(SPRINGFIELD) Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their own legislative districts. Co-chairs of the Fair Maps Illinois coalition, Bill Daley and Ray LaHood, spoke at a news conference yesterday in Chicago, announcing the push for a constitutional amendment to establish a redistricting commission. Illinois’ notoriety for gerrymandered legislative maps gained national attention this summer as the redistricting issue is boiling over from Texas.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois student leaders serving on state higher education boards will now receive $500-per-semester scholarships under a recently signed law that many lawmakers say is another unnecessary expense for taxpayers at a time when the state faces far greater challenges. Many say if board members are compensated, their decisions could be tainted.
(ARLINGTON HEIGHTS) Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a 1% tax on groceries. Since Governor J.B. Pritzker approved the elimination of the statewide 1% grocery tax, effective January 1st, 2026, hundreds of municipalities around Illinois have approved similar taxes to replace the revenue to be lost with most taking effect next year.
(CHICAGO) A new round of construction has begun at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Airline officials joined federal, state, and local politicians to kick off the $1.5 billion Concourse D project. The new addition will include 19 new gates, along with commercial space, lounge space, a children’s play area, and much more.