Illinois Quick Hits: Independent candidate filing period opens

Illinois Quick Hits: Independent candidate filing period opens

May 18, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Today is the first day of the filing period for independents and new party candidates seeking state and federal offices in Illinois.

Candidates have had since Feb. 25 to collect signatures and have from today to May 25 at the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield.

Election Day is Nov. 3

BP NEGOTIATIONS RESUME AS ILLINOIS GAS PRICES REMAIN HIGH

Negotiations were set to resume today between the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, and United Steelworkers Local 7-1.

Along with armed conflict in the Middle East, the ongoing labor dispute and a brief power disruption at the refinery last month were blamed for an increase in gasoline prices across several Midwest states.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Illinois was $5.05 on Monday. The average price in Indiana was $4.13.

ST. LOUIS FED: CPI, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, CPI ROSE IN APRIL

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is reporting that U.S. industrial production increased 0.7% in April after falling 0.3% the prior month.

Manufacturing activity increased 0.6% and utilities activity rose 1.9%. The consumer price index rose 3.8% year-over-year in April, not seasonally adjusted, the largest increase since May 2023.

METRO EAST CRIME SUPPRESSION RESULTS ANNOUNCED

Illinois State Police have announced the results of a violent crime suppression detail in St. Clair and Madison counties, with a focus on East St. Louis and surrounding Metro East communities.

ISP reported 23 arrests, 11 firearms seized and two stolen vehicle recoveries.

PRITZKER SAYS HE’S HEALTHY AFTER SPRINGFIELD ER VISIT

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says his health is fine after he visited a hospital emergency room in Springfield last Wednesday night.

The governor told reporters in Chicago on Monday that he went to Springfield Memorial Hospital after he felt something that might have been related to a urology procedure he had undergone on May 1.

Pritzker said he is a healthy 61-year-old man and medical personnel at the hospital told him the issue was not serious.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Census Bureau plans 2030 count as 2020 lawsuit continues

Census Bureau plans 2030 count as 2020 lawsuit continues

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Census Bureau is planning for 2030, making decisions that will shape the distribution of federal funding that topped $2.8 trillion in fiscal year 2021,...
Support broadens beyond Harris, Newsom in Democratic primary poll

Support broadens beyond Harris, Newsom in Democratic primary poll

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square While former Vice President and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris remains the Democratic frontrunner for 2028, according to new polling, her support, and that for California...
Exclusive: Group warns labor bill allows govt takeover of union contract negotiations

Exclusive: Group warns labor bill allows govt takeover of union contract negotiations

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Bipartisan legislation meant to speed up first-time union contracts would promote efficiency but also erode both employee and employer rights, a labor policy group argues....
House passes Mary Miller's bill to stop childcare fraud

House passes Mary Miller’s bill to stop childcare fraud

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., aimed...
Tax tribunal to remain funded

Tax tribunal to remain funded

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square T(The Center Square) – An independent tribunal created to resolve taxpayer disputes with the Illinois Department of Revenue is expected to...
Illinois Quick Hits: Surveys continue after tornadoes, severe weather

Illinois Quick Hits: Surveys continue after tornadoes, severe weather

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Survey teams have been assessing storm damage after severe weather impacted parts of Illinois and surrounding states...
Trump floats USMCA exit; Midwest motorists, refineries could see hardship

Trump floats USMCA exit; Midwest motorists, refineries could see hardship

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump signaled he doesn’t intend to renew a trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, which...
Presidential poll numbers show Pritzker at 2%

Presidential poll numbers show Pritzker at 2%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new public opinion poll says Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains low on the list of voters’...
Illinois Quick Hits: Tornadoes, storms cause damage, outages

Illinois Quick Hits: Tornadoes, storms cause damage, outages

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The National Weather Service will be conducting storm surveys in the wake of severe storms that impacted...
Cook County offers loans after latest tax bill delays

Cook County offers loans after latest tax bill delays

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The latest delay in property tax billing by Cook County is expected to cost local governments. Cook...
Illinois Quick Hits: Storms cause damage, closures

Illinois Quick Hits: Storms cause damage, closures

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Severe storms on Wednesday caused damage in many areas around Illinois, including the state fairgrounds in Springfield....
Extension of pension buyout program to drop $144B liability

Extension of pension buyout program to drop $144B liability

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation extending a program that allows retiring state employees to be paid...
Schools face bus funding, cost challenges

Schools face bus funding, cost challenges

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Public schools are facing bus transportation challenges due to higher costs and a shortage of drivers. State...
‘Family Month’ backer cites biology, declining birth rates in defense of resolution

‘Family Month’ backer cites biology, declining birth rates in defense of resolution

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Family Institute Executive Director David Smith is praising a proposal from U.S. Rep. Mary Miller...
Aldermen say lawmakers failed to address illegal cannabis sales near schools

Aldermen say lawmakers failed to address illegal cannabis sales near schools

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the Chicago City Council’s public safety committee moved forward with an ordinance that would increase penalties...