Category: News

CHICAGO — The Chicago Transit Authority is stuck between a rock and a hard place, over-promising on an expensive, overly ambitious project that is now more than $2 BILLION over budget, all of it on the taxpayers dime. With no clear explanation for the ballooning costs, it sure seems like the Chicago Transit Authority is moving ahead on a terrible decision that will harm Chicago for decades. 

See for yourself:

FIRST: Construction of the Red Line Extension is scheduled to begin in 2026, funded in part by $2 billion in federal dollars. The Chicago Transit Authority announced its poor decision to finance the project with bonds, which will take decades to pay off.

THEN: The project’s price tag has exploded by BILLIONS of dollars

NOW: Chicago taxpayers are being asked to shoulder an additional $3.77 billion to try and fund one of “the most expensive transit projects in the world.”

Can we expect Democrats like Raja Krishnamoorthi and Juliana Stratton to make the same kinds of budget blunders in Washington that they’ve supported here in Illinois?

CHICAGO — Today marks two long years of Brandon Johnson’s tenure as America’s worst mayor, a period defined by fiscal recklessness, union favoritism, and broken promises. With an approval rating of just 6.6%, the lowest in U.S. history, Johnson is the latest far-left symbol of failed leadership. Take a look at Brandon Johnson’s biggest failures over the last two years:

Tax Hikes and Broken Promises
Johnson’s obsession with tax hikes has crushed residents and caused businesses to leave our great state. Last year, he proposed a $300 million property tax increase before admitting it was just to “get people’s attention.” Additionally, he pushed for $830 million in borrowing despite the city’s poor credit rating, fueling fears that the money would go toward political allies and union contracts, not city needs. All this despite a campaign promise not to raise property taxes – what Chicago families now see as a blatant lie.

A Mayor for the CTU, Not Chicago
A former Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) organizer, Johnson is now nothing more than CTU’s puppet. The latest $1.4 billion CTU contract included raises and class size limits, but left CPS with a $500 million annual deficit and an unpaid $175 million pension tab. When push comes to shove, Johnson will always sacrifice public education for union politics.

Cronyism and Corruption
Johnson’s administration has blurred every ethical line from accepting gifts to playing politics with crime and education. He even installed his chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, as interim CPS superintendent, despite her lack of qualifications and deep CTU ties. Furthermore, his former campaign chair, CTU employee Tara Stamps, resigned amid an ethics probe over her dual roles during contract negotiations. Even City Hall’s so-called “gift room” now showcases a CTU strike poster, a not-so-subtle display of where his loyalties lie.

A City Deserves Better
Two years in, Johnson has proven himself unfit to lead. He will always put political cronies and corrupt unions first. The only question left is: How much lower can Johnson’s approval rating go?

CHICAGO — The ILGOP is thrilled with the election of the first American Pope in history, a Chicago native, Cardinal Robert Prevost who will go by Pope Leo XIV.

We hope that you join us and millions of Catholics around the world in celebrating our 267th Pope, Pope Leo XIV

CHICAGO — Yesterday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield to call out JB Pritzker’s sanctuary city policies that have enabled criminals and put Illinois families at risk. Noem focused on the importance of putting America First and making sure that our communities are safe – a stark contrast from JB Pritzker’s agenda of putting criminal illegal immigrants above Illinois. Here’s what they are saying about Noem’s important visit to Springfield:

CBS News: DHS Secretary Noem and Illinois Gov. Pritzker spar over state’s immigration policies

Standing alongside a handful of Illinois Republican state lawmakers, Noem criticized Pritzker, claiming Illinois doesn’t protect its citizens, and demanded the state change.

“I’m calling on Gov. Pritzker and all the other leaders of this state to abandon their dangerous sanctuary policies,” she said. “I’m thankful for all the state leaders that are standing behind me who agree as well. They have been fighting an uphill battle with this governor, and I’m proud of them that they’re standing here with us today and with these angel families, and saying enough is enough. We have to change as a state.”

Chicago Tribune: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stops in Springfield to criticize state’s immigration policies

“People are dying every day because of these policies. People are evading justice,” Noem said. “Governors like JB Pritzker don’t care if gangbangers, murderers, rapists and pedophiles roam free in his state.”

. . .

Ahead of Noem’s visit, Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of central Illinois, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, called on Illinois sheriffs to defy the state’s sanctuary laws, “uphold President Trump’s federal immigration policies, and cooperate with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to deport illegal aliens.”

“We must act now before one more innocent American life is lost or harmed,” she said in a statement.

Republican state Sen. Andrew Chesney, a Trump delegate during last summer’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, on Tuesday applauded Noem for stopping in Illinois and criticized Pritzker for “rolling out the red carpet for illegal immigrants.”

Chicago Sun-Times: In Springfield visit, Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem takes aim at Gov. Pritzker’s sanctuary policies

Illinois Republicans, including Sens. Chapin Rose, Terri Bryant and Sue Rezin, stood alongside Noem. Noem held the briefing with “angel families,” a term used by anti-immigration advocates to describe relatives of victims killed by people who lack legal status. President Donald Trump has long focused on the deaths of Americans at the hands of people who lacked legal status, and Noem is following in his steps.

Noem’s visit also shows that Trump is actively targeting Pritzker, who is seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender. Republicans have criticized Pritzker for a political speech in New Hampshire last month in which he called for “mass protests for mobilization, for disruption.” The GOP interpreted that as a call to incite violence, which Pritzker has strongly denied.

Noem made reference to that speech on Wednesday as well.

“Shame on him for standing up the other day and saying Republicans should never know a moment of peace. This country is desperate for peace,” Noem said. “It’s desperate for safe communities and streets where they can walk their children to school and no have to worry about getting robbed or stabbed.”

Axios: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem scolds Pritzker on sanctuary state status

“I’m going to fight for the victims every single day and draw attention to them as long as we can, and President Trump will continue to do that as well. We should be united as a country around bringing violent criminals to justice and getting them out of the United States of America.”

FOX32: Noem slams Illinois’ sanctuary policies in Springfield, Pritzker fires back

Speaking outside the governor’s mansion, Noem claimed Illinois’ approach has led to a rise in violent crime.

“This governor has bragged about Illinois being a firewall against President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda and it is very clear that he is violating the Constitution of the United States because it is a federal law that the federal government and the president set and enforce immigration policies,” Noem said.

The Center Square: WATCH: Noem’s Illinois visit sparks debate over state’s migrant sanctuary laws

A visit to Springfield Wednesday by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is sparking debate over Illinois’ migrant sanctuary policies.

Noem flew into Springfield’s airport and then went to a Springfield DHS processing center to talk with federal agents and two non-citizens being processed.

. . .

“Gov. Pritzker, change your ways. Protect your people. Help us clean up our streets and help us stop this violent, illegal alien criminal activity that is happening in your state,” she said.

. . .

Illinois Republicans say the state should amend the law that prohibits state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials in enforcing civil detention orders. They also say Illinois’ sanctuary laws harm public safety and drain Illinois tax dollars for non-citizen health care subsidies and more.

CHICAGO — Back in June 2023, JB Pritzker, Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth, and a crowd of lawmakers flocked to Joliet, patting themselves on the back as they cut the ribbon on Lion Electric’s electric vehicle plant. Fast forward two years and Lion Electric’s disastrous tenure in Illinois is coming to an end. The results of Pritzker’s “EV Flop” speak for themselves:

• December 2024: The wheels on the bus fell off as Lion Electric shuttered their Joliet plant and laid off hundreds across the United States and Canada
• Last week: Quebec announced it would NOT invest $24 million to help Lion relaunch
• May 15th: The company’s equipment goes on the auction block, and liquidation seems all but certain

Don’t forget: Last December, Pritzker announced that $19.9 million of our taxpayer dollars would be used to build 70 electric school buses in nine school districts — over $284,000 per bus.

CHICAGO — Yesterday, Chairman Salvi spent the day highlighting JB Pritzker’s dangerous calls for violence against Republicans. Pritzker’s disgusting rhetoric, less than a year after President Trump survived two assassination attempts fueled by a lunatic who believed nonsense like JB Pritzker’s comments, has no place in our country. In case you missed it, here’s what Chairman Salvi is saying about JB Pritzker’s calls for violence as he begins his 2028 presidential campaign:

The Center Square: WATCH: IL GOP chair calls to investigate Pritzker for criminal incitement

Illinois GOP Chairman Kathy Salvi said Pritzker’s comments can’t be taken without the context of two assassination attempts against President Donald Trump during the campaign.

“And I can only hope and pray that no violence and harm comes to any person on account of those irresponsible and incendiary remarks,” Salvi told The Center Square Monday.

. . .

“He didn’t say about peaceful protests last night, again words matter and he can’t walk back the words that he used last night,” Salvi said. “If I were in charge and I had a say, it would be my opinion that there should be an open investigation for criminal incitement by this governor, because words matter.”

KSDK: Illinois Gov. Pritzker calls for ‘mass protests’ against Republican policies

“There’s no place for that,” Salvi said. “In my opinion, the president, this administration should open up an inquiry into the charge of criminal incitement.”

WGN: Illinois GOP chairwoman calls Pritzker speech to N.H. Dems ‘inflammatory and dangerous’

“JB Pritzker’s ego-driven obsession with becoming President is putting Illinois, and Republicans across the country, at risk,” Kathy Salvi said in a statement. “His inflammatory and dangerous speech is focused on further dividing our country and I hope to see Illinois Democrats condemn his call for violence.

ReplyForward

CHICAGO —  As the Trump Administration celebrates a successful, productive 100 days in office, Illinois families have seen policies that are improving our local economy, keeping our streets safe, and jumpstarting the Golden Age of America. Here’s just a few of President Trump’s accomplishments in the first 100 days of his second term:

• Secured our southern border!
  • U.S. Border Patrol recorded its lowest border crossings in history in March: They averaged just 264 apprehensions per day, 20% lower than February and 94% lower than March 2024
  • As of March 31, the Trump administration arrested 113,000 illegal immigrants since January 20
• Removed Criminals from our streets!
  • Nine Tren de Aragua terrorists, seven sexual predators who committed crimes against children, and two murderers were removed by ICE from Chicago’s streets
• Improved Illinois’ economy and brought jobs back home!
  • As a result of President Trump’s tariffs, Abbott Laboratories is investing in Illinois’ economy, bringing hundreds of jobs to the Prairie State
  • Stellantis announced it will return 1,500 jobs to Illinois
  • The economy added 228,000 jobs in March, far exceeding economists’ prediction
• Lowered prescription drug prices!
  • President Trump signed an Executive Order expanding on the historic efforts of his first term to lower drug prices
  • The new Executive Order provides discounts to low-income patients for life-saving medications
    • Insulin prices for low-income patients will be as low as $0.03, plus a minor administrative fee
    • Injectable epinephrine for low-income patients will be as low as $15
• Returned to America First and Peace through Strength policies!
  • Since January 20, President Trump and his team have secured the release of over 40 detained Americans from around the world
  • The Trump Administration continues to engage with both Russia and Ukraine towards a ceasefire and they remain committed to ensuring that the Iranian Regime never obtains a nuclear weapon

Bottom Line: It’s been 100 days since President Trump took office and it’s clear that both America and Illinois are better off.

ReplyForward

While world leaders meet at the Vatican for the Pope’s funeral to discuss the goal of peace, Governor Pritzker calls on us to do the opposite: “Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.”

CHICAGO — Last night, JB Pritzker’s attempt to woo New Hampshire Democrats as he barrels towards the 2028 Democrat primary was full of divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. Pritzker’s obsession, to insult and to chastise President Trump, showed forcefully as he stoked the crowd in calling for political violence against Republicans.

“JB Pritzker’s ego-driven obsession with becoming President is putting Illinois, and Republicans across the country, at risk,” said ILGOP Chairman Kathy Salvi. “His inflammatory and dangerous speech is focused on further dividing our country and I hope to see Illinois Democrats condemn his call for violence.”

“Last night, Pritzker showed us that instead of helping hardworking families, he would rather raise their taxes, defend MS-13 gang members and watch businesses flee Illinois,” Salvi continued. “It’s become clear that Pritzker’s only priority is what’s best for him and his presidential bid. This weekend’s trip to New Hampshire is further proof that he’s already left Illinois behind.”

Don’t forget that Pritzker is an old pro at this shtick, considering how he’s attempted to become the leader of the Democrat party for the last three years. See for yourself:

FIRST: Pritzker traveled to New Hampshire in 2022 to raise his profile and set up a future presidential run.

THEN: Pritzker refused to quash rumors that he would leave Illinois to run for president when Democrats launched their soft coup against Joe Biden.

THEN: When Kamala Harris was announced as the Democrats’ preferred choice, Pritzker launched a full-court press campaign to become her vice president.

THEN: After failing to earn the nod as the vice-presidential nominee, Pritzker immediately pivoted and is working to become the Democrats’ choice for president in 2028.

NOW: Pritzker is in New Hampshire, wooing Democrat donors and soft launching a presidential campaign focused on lies, division and insults.

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IL Dems Are Putting Students Between A Rock And A Terrible Place

CHICAGO — In case you missed it, the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi asking for the Trump Administration to issue clarifying guidance to help protect women’s sports in the Prairie State. Illinois Democrats like JB Pritzker and Kwame Raoul are putting our children at risk by defying federal law and playing dangerous, political games with our children.

By keeping biological men in girls sports, Illinois Democrats are fighting against the safety and sanctity of girls sports and putting their radical, extreme agenda first. Additionally, millions of dollars that Illinois receives in federal funding is now at risk. Our schools are forced to either defy State Law or Federal Law and there is no clarification from the state besides media soundbites and squabbling with the Trump Administration.

Illinois Senate Republicans are asking Attorney General Bondi for clarification on whether Illinois’ current position permitting biological males to compete in girls’ sports violates federal law, if that position places the state at risk of losing federal education funding or facing legal action from the Department of Justice and what steps must Illinois take to align with both the Executive Order and Title IX.

Bottom Line: Illinois Democrats are putting students between a rock and a terrible place.

A copy of the letter sent by the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus can be viewed here.