>>Governor Pritzker Says Illinois Bear’s Stadium Talks Are Progressing
(Chicago, IL) — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says the state is making significant movement in talks with the Chicago Bears, despite efforts from Northwest Indiana officials seeking a stadium site. He mentioned Monday that there has been a lot of discussion and with the Bears organization and he pleased with the progress that’s being made. Meanwhile, a group that supports an Arlington Heights sports venue is expected to hold a media event today to urge state lawmakers to keep the Bears in Illinois during this legislative session. On the other hand, there is a bill moving through the Indiana State House that could open the door to a publicly financed stadium for the Bears in Gary.
>>Pritzker Joins Other Democratic Governors to Boycott White House Dinner
(Chicago, IL) — Governor Pritzker is joining a group of fellow Democratic governors who are boycotting a White House meeting with President Trump. Pritzker announced on social media that he won’t be attending the dinner hosted by the National Governors Association next week in support of Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. His decision comes after Trump disinvited Polis and Moore from the event. Pritzker called on his Republican colleagues to join the boycott.
>>Bailey Zimmerman to Play the 2026 Illinois State Fair
(Springfield, IL) — Bailey Zimmerman is returning home to perform at the Illinois State Fair this summer. The multi-platinum country superstar will take the Grandstand Stage on August 14th. The Louisville, Illinois native’s breakout hit “Fall in Love” went viral and made him the fastest debut country artist to reach number-one on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in over a decade. The 2026 Illinois State Fair is being held August 13th through 23rd in Springfield.
>>1099-G Forms Available Unemployment Insurance Benefits Claimants
(Springfield, IL) — 1099-G tax forms are available for claimants in Illinois who received unemployment insurance benefits in 2025. The Illinois Department of Employment Security says claimants who collected UI benefits last year will need the 1099-G tax form to complete their state and federal tax returns. Claimants who opted to receive their 1099-G tax form electronically have received an email notification with instructions to access the form from their IDES account.