Pritzker OKs $237M in partisan pork as part of record Illinois budget

By LyLena Estabine

06/18/2025

Gov. J.B. Pritzker had the power to strike $237 million in pork-barrel projects that benefit only Democratic lawmakers’ districts. He should have vetoed the pork projects to create a responsible state budget that is fair to all Illinois taxpayers.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

How Illinois political insiders protected Madigan, rewarded themselves

By Dylan Sharkey

06/13/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison but his allies now run the Illinois House and Illinois Democratic Party. The rules he created to run his machine still work for new operators.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Gerrymandering: Madigan’s legacy of letting politicians choose their voters

By Patrick Andriesen

06/13/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s sentencing to 7.5 years for bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud ends his active role in Illinois politics. But his legacy of gerrymandering will continue to shape Illinois politics long after he’s behind bars.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Who in Springfield still owes Mike Madigan for getting elected?

By Joe Tabor, Jon Josko

06/12/2025

Think former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s influence ended when he resigned or was convicted of bribery? Maybe not. Fifty-seven Illinois General Assembly members who received funds from Madigan’s political committees are still in office.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

By Josh Bandoch, Lauren Zuar

06/03/2025

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

By Paul Vallas

05/26/2025

As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker positions himself as the foil to President Donald Trump, a look at his record as governor is telling. What it is telling is not good.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, jobs, taxes

How Chicago Teachers Union election impacts those well past city limits

By Dylan Sharkey

05/01/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union election has two groups competing to lead one of the most militant unions in the nation. CTU has a hand in federal, state and local politics.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Vallas: Pritzker, Johnson keep playing Trump card

By Paul Vallas

04/25/2025

Deep-blue Illinois had President Biden to bail out the state’s and Chicago’s financial failings. Now city and state leaders have President Trump to blame for their financial failings. Eventually, taxpayers will be held responsible.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, JB Pritzker

Illinois Federation of Teachers spends $46.1M on state politics

By Patrick Andriesen

03/19/2025

The Illinois Federation of Teachers spent $46.1 million on Illinois political committees since 2010. Campaign cash went to nearly three-quarters of sitting lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly.

TAGS: IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers

Illinois lawmakers attack parents’ constitutional rights

By Mailee Smith

03/06/2025

House Bill 2827 would require all Illinois private schools to report personal information about students to local and state authorities – a prime example of Illinois government overreach and an infringement of parents’ constitutional rights.

Democratic Party

Pritzker OKs $237M in partisan pork as part of record Illinois budget

How Illinois political insiders protected Madigan, rewarded themselves

Gerrymandering: Madigan’s legacy of letting politicians choose their voters

Who in Springfield still owes Mike Madigan for getting elected?

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

How Chicago Teachers Union election impacts those well past city limits

Vallas: Pritzker, Johnson keep playing Trump card

Illinois Federation of Teachers spends $46.1M on state politics

Illinois lawmakers attack parents’ constitutional rights

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students