The Chicago City Council's Ethics Committee has advanced tighter bans on mayoral campaign donations from lobbyists, despite Mayor Johnson's opposition and ongoing debate about extending the restrictions.

Chicago's homelessness has tripled, partly due to a surge of asylum seekers, with 72% of the homeless population being Black. Efforts to raise funds were rejected, despite an 18% drop in those finding housing and the increased time spent homeless.

The Chicago Landmarks Commission voted to recommend landmark status for St. Adalbert Church in Pilsen, which may prevent demolition, but faced opposition from the Archdiocese.

Illinois passed legislation imposing a moratorium on CO2 pipeline development until new safety regulations are set, balancing industry progress with environmental and landowner concerns.

Chicago is advancing regulations for lithium-ion battery safety due to fire risks, following deadly fires in New York. Local and federal efforts seek to establish standards to mitigate hazards associated with these batteries.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs Illinois's $53.1 billion budget, with highlights including a child tax credit, a new department of early childhood, and funding for a quantum computing campus, despite some political criticism.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the FY 2025 budget allocating $2.6 billion for higher education, marking a $76 million increase from the previous year, with funds aimed at universities, community colleges, and infrastructure.

Illinois' IDOR maintains Greene County's property assessment equalization factor at 1.0000, aiming to balance tax obligations across various districts. Farmland is assessed differently but overall county properties average at 33.36% market value.

Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren is advocating for public investment in a new stadium, amid silence from local officials and skepticism from some legislators about the financial impact.

Chicago Police Department faces scrutiny over protest and arrest policies before the DNC, with tensions high after excessive force complaints. Police training and revised measures are in focus as both preparedness and free speech concerns rise.

The Chicago City Council is closely examining Mayor Brandon Johnson's swift allocation of pandemic relief funds, with concerns about the urgency and distribution method.

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx proposes changes in how traffic stop-related drug, gun, and theft cases are prosecuted to address racial disparities in policing.

Illinois taxpayers will see increased standard tax exemptions in the new state budget, offering more significant savings and potentially easing childhood poverty.