Ben Szalinski
@benszalinski.bsky.social
Statehouse reporter for Capitol News Illinois | UIS PAR grad | Sports opinions mine | bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
State lawmakers return to Springfield on Tuesday. @benszalinski.bsky.social looks at what issues they might address. https://loom.ly/A2kQH9M
Veto session preview: Federal issues top of mind as lawmakers seek transit, energy solutions
Article Summary The General Assembly will return for the annual fall veto session from Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 28-30 with
capitolnewsillinois.com
October 13, 2025 at 3:20 PM
State lawmakers return to Springfield on Tuesday. @benszalinski.bsky.social looks at what issues they might address. https://loom.ly/A2kQH9M
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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
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
capitolnewsillinois.com
September 29, 2025 at 11:25 PM
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
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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
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
capitolnewsillinois.com
September 26, 2025 at 8:56 PM
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
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/22/t...
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.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 22, 2025 at 6:04 PM
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...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/22/t...
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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
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
capitolnewsillinois.com
August 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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
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
capitolnewsillinois.com
August 13, 2025 at 10:15 PM
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
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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
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
capitolnewsillinois.com
August 14, 2025 at 9:50 PM
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
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
July 22, 2025 at 7:52 PM
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
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
Also included: Laura Ricketts of the Cubs, Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf of the Sox and Bulls, and Danny Witz of the Blackhawks
Who is contributing to Illinois’ U.S. Senate campaigns? Donors include top political figures, lobbyists and even sports team owners. CNI digs into the latest fundraising reports. https://loom.ly/C71xB60
Who is contributing to Illinois’ U.S. Senate candidates?
Fundraising heats up in Illinois’ 2026 Senate race as Stratton, Kelly, and Krishnamoorthi report major donations.
capitolnewsillinois.com
July 17, 2025 at 4:36 PM
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
Also included: Laura Ricketts of the Cubs, Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf of the Sox and Bulls, and Danny Witz of the Blackhawks
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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
Economic mobility top priority of Krishnamoorthi’s Senate campaign
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Senate run centers on economic opportunity, national security, and government accountability.
capitolnewsillinois.com
July 14, 2025 at 9:30 PM
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
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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
‘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.
capitolnewsillinois.com
July 7, 2025 at 8:31 PM
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
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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
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.
capitolnewsillinois.com
July 4, 2025 at 12:06 PM
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
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
Gov. JB Pritzker signed the largest budget in state history Monday balanced with tax hikes and one-time revenues. But there’s also spending cuts and freezes. @benszalinski.bsky.social has details. https://loom.ly/4holJHU
Pritzker signs $55.1B state budget reliant on $700M of new taxes
Pritzker signs $55.1B Illinois budget with $700M in new taxes, program cuts, and delayed fund transfers.
capitolnewsillinois.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:41 PM
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
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
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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
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.
capitolnewsillinois.com
June 12, 2025 at 10:45 PM
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
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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.
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.
May 23, 2025: Politics Roundup - House passes Trump’s Big Bill & Illinois General Assembly winds ...
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
youtu.be
May 23, 2025 at 7:53 PM
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.
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
Where Illinois' FY26 budget stands with 1 week to pass
Illinois lawmakers are entering the last week of budget negotiations with tempered expectations — and a new challenge from Congress. @benszalinski.bsky.social and @pqhancock.bsky.social explain. loom.ly/qW9hFPk
State budget talks enter final week amid fears of congressional cuts
Illinois lawmakers brace for budget cuts as federal uncertainty and falling revenue leave little room for new spending.
loom.ly
May 23, 2025 at 5:57 PM
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
Where Illinois' FY26 budget stands with 1 week to pass
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...
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...
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.
capitolnewsillinois.com
May 15, 2025 at 7:33 PM
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...
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:
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:
#Illinois | What issues should Democrats focus on? JB Pritzker balances focus on economy with support for LGBTQ rights as some in party suggest avoiding transgender issues. Ben Szalinski details Pritzker’s message. capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
Pritzker balances messaging as some Dems encourage party to avoid LGBTQ issues
Gov. JB Pritzker defends LGBTQ rights while urging Democrats to focus on economic issues amid party strategy debate.
capitolnewsillinois.com
April 22, 2025 at 6:58 PM
"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:
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:
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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.
March 14, 2025: Municipal elections begin, government shutdown begins and The White House becomes...
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
youtu.be
March 14, 2025 at 9:18 PM
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
This morning, Pritzker urges Democrats to ignore Chuck Schumer and vote NO on a CR to continue funding the government
March 14, 2025 at 3:04 PM
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
This morning, Pritzker urges Democrats to ignore Chuck Schumer and vote NO on a CR to continue funding the government
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...
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...
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.
capitolnewsillinois.com
March 4, 2025 at 9:15 PM
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...
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 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...
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...
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.
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 28, 2025 at 7:49 PM
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...
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...
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 even went as far as to cut out a program providing health care to certain immigrants.
All things budget!⬇️⬇️
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
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.
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 20, 2025 at 1:23 AM
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 even went as far as to cut out a program providing health care to certain immigrants.
All things budget!⬇️⬇️
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
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...
My preview of Wednesday's address and the challenges Illinois faces- from federal funding to spending demands
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.
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 14, 2025 at 4:56 PM
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...
My preview of Wednesday's address and the challenges Illinois faces- from federal funding to spending demands
capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
Reposted by Ben Szalinski
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...
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...
Madigan Trial in Review
Capitol News Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel is covering the corruption trial of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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...
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...