IL Cannabis Sales Exceed $2 Billion Annually: Pritzker

Total items sold increased 13 percent from 2023 to 2024, marking four consecutive record-setting years of industry growth.

IL Lawmakers React To Trillions Of Tax, Spending Cuts In House Budget

House Republicans' budget proposal, released Wednesday, extends $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion.

Trump Pardons Blagojevich, Says Prison Time 'Shouldn't Have Happened'

"He's now cleaner than anybody in this room," Trump said of the former Illinois governor, who was convicted of trying to sell a Senate seat.

IL Gaming Board Reports $1.7B In Gaming Tax Revenue For 2024

The state had 16 licensed casinos, approximately 8,700 video gaming terminals, and 14 operating sportsbooks last year.

Bills 'Trump Proofing' Student Civil Rights In IL Would Ban Fines

The bills would prohibit schools from fining students for municipal violations and from referring students to police for a fine.

How Proposal To Gut Education Department Could Affect Illinois

Even if the Education Department were eliminated, borrowers would still have to repay their loans, experts say.

Illinois AG Denounces Trump Exec Order Targeting Gender-Affirming Care

Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 14 attorneys general Wednesday reaffirming a commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care.

White House Rescinds Federal Aid Freeze In Illinois

"In Illinois, we will stand against unlawful actions that would harm millions of working families, children, and seniors," Pritzker said.

IL Could Owe You Unclaimed Money, State Treasurer Says

Last year, the state treasurer's office returned nearly $299 million in missing money, with an average claim of $902.

IL Sues Trump Over Ending Birthright Citizenship

"Trump’s proposal to strip birthright citizenship from those born in this nation is unconstitutional," Pritzker said.

58 Jan. 6 Defendants From IL Pardoned In Trump’s First Official Act

President Donald Trump described them as "hostages" Monday and said he expected them to be freed shortly.

IL Guide To Donald Trump’s Inauguration As 47th President

Swearing-in ceremonies begin about noon local time Monday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

Illinois State Lawmakers Propose Legalizing Consensual Sex Work

"Sex workers face an unprecedented amount of violence, because they are stuck and forced into the shadows."

IL Planned Parenthood CEO Stepping Down

President and CEO Jennifer Welch will step down after more than seven years in the role.

Will Real ID Really Take Effect In 2025? What You Need To Know In IL

The deadline is approaching to obtain your Real ID. Here's some information to help Illinois residents know what to expect.

10 New Illinois Laws That Could Change Your Life In 2025

On Jan. 1, 2025, 293 new laws will take effect throughout Illinois, impacting prescription drug coverage, landlord-tenant rules and more.

Social Security Retirement Age To Change In 2025: What It Means In IL

The full retirement age will rise in January to match a growing expected lifespan, according to a law passed in 1983.

Can You Shoot Down Drones In IL? What To Know

The Federal Aviation Administration includes drones in its definition of aircraft under the Aircraft Sabotage Act.

Smell Of Raw Cannabis Is Enough To Search Vehicles: IL Supreme Court

It's the reverse of a September decision that ruled that the smell of burnt cannabis is not justification for a warrantless vehicle search.

Pritzker Vows To Protect IL From Trump, New Border Czar Says 'Game On'

Gov. JB Pritzker is co-chair of a non-partisan coalition of a number of governors, which is prepping for Donald Trump's presidency.

IL Officials React To Trump Win: 2024 Election

Reactions continue to come in from some of the state's top legislative leaders following former President Donald Trump's victory.

See How IL Counties Voted In Trump Vs. Harris Race

Democrat Kamala Harris captured the state of Illinois, but by a much slimmer margin than Biden did in 2020.

Will IL Predict Presidential Winner?: Illinois’ Voting History

For a span of more than 100 years, the Prairie State has voted for the winning candidate more than 83 percent of the time.

2.1M Ballots Already Cast In IL: See Latest Data

The campaigns of both presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris pushed early voting to bank votes ahead of Election Day.

Nearly 5,000 Submissions For New IL State Flag Design Contest

A commission will choose the top 10 designs and the public will vote.

Jerry Evans for US Congress 11th District: Interview

Evans: We Need Common Sense & Bipartisanship back in D.C.

Illinois extremely tardy with its annual financial report

According to new report by government finance watchdog

IL Mailing Checks To 138K People: See If You're One Of Them

The total amount being mailed to residents is nearly $13.2 million.

Adam Kinzinger, Ex-Republican Congressman, Forges 'Awkward Alliance' With Democrats

"I've learned something about the Democratic Party, and I want to let my fellow Republicans in on the secret," Kinzinger said.

JB Pritzker Hints At Possible Run For Third Term As Illinois Governor

Pritzker noted that by the time he completes his second term in office he'll be the longest-serving Democratic governor in Illinois history.

'Hitting Kids Should Never Be Allowed': IL Bans Corporal Punishment

Illinois is only the fifth state to ban corporal punishment in schools.

Pritzker Reacts To VP Pick, Lauds Walz's 'Big Heart'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was selected Tuesday to be part of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris' ticket.

Pritzker Under Consideration For Vice Presidential Pick: Reports

But the governor says he hasn't received a vetting package, and there are reportedly nearly a dozen names on the list of potential VP picks.

Biden Needs To 'Remind People Why You're The Right Guy,' Pritzker Says

Biden will either remind people why he's right for the job after Thursday's debate disaster or "make a different decision," Pritzker said.

Restrictions On Face Masks Proposed Around Country, But ACLU Of Illinois Has Concerns

In surveillance videos of crimes being committed, the perpetrators are often wearing masks over their noses and mouths.

These 6 Laws Go Into Effect Today In Illinois

Changes to the gas tax, driver's license eligibility and minimum wages in the Chicago area all went into effect Monday.

Gov. JB Pritzker Signs $53 Billion Illinois State Budget Plan

The spending plan includes $182 million to help Chicago cover the costs of caring for migrants, as well as $350 million for schools.

IL Patch Readers Agree With Trump Conviction — By A Slim Margin

Slightly more responses to Patch's Trump survey agreed with the conviction — and called for a new Republican nominee for president.

Trump Guilty Verdict Local Reactions: Illinois Readers Weigh In

What does the former president's conviction mean, and will it change the way Illinois votes in November?

REAL ID May 2025 Deadline Is 1 Year Away: What You Need To Know In IL

The original 2020 deadline to get REAL IDs had been extended multiple times because of the pandemic.