37 states wouldn’t let Pritzker run for 3rd term in 2026

By Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis

07/08/2025

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.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

16 missed chances for state lawmakers to help out Illinoisans

By Joe Tabor

07/08/2025

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.

Iowa barbers now earn as they learn; Illinois forces $38k in costs

By Lauren Zuar

07/08/2025

Iowa just cut cosmetology and barber training red tape, allowing students to learn on the job, get paid and finish debt free. Illinois should do the same, offering apprenticeships in licensed occupations rather than forcing aspiring workers to take on big debt.

Illinois lawmakers worry about paper coupons, death carpets, stickers, beauty sleep

By Lilly Rossi

07/07/2025

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.

TAGS: budget, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, JB Pritzker

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July? Nope. We should always call it Independence Day. It reminds us of what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Independence Day

Rockford workforce program lays concrete foundation for young adults

By Lauren Zuar

07/04/2025

As Illinois faces high unemployment, a persistent skills gap and thousands of at-risk youth, Rockford delivers opportunity through a targeted workforce program. It offers a model for other Illinois cities.

TAGS: education, unemployment

Nearly 32,000 Illinois government pensioners paid $100k-plus

By Patrick Andriesen

07/03/2025

State data shows 31,937 members of Illinois’ five pension systems collected $100,000 a year or more in retirement benefits during 2024. Some got over $500,000. See the full list below.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, pensions, taxes

Illinois nurse shortage fix is blocked by unions

By Jack Knorr

07/03/2025

Joining the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact offers a solution to Illinois’ growing nurse shortage, but certain special interest groups stand in the way, limiting patients’ access to timely medical care.

TAGS: INA: Illinois Nurses Association, Nurse Licensure Compact, regulations

Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music

By Jess Plowman

07/02/2025

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.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Mike Madigan

Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles

By Ravi Mishra

07/02/2025

Illinois’ latest budget diverts millions in infrastructure funds to cover structural budget deficits despite substandard road conditions.

Illinois

37 states wouldn’t let Pritzker run for 3rd term in 2026

16 missed chances for state lawmakers to help out Illinoisans

Iowa barbers now earn as they learn; Illinois forces $38k in costs

Illinois lawmakers worry about paper coupons, death carpets, stickers, beauty sleep

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

Rockford workforce program lays concrete foundation for young adults

Nearly 32,000 Illinois government pensioners paid $100k-plus

Illinois nurse shortage fix is blocked by unions

Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music

Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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