Ben Szalinski

The Sun-Times has been tracking prices for 35 grocery items since December. Our shopping cart’s total tab is up by $11. Experts say to expect more increases. Here are the details. trib.al/kQAZfHx

Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie’s response to Gov. Pritzker’s comments about redistricting:

You've heard a lot about what Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill will do in Illinois for social service programs. But there's more than Medicaid cuts in the bill and one change expands a federal tax credit that could allow tens of thousands more affordable homes to be built in IL #twill

Pritzker signed a bill this afternoon allowing police to remove squatters without an eviction. It comes days after @SamChatmanABC7 spoke to @Repevans33 about his unwelcome neighbor and Evans’ calls for Pritzker to sign the bill #twill capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzker-…

NEWS: Anne Pramaggiore has been sentenced to two years in prison, + a $750K fine. Judge points to ComEd changing for the good under her leadership but “…when it came to Mr. McClain and Mr. Madigan, you didn’t think to change the culture of corruption. Instead, you were all in.”

New endorsement by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle for @RobertJPeters in an increasingly interesting 2nd Congressional District race #twill

Cook County Democrats have endorsed state Rep. Margaret Croke for state comptroller in the 2026 Democratic Primary. They won’t endorse a candidate for U.S. Senate, the other open statewide office. @drewjayadams reports. loom.ly/etFwv84

BREAKING: NASCAR won’t hold Chicago Street Race in 2026 while exploring new date, shorter buildout trib.al/3Wf1YAD

At Cook County Dem slating: No endorsement, open primary, for US Senate. Croke endorsed for state comptroller.

Cook County Dem Party decides not to slate anyone in the Senate race to replace Dick Durbin. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton spoke before the party; Rep. Robin Kelly had a surrogate after missing a flight amid late night House votes.

Raja Krishnamoorthi has $21M in his campaign funds, but you could tell he's got a ton of money without looking. He's now released his second ad of the campaign and second just this week. The first ad was set to cost $500K in the first week. youtube.com/watch?v=8yXOv5…

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 #twill

Statement from Rep. Margaret Croke on Mendoza's decision not to seek reelection. Croke doesn't say if she will run for the seat, but does say what she is looking for in the state's next comptroller #twill

Mendoza: "Chicagoans deserve better." She says the city has had two bad mayors in a row as she leaves the door open to running for the office herself in 2027 #twill

Mendoza officially says she is leaving the door open to running for mayor, but will be taking some time to think about what is next for her. She says she wants to talk to people about where she might "have the biggest impact" #twill

Just now: Comptroller Susana Mendoza announces she will NOT run for reelection in 2026. Her time in state office was pivotal as the state dealt with serious financial challenges. This likely sets her up to run for mayor of Chicago in 2027 #twill

A tribute to Hank Aaron ⚾️

Things always have a way of working themselves out.