The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has made upgrades to its campsite and shelter reservation system, giving park visitors a more user-friendly way to book reservations at state parks and historic sites. Beginning May 1, reservations for campsites and shelters will transition to an updated […]
Illinois once again ranked near the bottom nationally for economic competitiveness, underscoring what Senate Republicans say is a troubling trajectory for the state’s future. According to the 2026 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index, Illinois ranked 49th in economic performance, based on state GDP growth, non-farm payroll […]
A new Chicago Tribune editorial highlighted a troubling warning sign for Illinois’ energy future as a major natural gas plant in Will County is being dismantled and moving to Texas. The editorial reports that about 900 megawatts of capacity at the 1,350-megawatt Elwood Energy facility, one […]
Senate lawmakers return to the Capitol on Tuesday, April 28, to begin the final stretch of the spring legislative session. The Senate is scheduled to be in session for the last week of April, and both chambers are then set to work through the final four […]
A proposed constitutional amendment advancing in the Illinois General Assembly is once again raising concerns about how legislative maps are drawn and whether the process will remain fair and transparent. The proposal (HJRCA 28) would change the standards used to draw legislative districts, including adjusting how […]
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has relaunched the Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience (I-COVER) program, which offers financial incentives to farmers adopting new or earlier cover crop techniques for 2026–2028. I-COVER is a three-year initiative funded by a $7 million grant from the […]
Hazardous Materials Awareness Month highlights the importance of understanding and safely managing hazardous chemicals in local communities. Illinois agencies, like the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, work with partners to monitor hazardous materials, train first responders, and ensure proper reporting and storage […]
Last week, Illinoisans traveled to Springfield to participate in Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD), advocating for the constitutional rights protected under the Second Amendment. Organized by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA), IGOLD continues to be one of the largest annual Second Amendment events in […]
Governor JB Pritzker recently suggested that local governments and school boards are responsible for Illinois’ high property taxes. However, that explanation overlooks the significant role his policies play in shaping those costs. While property taxes are collected locally, the state determines school funding levels, imposes mandates, […]
A recent audit of the Illinois Department of Corrections has revealed 40 ongoing failures, raising serious concerns about accountability and oversight within the agency. The audit identified issues, including violations of spending rules, improper oversight practices, and long-standing problems that have not been fully addressed, some […]