WATCH: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers state budget address
February 18, 2026//
(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers his State of the State and Budget Address at noon Wednesday in front of a joint session of the General Assembly.
Watch the speech live here.
Latest News Stories
Illinois secretary of state wants nearly 2% budget increase
By Sean Reed | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants nearly 2% more in taxpayer funds for his upcoming...
Illinois Quick Hits: Suspect arrested in connection with East St. Louis killing
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Illinois State Police special agents arrested a man accused of...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield Park District for Feb. 4, 2026
Litchfield Park District Meeting | Feb. 4, 2026 The Litchfield Park District Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 1100 South State St. to handle monthly business...
Oil cos. ask to pause Chicago climate ‘deception’ suit til SCOTUS weighs in
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying the U.S. Supreme Court will decide soon if the lawsuit is even allowed, a group of oil and gas companies have...
Illinois quick hits: Ex-Carlyle Police Chief faces federal embezzlement charges;
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Ex-Carlyle Police Chief faces federal embezzlement charges Former Carlyle Police Chief Mark Pingsterhaus is facing federal charges for allegedly embezzling more...
Lawmaker proposes property tax credits as housing debate continues
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As state and local officials sound off on housing proposals at the Illinois Capitol, a state senator...
Illinois municipalities push for local fuel tax as gas prices rise
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Some Illinois municipal leaders are pushing for the ability to impose local fuel taxes at a time...
Illinois lawmaker supports EPA rollback; AG opposes
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is praising the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump for repealing the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Report shows Illinois with highest U.S. tax rates
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new survey says Illinois has the highest tax rates in the country. According to a WalletHub...
Park District Partners with Hospital for Women’s Health Event, Preps for Summer Season
Litchfield Park District Meeting | Feb. 4, 2026 Article Summary: The Board approved a partnership with St. Francis Hospital for a June event and reviewed preparations for the upcoming pool...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield City Council for February 19, 2026
Litchfield City Council Meeting | February 19, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Litchfield City Council met on Thursday, February 19, 2026, tackling a diverse agenda that included high-profile personnel decisions and significant...
Highway Department to Borrow $300,000 for New Tandem Dump Truck
January Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Roads & Bridges Committee approved the purchase of a 2027 Western Star dump truck, utilizing a loan from the county's Coal Royalty Fund to bypass...
Dugout Upgrades Stalled, Concession Building Awaits Utilities
Litchfield Park District Meeting | Feb. 4, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield Park District Board reviewed facility improvements, including a stalled proposal to upgrade Walton Park dugouts and updates on...