A 24‑member mayoral task force has pitched a downtown congestion fee, a broad tax on consumer services, electricity surcharges and pension changes to close Chicago’s budget gap.

Mike Quigley will hold a Saturday kickoff to formally begin his campaign for Chicago mayor, putting a budget‑first message and pension reform at the center of the race.

DeKalb's council voted to migrate its license‑plate readers to Flock Safety under a two‑year, $27,500 agreement, prompting privacy concerns from residents.

Mayor Brandon Johnson pledged to enforce Chicago’s short‑term rental rules and target unregistered listings after local reporting showed a surge in some neighborhoods. His post signals tighter oversight of platforms and repeat violators.

Aurora Democrat Sen. Linda Holmes announced June 22, 2026, she will retire at the end of her current term, citing long-term health concerns after 20 years in office.

A City Hall coalition wants a permanent Department of Gun Violence Prevention with a proposed $100 million budget to centralize outreach, contracting and services. Supporters say it would stabilize funding for violence interrupters and link jobs and housing to prevention work.

The Illinois State Board of Education suspended the licenses of two Denman Elementary P.E. teachers for 60 days; Quincy Public Schools says it is reviewing the state's materials before acting.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a government‑efficiency package that elevates the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission to a cabinet department and shifts the Human Rights Commission. Sponsors say services will continue while agencies prepare to implement changes through mid‑2027.

A surge of petition challenges threatens to knock dozens of Chicago school‑board hopefuls off the November ballot.

Gov. Pritzker confirmed four new Prisoner Review Board members and pulled a nomination as reforms continue after a fatal early‑release case. Changes aim to shift the board’s makeup toward criminal‑justice experience.

A Change.org petition seeks to rename Wabash Ave "Barack Hussein Obama Ave," shifting Trump Tower's address as the Obama Presidential Center opens this Friday.

The DOJ moved to intervene in a federal suit over Evanston’s $25,000 reparations awards, saying the race‑based housing and cash payments may violate federal law.

A mayoral working group released a report urging housing, workplace and health‑care changes to reduce barriers facing trans Chicagoans.