Illinois Quick Hits: Independents launch campaigns for governor, Congress

Illinois Quick Hits: Independents launch campaigns for governor, Congress

May 27, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Independent gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett has filed petitions to challenge Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Republican Darren Bailey in November. Corbett is a former Republican who said on Tuesday that the GOP nominated someone who has no shot in the general election.

Also on Tuesday, Mayra Macias and Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez filed petitions to run for Congress against Democrat Patty Garcia and Republican Lupe Castillo in Illinois’ fourth district.

Sigcho-Lopez is a member of the city council’s Democratic Socialist Caucus.

ALEXANDER’S TO CLOSE NORMAL LOCATION

Alexander’s Steakhouse has announced that May 31 will be the final day of service at its location in Normal.

The restaurant posted on social media that its longtime Peoria location will remain open. Alexander’s closed its Springfield restaurant in 2024.

ILLINOIS FUEL PRICES SHOW MODEST DECLINES

Illinois fuel prices have dropped in recent days but remain far higher than they were one year ago.

According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded on Wednesday was $4.90 per gallon, down from $5 per gallon the previous week. The price on May 27, 2025 was $3.41.

The average Illinois price for diesel on Wednesday was $5.99 per gallon.

INDEX SUGGESTS INCREASED ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index increased to +0.14 in April from –0.15 in March, suggesting economic growth increased.

The index is a weighted average of 85 growth indicators in national economic activity.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

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...
Illinois Quick Hits: Oak Park woman charged with child care fraud

Illinois Quick Hits: Oak Park woman charged with child care fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Oak Park woman is charged with defrauding the state of Illinois out of more than $30,000...
Florida attorney general appeals Chicago judge’s ‘lawless’ transgender ruling

Florida attorney general appeals Chicago judge’s ‘lawless’ transgender ruling

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying a Chicago federal judge overstepped his constitutional authority, Florida's state attorney general has asked a federal appeals court to quickly reverse...
Congressman calls out Chicago schools' academic woes

Congressman calls out Chicago schools’ academic woes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Public Schools Superintendent Macquline King testified before Congress that math and reading proficiency rates for CPS...
Everyday Economics: A stable labor market is not enough

Everyday Economics: A stable labor market is not enough

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The May jobs report offered a measure of reassurance: the labor market is stable. Employers are still adding jobs, layoffs remain contained, and the economy...