Many top artists use their work to make political or social statements. Illinois native Helen West Heller was among them, and her radical political beliefs sometimes got her in trouble.

State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, chair of the House Transportation: Rail Systems, Roads & Bridges Committee, is heading into the transit funding discussions armed with an inch-and-a-half-thick binder filled with CTA salary data.

In Illinois on St. Patrick’s Day, there is green in abundance. And plenty of Irish eyes are smiling.

Among the foremost Illinois writers of the late 20th century was Norbert Blei, credited with 17 books and countless articles and short stories.  

Advocates say a major storm is brewing that could overwhelm the state’s child foster care system.

Pi Day has risen from a novelty on the calendar into a global celebration. Math and science lovers revel in it and organize intricate celebrations that only a geek could love. Others simply scratch their heads.  

The latest report from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability shows that spending on “core” state services in the governor’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget will be 9.1% less in real dollars than it was in fiscal 2000.

Rural towns in Illinois and elsewhere have many landmarks of bygone eras. Among them are the remnants of the Chautauqua movement, called the “most American thing in America” by Theodore Roosevelt.

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch didn’t sound all that enthused about passing any new ethics reforms during an interview last week.