by Maggie Dougherty, Capitol News Illinois October 3, 2025 CHICAGO — The White House on Friday froze $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago infrastructure projects in the latest move targeting Democratic cities and states amid the federal government shutdown. Federal budget director Russ Vought announced on social media that […]
State of Illinois
Here’s what’s in Illinois’ $50.6B six-year infrastructure plan
by Jerry Nowicki, Capitol News Illinois October 2, 2025 Article Summary Illinois’ latest six-year infrastructure plan includes $50.6 billion in projects, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. That includes $32.5 billion in road and bridge projects in the state and local road systems. Another $13.8 billion will go to […]
Illinois Launches Updated Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
Illinois will open applications for its Electric Vehicle Rebate Program’s latest cycle on October 28, offering incentives to help residents adopt zero-emission vehicles, with newly updated eligibility rules and funding limits reflective of recent state legislation. Recent legislative changes for the FY26 cycle prioritize low- and moderate-income applicants and aim […]
New lawsuits against Trump’s immigration actions continue to take shape
by Jerry Nowicki and Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois September 30, 2025 Article Summary If the federal government sends troops to Chicago, the Trump administration “should expect a legal challenge here,” according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. A federal judge in California recently ruled the activation of the National […]
Pritzker says feds seeking Chicago troop deployment. ‘What I have been warning of is now being realized’
by Ben Szalinski and Jerry Nowicki, Capitol News Illinois September 29, 2025 Article Summary The Trump administration is planning to send 100 military troops to the Chicago area, according to Gov. JB Pritzker’s characterization of a memo received by the Illinois National Guard. JB Pritzker said the Trump administration is […]
Durbin hopes to meet with ICE this week about Chicago-area raids
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois September 24, 2025 Article Summary U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said there is a “chance” Illinois’ Democratic members of Congress get a long-requested meeting with immigration officials this week. Illinois leaders say they’ve been left largely uninformed about immigration enforcement actions in the Chicago area. […]
Darren Bailey enters Illinois governor’s race, pledging new approach to Chicago area
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois September 25, 2025 Article Summary Former Republican State Sen. Darren Bailey launched his second campaign for governor on Thursday. Bailey said his message will look different this time around and will focus more on voters in Chicago and the suburbs. Cook County Republican Party […]
Judge rules feds can’t block Illinois’ disaster funding in response to immigration laws
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois September 25, 2025 Article Summary Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul won a court order barring the Trump administration from withholding federal emergency funding for Illinois because it is a “sanctuary state.” A judge ruled Congress controls spending and federal agencies cannot block funding because […]
Illinois health department recommends COVID vaccines for all adults
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois September 24, 2025 Article Summary The Illinois Department of Public Health recommended all adults receive the COVID-19 vaccine this fall. The decision goes against recent guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. JB Pritzker also issued an executive order earlier this […]
Pritzker directs agencies to limit spending in response to Trump’s economic policies
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois September 23, 2025 Article Summary JB Pritzker signed an executive order requiring state agencies to identify spending reductions and reserve 4% of their budgets as the state anticipates slowing revenue growth. Pritzker pointed to economic indicators showing slowing growth, poor job reports and increasing […]
