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We’re grateful for our community of readers + donors. 💛 Your support helps us deliver news with clarity, integrity, and impact for all Illinoisans. Give now to double your impact. Gifts made by 12/31 will be matched by our generous matching sponsors (up to $20K). GIVE NOW👉 https://loom.ly/pNT9BUM

Ameren Illinois reveals the estimated impact on customers’ natural gas bills following ICC ruling. Story by @maggiedough.bsky.social. https://loom.ly/Ee5QYWI

Budzinski demands answers from management company accused of failing low-income residents in Springfield. @maggiedough.bsky.social  has more https://loom.ly/aLVgC70

@illinoisanswers.bsky.social reports on the Trump administration’s dramatic cuts to the money available to help pay for housing for people in need, including those with mental illness or disabilities. https://loom.ly/0XaH0jc

We’re thankful for YOU — our readers and donors. Your contributions power journalism that informs and strengthens Illinois. 🙌 Give before 12/31 to take advantage of our matching program which doubles your donation!* https://loom.ly/pNT9BUM

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

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/pNT9BUM

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. @hannahmeisel.bsky.social explains.

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

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.

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. https://loom.ly/YkIlNNc

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. Give now: https://loom.ly/pNT9BUM

Democrats for comptroller argue over budgeting, taxes and experience at candidate forum. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports.

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. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports. Get the full story here: https://loom.ly/ziVwb24

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. @illinoisanswers.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/hYVmC_I

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

Starting Wednesday, Illinois residents can securely add their Illinois driver’s license or state ID to their Apple Wallet. Brenden Moore reports. https://loom.ly/E-n2fpo

A staffer for U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth was dismissed after allegations that he misrepresented himself to ICE officers in an attempt to free Staunton restaurant owner Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval. @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social reports: https://loom.ly/EqrOhEA

Senate President Don Harmon will not have to pay a $10M fine after he was accused of violating contribution limits. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/xJlj85E

@illinoisanswers.bsky.social investigates how individuals deemed unfit for trial and waiting for a state hospital bed placement are being detained longer in jail in part because of mental illness. https://loom.ly/kAVaFFA

We’re aiming for 50 new donors in 50 days! Being on top of your game means staying informed. If you value our news and reporting, become one of the 50! Support reporting that keeps you ahead of the issues shaping Illinois. Give now: https://loom.ly/pNT9BUM

Agents rappelled from a helicopter to raid an apartment complex “filled” with Tren de Aragua gangsters. ProPublica found little to support the government’s claims. @propublica.org reports: https://loom.ly/zCl68gI

We’re aiming for 50 new donors in 50 days! Be one of the 50 and help power independent journalism that connects every Illinois community to the decisions shaping their lives. Give now: https://loom.ly/pNT9BUM

There’s more than taxes and new governing boards in the recently passed transit bill. Funding for trains to new cities and new parking regulations are among the details of the sweeping reform. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports: https://loom.ly/vrPYY7o

SNAP benefits resume in Illinois after government shutdown put residents at risk of hunger. @maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/SGhemqU

The feds allege a staffer for Sen. Duckworth visited Staunton restaurant owner Sandoval, who was in ICE custody, and misrepresented himself. @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social & @illinoisanswers.bsky.social https://loom.ly/hoThpUg

Sen. Dick Durbin said he couldn’t justify “playing with other people’s lives” as millions missed paychecks & benefits, and his vote to end the shutdown wasn’t coordinated or orchestrated by Chuck Schumer. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports: https://loom.ly/uEFuVek

Students and educators at state universities have called on the governor to release higher education funding that is being held in reserve. @pqhancock.bsky.social Reports: https://loom.ly/tewMnPU

House Republicans are demanding to see spending cuts state agencies made in response to an executive order the governor’s office has so far not shared. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/x_HzXVo

Your support fuels journalism that strengthens transparency and accountability across Illinois. Become a monthly sustainer today — $10/month ensures more investigations, more accountability, and more impact statewide. GIVE NOW: https://loom.ly/pNT9BUM

'Broadview six’ plead not guilty to charges of ‘impeding’ agents outside ICE facility. @hannahmeisel.bsky.social and @maggiedough.bsky.social report: https://loom.ly/YFqF3mU

Bailey said he was at least partially moved to stay in the race by a phone call from President Donald Trump. Brenden Moore reports. https://loom.ly/UcaL8hE

In challenging times, facts matter most. CNI’s reporting helps Illinois residents cut through noise, understand what’s happening in state government, and make informed decisions. Help us fuel the facts. Give now and double your impact. https://loom.ly/pNT9BUM

Sen. Dick Durbin backs a plan to reopen federal government as other top Illinois Democrats say it’s an “empty promise.” @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/WQyzbu0

CNI’s independent coverage gives Illinoisans the facts they need to engage, vote, and hold power accountable. Your support keeps that civic foundation strong. Help us fuel the facts. Give now and double your impact.* Give now: https://loom.ly/pNT9BUM

This week on Capitol Cast: State Rep. Anna Moeller talks with CNI about challenges facing state policy makers from SNAP suspension, upcoming changes to Medicaid. Watch now or listen whever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Peter Hancock. https://loom.ly/GGDlWUc

Learn more about how the federal shutdown and “Big Beautiful Bill” are affecting state policymakers. Story by Peter Hancock. https://loom.ly/D9d3Grg

Your support fuels journalism that strengthens transparency and accountability across Illinois. Become a monthly sustainer today — $10/month ensures more investigations, more accountability, and more impact statewide. Give now: https://loom.ly/pNT9BUM

A federal judge on Thursday extended restrictions on federal immigration officers’ use of force against protesters, including riot control weapons like tear gas, without adequate justification or warning. @hannahmeisel.bsky.social reports: https://loom.ly/nQq8i5E

Chicago area transit agencies aren’t planning for fare increases or layoffs next year after lawmakers passed a bill reforming public transportation. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/_FSts0Q

Legislators pass ‘Clean Slate’ bill, which could automate record sealing for over two million eligible Illinoisians. Story by @maggiedough.bsky.social https://loom.ly/WCvuCHU

A federal judge has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to clean up the deplorable conditions at the Broadview processing facility. Hannah Meisel has more. https://loom.ly/99Ig4PM

Illinois Department of Corrections gets public feedback on its program of scanning inmates’ mail to reduce the flow of drugs and contraband into state prisons. Story by Peter Hancock. https://loom.ly/_lH6g-E

State lawmakers narrowly pass bill legalizing physician-prescribed medical aid in dying. @maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/Adv8qKU

Illinois lawmakers passed 24 bills during their fall veto session, including a measure allowing the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health to set state-specific vaccine guidelines. Brenden Moore reports. https://loom.ly/uypz7KE

A federal judge said he’ll issue a temporary restraining order Wednesday over alleged conditions at the ICE detention center in Broadview. Hannah Meisel reports. https://loom.ly/hofUP-U

State lawmakers approved legislation to untie the state from parts of the federal tax code after Congress passed new tax breaks for businesses. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/rTp2nmI

More than 630 candidates filed to run for state, federal and judicial offices in Illinois — from crowded races for governor and Congress to one statewide contest where no Republican filed. Brenden Moore reports. https://loom.ly/JH7g6KI

The Trump administration will fund partial SNAP benefits, but recalculating benefits is expected to create delays. maggiedough.bsky.social has more. https://loom.ly/kk0Xrl8