Why Chicago Was Once a Political Convention Hotspot
Chicago has played host for more national political conventions than any other city, but now it’s passed over in favor of swing states.
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Rebuilding the Illinois Republicans
The state GOP has lost its mojo, and it’s going to take a major recalibration to rebuild.
Rent Control Gets a New Lease on Life in Illinois
A bill to overturn a 1997 state rent control ban is headed for a vote.
Is Illinois Ready for Ranked-Choice Voting?
Bill sponsors are pushing the plan in both houses of the Illinois legislature. But history suggests they should be careful what they wish for.
What to Know About the Chicago Lawyers Behind the Smartmatic Lawsuit
How do you correct mass disinformation? According to the Chicago attorneys representing the plaintiff, by slapping a huge price tag on it.
Here’s What the Loop Could Look Like Post-Pandemic
Office vacancy rates in the Loop during the pandemic have surpassed their ’70s peak. So what’s it going to take to bring people back?
The Handoff That Wasn’t
Mike Simmons made headlines for his upset appointment over Rep. Kelly Cassidy. Lost in the scuttlebutt: Springfield’s never seen anything like him before.
Where Illinois Is Losing Population
More people left our state than any other in the 2010s. Part of the problem: Unlike elsewhere, there’s been no urban growth to offset rural decline.
The Futures of Water
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange is now hedging bets on California’s dwindling supply of H2O. Is that as sinister as it sounds?
Notes of a North-Side Census Taker
Chicago’s response rate in the 2020 survey was decent — except among the people who would benefit the most from a full count.