getting a job.
Illinois taxpayers each owe $38,800 for state’s unpaid bills
Illinois taxpayers each owe $38,800 for state’s unpaid bills
Illinois taxpayers in 2024 owed an average of $38,800 each, ranking No. 3 in the U.S. Illinois earned an “F” for fiscal management.
Record high: Chicago Teachers Union 2X political spending
Record high: Chicago Teachers Union 2X political spending
The Chicago Teachers Union spent millions on failed school board candidates in its 2025 fiscal year. Not even 18% of its spending was on representing teachers.