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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.
AP News AP News
25 states sue over Trump's new tariffs, calling them 'pretext' to replace his old ones

25 states sue over Trump's new tariffs, calling them 'pretext' to replace his old ones

Twenty-five states sued the Trump administration Monday over its latest tariffs, calling them a pretext for replacing import taxes the Supreme Court struck down in February
USA Today USA Today
Idaho shooting proves we need more heroes, not gun laws | Opinion

Idaho shooting proves we need more heroes, not gun laws | Opinion

Jordan Salinas had trained for years for a moment like this. When gunman Chad Williams opened fire at a Twin Falls, Idaho, In-N-Out, he was ready.
Detroit Free Press Detroit Free Press
What Michigan kids need as they head to school. See age-specific lists

What Michigan kids need as they head to school. See age-specific lists

Ready to head back to school? Check out these school supply lists.
AP News AP News
States sue to block feds from sharing personal data of millions who receive social service benefits

States sue to block feds from sharing personal data of millions who receive social service benefits

More than 20 states and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration to block it from getting wide access to the personal information of millions of recipients of a benefits program for low-income families
Detroit Free Press Detroit Free Press
Teen has foot partially amputated after boat accident. What we know

Teen has foot partially amputated after boat accident. What we know

Police say there may have been a malfunction that left the boat in gear.
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Governor Pritzker Signs Bill to Support Employee Mental Health in Schools

Governor Pritzker Signs Bill to Support Employee Mental Health in Schools

Governor JB Pritzker has signed a series of bills aimed at improving various aspects of public welfare in Illinois. Among these, House Bill 4862 mandates that school districts develop procedures to support employee mental health in the workplace. This legislation is part of a broader initiative to address mental health issues among employees, aligning with other legislative efforts by Governor Pritzker. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health support in educational settings. Other bills signed include measures to improve jury duty compensation, expand vehicle code regulations, and enhance township property maintenance notices.
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President Trump's Administration Faces 19th Defeat in Voter Roll Legal Campaign

President Trump's Administration Faces 19th Defeat in Voter Roll Legal Campaign

The Trump administration has experienced its 19th consecutive legal defeat in its effort to obtain voter registration records from states. A federal judge in Illinois dismissed the Department of Justice's lawsuit seeking the state's unredacted voter registration database. Judge Colleen Lawless ruled that the DOJ lacked the authority to compel Illinois to release the records, which the administration argued were necessary to ensure compliance with federal election laws. This ruling is part of a broader campaign by the administration to access state voter data, which has faced consistent legal setbacks across multiple states.
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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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U.S. Farmland Values Surpass $6,000 per Acre, Indicating Strong Market Confidence

U.S. Farmland Values Surpass $6,000 per Acre, Indicating Strong Market Confidence

U.S. Farmland Values Surpass $6,000 per Acre, Indicating Strong Market Confidence
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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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President Trump's New Tariffs Heighten U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions, Impacting Automakers

President Trump's New Tariffs Heighten U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions, Impacting Automakers

President Trump has announced a 50 percent tariff on certain Canadian goods, escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. This move follows a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in May 2025. The tariffs are part of a broader strategy to address trade imbalances and protect U.S. industries. However, they have raised concerns among automakers and suppliers who rely on cross-border trade. The automotive industry, which is heavily integrated between the two countries, could face disruptions in supply chains and increased costs.