Ben Szalinski

Pritzker says feds seeking Chicago troop deployment. ‘What I have been warning of is now being realized’ Article Summary The Trump administration is planning to send 100 military troops to the Chicago area, according to Gov. JB

The Trump administration wants to send 100 troops to Chicago to help immigration authorities, Gov. JB Pritzker said, calling the request a method of “sowing fear and intimidation.” https://loom.ly/jt9RMIU

As Illinois congressional delegation seeks answers, ICE cancels meeting Article Summary Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Chicago canceled a meeting with Illinois Democratic members of Congress that was

Illinois members of Congress hoped to get long-awaited answers from ICE at a meeting on Friday, but it was canceled. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/JFU8T9o

A Tribune photographer describes capturing a compelling image from protests outside Broadview’s ICE facility Tribune veteran photographer Stacey Wescott details how she captured an image of an ex-Marine protesting in front of an ICE facility in Broadview that became a sensation on the internet.

If you were one of the many people who flipped for @staceywescott.bsky.social's excellent photographs outside the ICE building in Broadview Friday, you might like reading her walk-through of the morning and the process of making that picture.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/22/t...

Which Republicans are seeking statewide office in 2026? So far, hardly any Article Summary No Republican candidates have publicly announced they’re running for three statewide offices and just two have announced plans

The 2026 campaign season is about to get underway, but very few Republicans are running for statewide office in Illinois. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/sDqeKPg

Illinois Dems say state should be blueprint in national fight against Trump Article Summary JB Pritzker and Illinois Democrats say they’ve delivered for middle class residents and that’s the blueprint their party

What message will help Democrats win in 2026? Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Dems think they found the answer while Senate candidates debate receiving corporate PAC money. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/Hl9HsXU

New Republican to run for Illinois governor as election season begins Article Summary Ted Dabrowski, the president of a conservative public policy research organization, said he plans to announce his campaign

A new Republican candidate for governor emerged as the party gathered at the Illinois State Fair Thursday. @benszalinski.bsky.social has details on that and other Republicans running for office. https://loom.ly/1o8x8Ss

Pritzker's remarks on Texas trying to redistrict to add more GOP members to Congress.

Context to governor's remarks: Princeton Gerrymandering Project gave Illinois an F in 2021 for drawing a map to elect as many Democrats as possible

Juliana Stratton’s financial report was full of names in Illinois Democratic circles, including several Pritzker’s.

Also included: Laura Ricketts of the Cubs, Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf of the Sox and Bulls, and Danny Witz of the Blackhawks

Economic mobility top priority of Krishnamoorthi’s Senate campaign Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Senate run centers on economic opportunity, national security, and government accountability.

One-on-one with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: His message in Illinois’ U.S. Senate race on issues from affordability to national security. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/qTWnOY8

‘We think about the state in the same way’: Mitchell ready to back up Pritzker Christian Mitchell joins JB Pritzker's 2026 ticket, citing shared goals, ethics reform, and affordability focus.

Meet Christian Mitchell: Gov. Pritzker’s new running mate with an extensive resume in state policy. @benszalinski.bsky.social explains why he was chosen and his goals if elected. https://loom.ly/IZAeT7I

Housing funding cut in Illinois budget as homelessness increases Illinois cut $14M in housing funds as homelessness rises 116%, drawing concern from advocates and state lawmakers.

The number of homeless people is rising in Illinois, but state lawmakers slashed funding for homeless prevention programs, and advocates aren’t happy. @benszalinski.bsky.social details the changes. https://loom.ly/k6mGO4k

What is in the largest budget in Illinois history?

Discretionary spending increased less than 1%, but there is more than $500 million of one-time revenues from delaying scheduled fund transfers and to sweeping 57 different funds.

More on what's in the budget⬇️ #twill

Pritzker defends Illinois’ immigration laws in theatrical congressional hearing Gov. Pritzker defends Illinois immigration policy in heated House hearing as protests and political drama escalate.

Gov. JB Pritzker answered hours of questions from a congressional committee about Illinois’ immigration laws – and some on other topics. Pritzker also addressed military deployments in L.A. @benszalinski.bsky.social reports. https://loom.ly/MyiHWfg

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media May 23, 2025: Politics Roundup - House passes Trump’s Big Bill & Illinois General Assembly winds ...

In today's political roundtable, we speak with Linda Kenyon about President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill."

Meanwhile, @benszalinski.bsky.social joins us to talk about the Illinois General Assembly wrapping up spring session, amid more questions about what the state budget will look like.

In-state challenges already made this year's budget talks hard. The latest federal budget halfway through Congress has added new challenges for lawmakers to consider in the final days of negotiations.
Where Illinois' FY26 budget stands with 1 week to pass

Speaker removes Democratic Rep. Fred Crespo from committee chairmanship for ‘not communicating’ Speaker Welch removes Rep. Fred Crespo as budget chair and from the caucus for bypassing leadership during budget talks.

News:
Speaker Chris Welch explains why Rep. Fred Crespo was removed from the HDems caucus and lost his committee chair position:
"The chairman chose not to have any conversations with anyone, despite those processes calling for that.”
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/speaker...

"The only room we really did well on in the house was the bathroom,” Rahm Emanuel told Gavin Newsom.

Pritzker isn't abandoning LGBTQ support: “I’m living proof that introducing your kids to the gay agenda might result in them growing up to be governor."

More on Pritzker's vision vs Newsom/Emanuel:

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media March 14, 2025: Municipal elections begin, government shutdown begins and The White House becomes...

In this week's politics roundtable, @benszalinski.bsky.social takes us through some of his latest reporting, from municipal elections to tariffs. Plus, Linda Kenyon with the news out of Washington, including the prospects of a government shutdown.

Overnight from Gov. JB Pritzker's chief of staff...
This morning, Pritzker urges Democrats to ignore Chuck Schumer and vote NO on a CR to continue funding the government

Trump administration ends reimbursements for Illinois food programs Illinois faces withheld USDA funds impacting food programs and farmers. Gov. Pritzker warns of further budget cuts.

New from me:
The Trump administration has stopped reimbursing Illinois for the IL-EATS program, leaving out nearly $18 million the state was still expecting.
The news comes a week after Pritzker sent a letter to OMB saying Illinois was missing $2B
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/trump-a...

Lawmakers grill mass transit leaders as clock ticks toward funding ‘cliff’ Lawmakers debate mass transit reforms as Chicago-area agencies face a $771M funding gap, pushing for oversight and operational changes.

Lawmakers are demanding better from the Chicago area's transit leaders as they consider reforms and new funding.

The agencies face a $771M deficit in 2026, but after a hearing this week, it's clear more negotiating is needed to decide what reform will be
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/lawmake...

Pritzker calls $55.2B budget ‘responsible and balanced’ – but warns Trump policies could upend it Gov. Pritzker unveils a $55.2B budget, balancing spending without tax hikes while addressing federal funding uncertainties.

Better-than-expected revenue fixed some of the projected deficit for FY26. But spending is limited.
Pritzker even went as far as to cut out a program providing health care to certain immigrants.
All things budget!⬇️⬇️
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...

Pritzker must address multi-billion-dollar deficit amid federal funding uncertainty Gov. JB Pritzker faces a $3.2 billion deficit as he unveils Illinois' budget, tackling spending priorities and federal funding cuts.

How is @govpritzker.illinois.gov going to address a $3.2B deficit in year with so much uncertainty? He's largely ruled out tax increases.

My preview of Wednesday's address and the challenges Illinois faces- from federal funding to spending demands
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...

Madigan Trial in Review Capitol News Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel is covering the corruption trial of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Some back-of-the-napkin math shows @hannahmeisel.bsky.social wrote ~90,000 words -about 50 stories- on the Madigan trial since October for CNI.

We've retooled our Madigan Trial in Review page to feature her work chronologically in one place. Give it a look:
capitolnewsillinois.com/madigan-week...

Pritzker emerging as one of Trump’s most vocal Democratic critics Gov. Pritzker criticizes Trump on national issues, defends Illinois policies, and hints at future presidential ambitions.

You may have noticed Gov. Pritzker has been one of the most vocal anti-Trump voices in the Democratic Party since Jan. 20.
How has Pritzker been using his influence and what is he saying to national media? I looked at that & what it means for 2028 speculation
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...

Illinois lawmakers react to Madigan corruption verdict Illinois lawmakers react to Madigan's corruption conviction, with calls for reform and accountability, and the focus shifting to the future.

Mike Madigan joined a long list today of corrupt Chicago politicians. Illinois Republicans had a lot of “I told you so” to say today, while Democrats said they’ve moved on.

capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinoi...

Rod Blagojevich’s legacy as a disgraced former governor lives on in the Illinois Capitol.
It’s having no picture on the wall with fellow governors. And an impeachment vote that included a handful of lawmakers still in Springfield

Rallies happening in 50 states today protesting Donald Trump, and here in Springfield, a big focus on Elon Musk

What do tariffs mean in Illinois?
For starters, Canada is Illinois' largest trading partner. 72% of 2023 imports from them was just oil and gas.
Combined, Canada, Mexico and China are nearly half of Illinois imports.
Go read the rest and see the graphics⬇️⬇️
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/trump-t...

‘Blatantly unlawful’ federal spending freeze sends state scrambling Illinois joins a lawsuit against Trump's federal spending freeze, citing unconstitutional action that threatens vital programs.

“When our agencies reached out to the federal agencies, we literally were informed that they are not to speak with us,” Pritzker said.
A wrap of a hectic day in America as the Trump administration continues not to communicate with states
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/blatant...