The Midwest has become home to one of the fastest growing industries in the country: data storage. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to grow, data center construction has increased in North America by 70 percent, according to CRBE Research.  

Illinois has worked in recent years to place itself at the center of the conversation, with 222 data centers currently operating and more on the way. According to Data Centers Map, Chicago alone has 161 centers. 

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is requesting $2.47 billion for FY26, a 4.7 percent increase from FY25, touting recent improvements to the department.  

Senate Appropriations Health and Human Services meets Thursday. 

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is requesting a 9 percent increase to their operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026, with the majority of it supporting Medicaid services. 

With a little more than 18 months until the 2026 General Election, Illinois constitutional officers raised a combined $950,000 in the first quarter of 2025. The legislative leaders raised a combined $1.3 million, marking a slower quarter in a non-election year.  

Illinois Supt. Tony Sanders speaks at a news conference at Streamwood High School in U-46 in 2023. 

State Superintendent Tony Sanders says possible cuts to federal funding for K-12 could short Illinois school district’s $77.2 million. 

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul speaks at a press conference in January with Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton

Amidst legal battles against the Trump administration, efforts to retain attorneys and attempts to improve normal functions of the office, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is asking the Illinois General Assembly for an additional $15 million in funding. 

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias testifies at the Illinois Senate Appropriation Committee Tuesday. 

As the Illinois Senate Appropriation Committee considers state funding in a tight budget year, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias testified Tuesday in support of a proposed $829 million budget for his office. 

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at RR Trade School in Melrose Park Monday. 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced a $19 million expansion to the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program on Monday. 

The Illinois House of Representatives passed 380 bills last week before the third-reading deadline, including changes to eligibility requirement for Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. 

The Illinois House of Representatives passed 380 bills last week before the third-reading deadline, including changes to eligibility requirement for Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program.