Jack O'Connor

Jack O'Connor is a former intern who covered the Illinois General Assembly.

Mayra Macías speaks to supporters at Back of the Yards Coffeehouse in Chicago as she kicks off a petition drive to put her name on the November ballot in the 4th Congressional District race on Feb. 28, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

4th District independents get signatures they need to take on Democratic nominee

May 26, 2026 at 6:11 p.m.

Three independent candidates submitted thousands of signatures to get on the November ballot in Illinois’ 4th Congressional district, teeing up a rare contested general election.

Barber Anderson Garcia, center left, works on a mid-fade hairstyle for client Albert Morales, right, at Epic Studio Barber & Stylists in Chicago on May 15, 2026. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois lawmakers consider grants or loans for Chicago businesses devastated by Operation Midway Blitz

May 24, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Six months after Operation Midway Blitz, lawmakers are considering if and how to support businesses who struggled financially due to the federal government’s incursion into Chicago.

Gov. JB Pritzker answers questions after a roundtable about housing in his ceremonial office following his annual State of the State and budget address on Feb. 18, 2026, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois cities unveil rival housing plan to Gov. JB Pritzker’s sweeping zoning plan

May 7, 2026 at 5:41 p.m.

The Illinois Municipal League’s proposal is the most organized resistance yet to Pritzker's sweeping "middle housing" plan that would require municipalities statewide to allow denser housing.

Bartholomew family members and a Chicago police special activities officer walk following a detention hearing for Alphanso Talley at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago, April 30, 2026. Talley is accused of killing Chicago police Officer John Bartholomew and critically wounding his partner while escaping from Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

‘If you are out, you are dangerous’: Judge again orders detention for man accused of shooting officers at Swedish Hospital

April 30, 2026 at 5:22 p.m.

The man accused of killing a North Side police officer and critically wounding his partner while escaping from Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital will continue to be detained.

Senate President Don Harmon, center, departs after Gov. JB Pritzker delivered his annual State of the State and budget address Feb. 18, 2026, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois Senate halts redistricting constitutional amendment question after Supreme Court’s voting rights ruling

April 29, 2026 at 6:28 p.m.

Senate Democratic President Don Harmon called off a constitutional amendment push to enshrine protections for majority-minority districts shortly after U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, left, sits in the House chamber as lawmakers discuss bills at the Illinois State Capitol on April 8, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Gov. JB Pritzker pushes Illinois watchdog to speed up investigation into Rep. Harry Benton

April 28, 2026 at 5:27 p.m.

State Rep. Harry Benton of Plainfield was removed from eight committee assignments and other House Democratic caucus duties in late February.

Vehicles are parked in office building lots west of the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights on April 21, 2026. The vacant land is the possible future site of a new stadium for the Bears. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Gov. JB Pritzker says Chicago Bears stadium bill ‘within the framework’ of deal the team would accept

April 28, 2026 at 5:07 p.m.

Gov. JB Pritzker said a bill that passed the Illinois House “is within the framework” of a deal that the Bears would be willing to agree to for a move...

Gov. JB Pritzker answers questions after speaking at the Newberry Library in Chicago on March 30, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois sets new rules barring state workers from prediction market bets and AI use without oversight

April 26, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration is setting rules on two emerging technologies as state governments across the country try to stay ahead of a rapidly changing world.

Jeff Bear walks through the audiobooks section at Northbrook Public Library on April 22, 2026. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois bill would stop publishers from charging libraries more than public for e-books and audiobooks

April 23, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Illinois librarians are asking lawmakers to intervene in e-book and audiobook licensing as they say publishers are making libraries pay more and adding in unfair contract terms.

State Rep. La Shawn Ford talks on Feb. 17, 2026, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois Democrats trying to get ‘millionaire tax’ and redistricting amendment questions on fall ballot

April 22, 2026 at 6:37 p.m.

Legislation calls for voters to be asked in November if the state constitution should be changed to tax residents who make more than $1 million and reframe how voting maps...

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