Gov. JB Pritzker requested a federal disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration. And applications are available for deer hunting on private land.  

Gov. JB Pritzker spoke during an advocate rally for immigrant and refugee rights on Thursday. 

For the second time in nine days, Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday touted the state’s latest financial accolade, this time after S&P Global Ratings upgraded Illinois’ bond rating for the first time in more than two decades. 

Earlier this year, Rep. Robert Rita (D-Blue Island) introduced a bill (HB 3142) that would have let casinos and racetracks in Illinois offer internet gaming. Rita’s bill ultimately failed, and the Senate instead asked a commission to study the issue.

Illinois could have generated upwards of $1.2 billion in revenue in 16 months if the state legalized online gaming before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.  

Gov. JB Pritzker announced vaccine incentives for state employees. And the Illinois Department of Transportation has posted Alternative Fuel Corridor signs along Illinois interstates.  

Speaking at a news conference in Downers Grove, Gov. JB Pritzker praised SB 2294 on Tuesday, which he said would make Illinois’ health care system “more equitable.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed an omnibus Medicaid bill into law on Tuesday that seeks to make health care affordable and accessible to more residents in Illinois.  

Gov. JB Pritzker said he is “excited” about President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit. U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth announced she is backing Anna Valencia’s bid for Secretary of State. And U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly will embark on the first leg of a listening tour as party chair.  

On-site consumption and delivery laws could be among the next wave of cannabis proposals considered by lawmakers. 

Illinois’ cannabis legalization is less than two years old and has already given birth to a successful industry in terms of revenue generation. But the botched rollout of the state’s dispensary licenses for social equity applicants has largely overshadowed the burgeoning industry. 

A coalition of businesses and organized labor criticized the energy bill on Thursday for lacking transparency and likely resulting in increased costs for consumers. 

A coalition of businesses groups and organized labor Thursday criticized the omnibus energy bill, which they said will increase business operations by millions of dollars each year, while blasting the ongoing discussions as lacking transparency. 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced the first round of funding for a new effort to close health disparities. State regulators supporting an equity focus at the federal level for student loan reforms. And the state Environmental Protection Agency referred the Superior Battery fire to Attorney General Kwame Raoul for legal action. 

Speaking during a June 17 news conference, House Majority Leader Greg Harris and Gov. JB Pritzker highlighted how the FY 2022 budget used the first round of the American Rescue Plan funds. 

Illinois’ new fiscal year begins Thursday, and under the state budget (SB 2800) signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this month, the initial wave of billions of dollars sent to the state from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will soon be allocated.