Illinois

Gov. JB Pritzker signs Illinois’ fiscal year 2026 budget on June 16, outlining $55.1 billion in state spending. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

Illinois

Pritzker signs $55.1B state budget reliant on $700M of new taxes

Jun 17, 2025

Flanked by his two daughters, former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, departs the Dirksen Federal Courthouse after receiving a 7 ½-year prison sentence on corruption charges. He was also fined $2.5 million. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

Illinois

Ex-Speaker Madigan sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison for bribery, corruption

Jun 13, 2025

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to reporters following an event at the Illinois State Library in Springfield on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

Illinois

Pritzker to tell Congress ‘both parties are to blame’ for broken immigration system

Jun 12, 2025

Illinois

Feds to retry Sen. Emil Jones after mistrial on bribery, lying to FBI charges

Jun 10, 2025

Illinois

‘This issue isn’t going away’: Illinois lawmakers delay pension reform again

Jun 10, 2025

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Challenges to Illinois’ assault-style weapons ban continue to make their way through federal courts. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Campbell)

Illinois

Despite setbacks, gun rights groups continue push to overturn Illinois assault weapons ban

Jun 10, 2025

The Illinois Capitol Building is pictured on the final night of the 2025 spring session on May 31, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

Illinois

Illinois’ $55.2B budget ‘incomplete,’ Civic Federation president says

Jun 06, 2025

Students walk across the lawn between the Illini Union in the fall of 2024. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

Illinois

Despite victories, major higher education policy bills stall in General Assembly

Jun 05, 2025

Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, is congratulated by Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, after the Senate passed a plan on Saturday, May 31, 2025, to reform public transportation in the Chicago area. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

Illinois

Legislative leaders discuss next steps for failed transit reform push

Jun 05, 2025

Illinois

Amid court battle, lawmakers look to push back ‘swipe fees’ ban

Jun 04, 2025

Illinois

U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear Illinois congressman’s appeal of mail-in voting

Jun 03, 2025

Illinois

Fifth person dies as a result of Chatham afterschool program crash in late April

Jun 03, 2025

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House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and members of his Democratic caucus applaud members of their staff early Sunday morning after the chamber approved the $55.2 billion budget bill. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

Illinois

New taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2B budget

Jun 01, 2025

Ben Szalinski

Jerry Nowicki

State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, presents her Medicaid legislation on the House floor on Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

Illinois

Amid uncertainty in Washington, Illinois lawmakers pass slimmed-down Medicaid package

Jun 01, 2025

Peter Hancock

Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, speaks during debate over a bill legalizing medically assisted suicide. She looks at bill sponsor Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, pictured in the foreground. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

Illinois

‘Medical aid in dying’ bill moves forward in Illinois

May 30, 2025

Andrew Adams

State Sen. Elgie Sims, a Chicago Democrat and the Senate’s lead budget negotiator, briefs reporters on the state budget Friday evening. The $55 billion spending measure was filed late Friday — one day before lawmakers were scheduled to adjourn. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

Illinois

Lawmakers unveil $55B spending plan with just 1 day left to pass it

May 30, 2025

Ben Szalinski

Jerry Nowicki

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves Chicago's Dirksen Federal Courthouse after a jury convicted him on 10 of 23 corruption charges on Feb. 12, 2025. Ahead of his June 13 sentencing, federal prosecutors are recommending Madigan be sentenced to 12 ½ years in prison, plus a $1.5 million fine. The former speaker is asking for five years’ probation, including one year of home detention. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

Illinois

Prosecutors ask judge to sentence ex-Speaker Madigan to 12 ½ years in prison

May 30, 2025

Hannah Meisel

Illinois lawmakers are advancing legislation to impose more regulation and control over pharmacy benefit managers, firms that negotiate and manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of insurance plans. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)

Illinois

Illinois bill aims to lower cost of prescriptions, rein in pharmacy benefit managers

May 30, 2025

Peter Hancock

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