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

Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral

By Paul Vallas

06/27/2025

J.B. Pritzker wants a third term as Illinois governor, but based on his history of boosting taxes and creating spending records, can Illinois afford him for four more years? Will the state grow even smaller as Illinoisans get fed up and leave?

TAGS: JB Pritzker, outmigration, taxes

When GOP gets just 14% of state legislation, Illinois has a legislative map problem

By Joe Tabor, Lilly Rossi

06/20/2025

6,745 bills were filed in the Illinois General Assembly this session, but only a small fraction passed both houses. Of those, 86% were introduced by Democrats. That big disparity is rooted in Democrats drawing legislative districts that shrink opposition.

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

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

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

9 things you’d likely get wrong about Illinois Federation of Teachers

By Mailee Smith

06/11/2025

The Illinois Federation of Teachers represents employees in more than 200 school districts across the state, but it does a lot that defies expectations. Here are nine things you and its members likely misunderstand, most related to colluding with the Chicago Teachers Union.

TAGS: IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers

Inside Illinois’ 2026 budget: spend now, squeeze more, solve later

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

06/06/2025

State lawmakers built Illinois’ record $55.2 billion budget for 2026 on gimmicks, one-time fixes and piecemeal tax hikes. They left pension debt, transit cliffs and real reform for another day.

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...

Medicaid enrollment, spending soar in Illinois as Congress weighs cuts

By Chris Coffey

03/27/2025

Expansions to Medicaid because of the Affordable Care Act and COVID-19 have increased the program in Illinois as Congress considers potential cuts or work requirements.

Chicago Teachers Union can strike after March 7

By Mailee Smith

03/06/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union entered a 30-day “cooling off” period following its rejection of a neutral fact-finder’s contract recommendations. The 30 days are up. The union can go on strike after March 7.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Republican Party

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

Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral

When GOP gets just 14% of state legislation, Illinois has a legislative map problem

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

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

9 things you’d likely get wrong about Illinois Federation of Teachers

Inside Illinois’ 2026 budget: spend now, squeeze more, solve later

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Medicaid enrollment, spending soar in Illinois as Congress weighs cuts

Chicago Teachers Union can strike after March 7

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