Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed a 2026 budget with a Social Media Amusement & Responsibility Tax (SMART) to help cover city deficits and fund mental health services.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle signed an executive order banning federal immigration officers from using county property for civil immigration enforcement, reinforcing the county's sanctuary policies.

Illinois AG Kwame Raoul joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration for canceling the Solar for All program, which would have aided low-income households.

Judge Sara Ellis orders ICE agents to wear body cameras after alleged noncompliance with restrictions on chemical agents during immigration enforcement in Chicago.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul won a legal victory to protect SNAP recipients' privacy against the Trump administration's attempt to use their information for surveillance.

JB Pritzker's tax summary revealed an income over $10 million, including $1.425 million from gambling. His charitable contributions were $3.3 million, and his trustee paid $30.2 million in taxes.

Chicago Mayor's senior adviser, Jason Lee, has not been fired despite the IG's recommendation after a probe into alleged vote trading and lack of cooperation with the investigation.

Attorney General Raoul joins states to intervene in Hewlett Packard-Jupiter Networks merger review, citing potential anti-competitive impacts and corrupt influences under the Tunney Act.

Meta removed the Facebook group "ICE Sighting-Chicagoland" for coordinated harm against law enforcement, following pressure from the Trump administration.

Chicago's Pilsen residents and Ald. Sigcho-Lopez are raising environmental and health concerns over the demolition of the Fisk coal plant and demanding transparency and safety assurances.

VP JD Vance criticized Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker for Chicago's homicides, with Trump also attacking city leadership. Following a legal dispute, 200 National Guard troops were authorized for Chicago.

A federal judge ruled that the emergency-hindering fence around the ICE facility in Broadview must be removed, amidst ongoing protests and safety concerns.

A judge in Illinois issued a temporary order blocking Trump's planned National Guard deployment to Chicago, questioning the legal basis for the action. The state filed an appeal.