Maybe it's just that we're ready for the weekend (and ready for this site to say "yes"), but it seems like this whole day is just a jerk. Time: Move faster! Weather: Be a little nicer! World: Be more fair! Especially Illinois. more ›

Bad news hit the Chicagoist offices late yesterday afternoon as word came through that SB572 — the bill that would have raised sales taxes in Cook County and the five surrounding "collar" counties, as well as the real estate tax in Chicago, to help fund regional transit — failed to reach a "supermajority" of 71 votes in the Illinois House. Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston), sponsor of the bill, halted voting and placed it on the... more ›

Rumors were floating earlier this week, and now the Peoria Journal-Star has a couple articles that makes it almost official - Democrat Gov. Blagojevich could have his first real opponent for 2006 - Republican U.S. Congressman Ray LaHood. LaHood isn't the only name in the mix, but he's the one who's been making the most noise, and more importantly, a candidate lots of people might like. more ›