Gov. J.B. Pritzker told NBC Chicago he uses AI daily, opposes a federal ownership stake and has paused new Illinois data‑center tax incentives pending guardrails.

SBA EIDLs up to $2M remain available to businesses and nonprofits hit by Mattoon’s algal‑bloom water contamination; the filing deadline is Aug. 6, 2026.

Midyear FEC filings show Democratic incumbents in Chicago suburbs holding seven-figure war chests while many Republican challengers report only a few thousand dollars.

A Northwestern journalism professor filed a federal suit alleging federal pressure and discrimination led to a denied tenure; he seeks reinstatement or damages as his contract ends Aug. 31, 2026.

Chicago has put a planned extra pension payment on hold after Cook County said second‑installment property tax bills will be delayed by roughly two months, creating a cash‑flow pinch.

Cook County is placing a nonbinding "Millionaire's Tax" question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot asking whether Illinois should add a 3% surcharge on incomes over $1M to fund schools and property-tax relief.

SB 3164 lets Illinois revoke licenses when a Move Over violation causes serious injury or death, a change pushed after repeated roadside strikes.

Danielle Carter‑Walters, co‑founder of Chicago Flips Red, has launched a mayoral bid centered on public safety, sanctuary‑policy rollbacks and forensic audits. Her insurgent run pits a conservative grassroots group against unions and county officials in a crowded field.

The Cook County inspector general says a report found Commissioner Samantha Steele offered a job to her primary opponent and recommends ethics retraining. Steele denies the claim.

Bank of America withdrew from Chicago’s plan to sell roughly $1 billion in vehicle fines, stalling a controversial budget move and leaving questions for people who owe tickets.

A court‑watching report says judges at Leighton ordered detention in the majority of petitions — including many defendants the county’s risk tool labeled low risk.

Ald. Desmon Yancy rolled out a non-binding Small Business Bill of Rights after South Shore owners described missed inspections, surprise fees and stalled expansions. The proposal aims to limit fines and speed permitting.

Chicago‑born billionaire Ken Griffin has increased donations to GOP super PACs ahead of the 2026 midterms, including a $5M May check to the Congressional Leadership Fund.