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Illinois Implements Temporary Sales Tax Reduction for Back-to-School Shopping

Illinois Implements Temporary Sales Tax Reduction for Back-to-School Shopping

Illinois is offering a temporary sales tax reduction on school supplies and certain clothing items from August 7 to 16. During this period, the state sales tax will decrease from 6.25% to 1.25% on eligible items, although local sales taxes will still apply. The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families preparing for the new school year. Governor JB Pritzker announced the tax holiday as part of broader efforts to mitigate the impact of inflation, which he attributes to policies from President Trump. The program is expected to cost the state $10 million, a small fraction of the state's $55.9 billion budget.
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Illinois Sales Tax Holiday Announced for Back-to-School Shopping

Illinois Sales Tax Holiday Announced for Back-to-School Shopping

Illinois is set to implement a sales tax holiday aimed at alleviating the financial burden of back-to-school shopping for families. From August 7 to August 16, the state will reduce sales tax by 5% on clothing items up to $125 and other school-related supplies. This initiative comes as a response to rising costs of school supplies, which have increased by 8% compared to the previous year, due to factors such as tariffs and higher fuel prices. Governor JB Pritzker is scheduled to discuss the tax holiday at a news conference, highlighting its potential benefits for families and encouraging participation in school supply drives during this period.
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Warrenville, Illinois: A Suburban Haven with Nature Trails and Artistic Flair

Warrenville, Illinois: A Suburban Haven with Nature Trails and Artistic Flair

Warrenville, Illinois: A Suburban Haven with Nature Trails and Artistic Flair
1Weather 1Weather
Heavy Rain Threat Raises Flash Flood Risk in Midwest

Heavy Rain Threat Raises Flash Flood Risk in Midwest

A slow-moving cold front will bring repeated rounds of heavy rain to the Midwest through Tuesday and Wednesday, raising the risk of flash flooding. Rainfall rates could reach 1–2 inches per hour, with the greatest threat expected Wednesday night into early Thursday across southern Iowa, northern Missouri, northern Illinois—including Chicago—and southern Wisconsin. Urban areas such as Chicago and Des Moines face an increased risk of localized flooding as storms repeatedly track over the same locations.
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Warrenville, Illinois Offers Scenic Trails and Artsy Vibes for Nature Enthusiasts

Warrenville, Illinois Offers Scenic Trails and Artsy Vibes for Nature Enthusiasts

Warrenville, Illinois Offers Scenic Trails and Artsy Vibes for Nature Enthusiasts
USA Today USA Today
USA TODAY Sports’ Super 10 high school flag football preseason rankings for Illinois

USA TODAY Sports’ Super 10 high school flag football preseason rankings for Illinois

USA TODAY Sports unveils the top 10 high school flag football teams in Illinois ahead of the 2026 season.
SB Nation SB Nation
Packers Training Camp: Jordan Morgan looks like a starting left tackle

Packers Training Camp: Jordan Morgan looks like a starting left tackle

Jordan Morgan drew praise at Green Bay Packers camp on Tuesday for his performance in one-on-ones
SB Nation SB Nation
New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm Preview: Can Liberty Protect Home Court to Start Homestand?

New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm Preview: Can Liberty Protect Home Court to Start Homestand?

The NY Liberty come home for a homestand, beginning with a two-game set against the Seattle Storm.
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Chicago School Board's Budget Rejection Puts Pressure on Governor Pritzker

Chicago School Board's Budget Rejection Puts Pressure on Governor Pritzker

The Chicago school board, influenced by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), has rejected a $10 billion budget proposed by Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King. This budget included over 1,000 layoffs to address a $730 million deficit. The board's decision hinges on the expectation that state lawmakers and Governor JB Pritzker will provide a $150 million bailout during the November veto session. The rejection has raised concerns about potential credit downgrades and the ability to secure short-term loans necessary for payroll. The decision has been criticized as reckless, with significant blame directed at House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch, who has promised to push for supplemental funding.
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Senator Durbin Highlights Risks for Immigrant Children Facing Court Without Legal Representation

Senator Durbin Highlights Risks for Immigrant Children Facing Court Without Legal Representation

Senator Dick Durbin and Representative Bill Foster recently visited a shelter in Illinois housing unaccompanied immigrant children who have fled difficult situations in their home countries. Concerns have been raised by immigration attorneys that approximately 26,000 vulnerable immigrant children across the United States could face deportation without legal representation. This issue has been exacerbated by recent Department of Justice policy changes and the expiration of a federal contract that provided these children with legal representation. Laura Smith, executive director of the Children’s Legal Center, emphasized the complexity of the immigration process, particularly for young children, and the fear they experience in court. The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement has stated it remains compliant with legal obligations and has offered to extend the contract if certain data is provided.
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Governor JB Pritzker Enacts Law to Shield Children from Social Media Algorithms

Governor JB Pritzker Enacts Law to Shield Children from Social Media Algorithms

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a new law aimed at protecting children from the potentially harmful effects of social media algorithms. The legislation, which was passed without opposition in the General Assembly, requires parents to input their child's age when setting up a device. Social media companies must then restrict content to what the child follows or searches for, rather than using endless-scrolling algorithms. The law also limits strangers' access to children's profiles and restricts social media notifications after 10 p.m. The bill applies to platforms like Instagram and TikTok and is set to be implemented in 2028. This move is part of Pritzker's broader agenda to curb tech companies' influence on children, as he considers a potential 2028 presidential run.
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Chicago Public Schools Seek $150 Million in State Funding Amid Budget Challenges

Chicago Public Schools Seek $150 Million in State Funding Amid Budget Challenges

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has passed a $9.96 billion budget that hinges on receiving an additional $150 million from state lawmakers. The Chicago Teachers Union and its allies argue that CPS is underfunded and that the additional funds would help restore positions lost to layoffs and protect classrooms from cuts. However, CPS leaders, including CEO Macquline King, warn that relying on uncertain funding could deter lenders and threaten the district's financial stability. The state funding is crucial as CPS is currently funded at only 73% of its adequacy target under Illinois' evidence-based funding formula. The formula is designed to prioritize funding for the neediest districts, but CPS faces challenges due to rising student needs and declining local revenue.