Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill to Gov. JB Pritzker that makes changes to the state’s tax code in response to federal tax policies that could reduce state revenue, potentially saving the state $250 million in FY26.
Ben Szalinski
Posted inPolitics
Dabrowski sets fundraising bar at $1.5M in GOP primary for governor
Darren Bailey is working to rebuild his campaign fund for the 2026 Illinois Republican primary for governor, while Ted Dabrowski has received support from billionaire Dick Uihlein and other wealthy donors.
Posted inNews
Illinois’ budget on track for deficit as new federal policies create challenges
Illinois is projected to face a $2.2 billion deficit by FY27 due to lower-than-expected corporate tax revenue, federal tax law changes, and economic volatility, as well as increased Medicaid and SNAP requirements, with the state having limited ability to replace lost federal funding.
Posted inHealth
Illinois health department recommends COVID vaccines for all adults
The Illinois Department of Public Health has recommended that all adults and children get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, despite federal guidelines limiting vaccine availability.
Posted inNews
Pritzker directs agencies to limit spending in response to Trump’s economic policies
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has issued an executive order to prepare for an economic downturn, requiring state agencies to identify spending reductions and create reserves in their budgets due to fears of slow economic growth triggered by federal policies and tariffs.
Posted inNews
‘We are not backing down’: Feds ramp up immigration raids in Chicago area
The federal government has increased immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, leading to tense encounters and protests, and President Trump is considering sending the National Guard to the city despite the opposition of state leaders.
Posted inPolitics
Darren Bailey to Run for Governor Again in 2026, Despite 2022 Defeat
Darren Bailey, a former state senator and farmer from Clay County, is the highest-profile Republican to enter the 2026 Illinois gubernatorial race, having lost the 2022 campaign against Gov. JB Pritzker and a close primary race in 2024 against U.S. Rep. Mike Bost.
Posted inBusiness
Illinois’ tourism push includes millions for NASCAR events
The state of Illinois has spent nearly $7 million hosting or sponsoring NASCAR since 2022, including $795,000 for this year’s Enjoy Illinois 300 race, which generated $60 million of economic activity for the Metro East region.
Posted inPolitics
Gov. Pritzker Braces for ICE Actions in Chicago, Warns Against Trump’s National Guard Deployment
Governor JB Pritzker expects ICE operations in Chicago to mirror recent federal action in Los Angeles, while a federal judge ruled Trump’s troop deployment to L.A. illegal, and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is prepared to take legal action if federal officials take unconstitutional actions.
Posted inNews
New Republican to run for Illinois governor as election season begins
Former state GOP Chair Don Tracy and Ted Dabrowski have announced their candidacies for the 2026 U.S. Senate and Governor races, respectively, while DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick is also running for Governor and Diane Harris is running for Secretary of State.
