On the Disappearing “Chi-caw-go”
The pronunciation of our fair city by the lake is a matter of local controversy — and like anywhere else, regional speech is giving way to national speech.
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The Speakership Used to Be Meaningless
George Ryan once gave up the job to become lieutenant governor, an office so worthless his predecessor had quit out of boredom. What changed?
If the Dems Are Smart, They’ll Draw Underwood a Better Map
IL-14 was designed as a Republican “vote sink” to corral as many red votes as possible into a single district. Then, a promising young Democrat won it.
Assessing a Transportation Secretary Rahm
Nobody in Chicago seems to like the idea. But as DOT boss, Emanuel would occupy a post so far removed from ideological policymaking that Obama filled it with a Republican.
Why the Fair Tax Failed
It's a testament to the broken trust between voters and Springfield that the bluest state in the Midwest couldn't pass a graduated income tax.
Illinois Is Really Good at Picking Presidents
In 50 elections since becoming a state, we've voted for the winning candidate 41 times.
The Weirdest Race in Illinois
Illinois Republicans are pouring millions into the fight to oust Justice Thomas Kilbride — and they don't even have a candidate on the ballot.
Is Chicago Coney Barrett–Proof?
Illinois is one of a handful of states with laws protecting both abortion and same-sex marriage. But Barrett, who for years has worked in Chicago, could change plenty about the...
If Downstate Illinois Seceded
Activists are again asking Congress to split Illinois into two states: Chicago, and everything else.
When Chicago Had an Elected Police Board
Many modern reformers want civilian oversight of CPD. For 14 years, Chicagoans had it.