Capitol News Illinois

11/22/2025

The Illinois State Board of Education has been receiving input from stakeholders and the public as it prepares to submit its formal budget request for fiscal 2026. Peter Hancock reports. https://loom.ly/ybis48g

Article Summary School officials and education advocates have requested funding increases totaling $747.99 million for the upcoming fiscal year, which

11/22/2025

We’re grateful for our community of readers + donors. 💛 Your support helps us deliver news with clarity, integrity, and impact for all Illinoisans. Give before 12/31 to take advantage of our matching program which doubles your donation!* https://loom.ly/ogtWaSo

Your support helps Capitol News Illinois continue to provide credible and unbiased coverage of state government for public and local

11/21/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who has been in prison for a little over a month, is no longer an attorney after the Illinois Supreme Court disbarred him this week — something he requested.

Article Summary Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is no longer a lawyer after the Illinois Supreme Court officially disbarred

11/20/2025

State regulators slashed requested gas rate increases for Ameren Illinois and Nicor by over 40% this week. Maggie Dougherty has more. https://loom.ly/iL3oIrk

Article Summary The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a $168 million spending increase for Nicor Gas, 47% less than the $314

11/20/2025

Amid a relative lull in immigration enforcement activity in Chicago, Gov. JB Pritzker has appointed members and staff to an accountability commission he created last month. Brenden Moore reports. https://loom.ly/2U1dm6g

Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker filled two more seats on the Illinois Accountability Commission and announced key staffing hires as

11/20/2025

We’re aiming for 50 new donors in 50 days! Be one of the 50 who helps keep your community informed. Your gift powers independent journalism that connects every Illinois town to the decisions shaping our shared future.

11/20/2025

A federal appeals court has blocked a judge’s order restricting immigration agents’ use of riot control weapons against protesters, saying it was “overbroad.” But the three-judge panel warned not to “overread” their ruling. Hannah Meisel reports: https://loom.ly/YkIlNNc

Article Summary The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday sided with the Trump administration and granted a stay on

11/19/2025

Democrats for comptroller argue over budgeting, taxes and experience at candidate forum. Ben Szalinski reports. https://loom.ly/zjepHJU

Article Summary Five Democrats are running to succeed Susana Mendoza as comptroller, and four tried to set themselves apart on

11/19/2025

Gov. JB Pritzker met with Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Wednesday, discussing the recent Trump immigration raids and inviting the pontiff to visit Illinois. Brenden Moore reports: https://loom.ly/ziVwb24

Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Wednesday, with the two discussing the Trump

11/19/2025

Pilot programs in two counties provide mental health care to defendants, from smaller jails, who have deemed unfit for trial and are awaiting a state hospital bed. The Illinois Answers Project reports. https://loom.ly/hYVmC_I

Pilot programs in Kankakee and McHenry counties provide mental health care to defendants, from smaller jails, who have deemed unfit

11/19/2025

Enrollment at public universities in Illinois grew to 189,791, the highest since 2015. But it declined at some universities and among international graduate students. Peter Hancock reports. https://loom.ly/JpWtGG4

Article Summary Total enrollment at public universities in Illinois reached a 10-year high of nearly 190,000 this academic year. Deputy

11/18/2025

Starting Wednesday, Illinois residents can securely add their Illinois driver’s license or state ID to their Apple Wallet. Brenden Moore reports.