Chlebek returns to the 2025 Illinois Senate race with no-tax pledges for youth, retirees, and first-time homeowners.
Casey Chlebek
PARK RIDGE - Casey Chlebek, a Polish-American business owner and public policy supporter, is running for U.S. Senate in Illinois as a Republican in the 8th Congressional District. His campaign focus is on cutting taxes and putting more money in the pockets of working-class families through tax cuts.
Chlebek calls his plan the MAGNA Agenda - short for Make America the Greatest Nation Again. Campaigning for the open seat vacated by Dick Durbin, who announced his retirement earlier this year, he says he wants to take power away from government officials and give it back to families in Illinois. His plan includes ending property taxes for certain groups and reducing or removing several federal taxes.
“If you’ve worked hard, played by the rules, and still feel like you’re falling behind—this campaign is for you,” Chlebek said in a statement. “It’s time for bold solutions that put Illinois families first and bring American greatness back where it belongs: at the kitchen table, not in the halls of bureaucracy.”
A former engineer who immigrated from Poland during the Cold War, Chlebek previously ran for Senate in 2022.
The MAGNA Agenda has seven main ideas to help bring respect, fairness, and chances for all Americans.
Abolish Property Taxes for seniors, veterans, disabled Americans, and first-time homeowners using a mix of federal credits and state incentives.
Eliminate Federal Taxes on Retirement Income, including Social Security and pension benefits.
End Social Security Payroll Taxes, allowing workers to retain more of their earnings.
No Federal Taxes for Americans Under 23, with an extension to age 26 for students and young married couples.
Five-Year Tax Holiday for New Small Businesses, offering automatic extensions to encourage entrepreneurship.
Free Prescription Medications for Seniors, Disabled Citizens, and Veterans** through the elimination of middlemen and redirected spending.
Restoration of Dignity Through Work and Ownership, including a vow by Chlebek to forgo a Senate salary if elected.
The campaign also introduces a foreign policy initiative under the acronym MULA - Make the U.S. Loved Again. Chlebek's global vision, which he calls the PTCS Doctrine (President Trump’s Calling Shots), promotes a strategy of reciprocal relationships and restrained diplomacy. The doctrine includes:
Parity in trade and alliances
Trust in global outreach
Cooperation when in America’s interest
Stability by avoiding unnecessary sanctions and interventions
A former engineer who immigrated from Poland during the Cold War, Chlebek previously ran for Senate in 2022. He returns to the race now with a broader platform and renewed focus on economic relief for everyday Americans.
“This isn’t about left or right, it’s about right and wrong,” Chlebek said. “Illinoisans are being crushed by taxes, ignored by politicians, and forced to settle for broken promises. I’m not here to play games. I’m here to fight for your home, your freedom, and your family’s future.”
More stories ~
Tags: Casey Chlebek U.S. Senate campaign Illinois 2025, MAGNA Agenda tax reform plan for working families, Illinois Republican Senate candidate Polish-American, Free prescription drugs proposal for seniors and veterans, No federal taxes for students and young adults policy
Many Americans unconsciously link being "American" with whiteness and English fluency, a bias that starts in early childhood, research shows.
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - With Donald Trump in the White House, Illinois and the nation face new challenges about who "belongs" in the United States.
Nationality has become a flashpoint, and studies show folks tend to have an implicit bias about who fits the bill for being "American." Experts say many associate the term "American" with white people who speak English - even if they initially say otherwise.
University of Chicago psychology professor Katherine Kinzler said people don't always consciously exclude individuals from being American, and can be vocal about how ridiculous the notion of being white to be American sounds.
"And yet," she said, "those same people, when given a more subtle task - of 'what they think of when they think of what it means to be American' - they might just be a little bit faster to identify somebody who's white and who speaks English as being American, versus somebody else."
Formed biases are more often a result of social and cultural attitudes rather than political messages.
She said humans categorize others using cognitive shortcuts, which can cause prejudice and stereotypes, and lead to real-world consequences such as determining hiring decisions and ultimately making individuals feel like they don't belong.
Studying the development of social attitudes in kids, Kinzler said she found young children initially perceive English speakers as "more American." As they grow older, they then associate both English speakers and white faces with American identity. Kinzler said children often pick up on the statistical realities of their world, which can also color their beliefs.
"So they might be noticing, 'Who are the people I come in contact with? Who are the people that my parent talks to, who come over for dinner? Who are the people in my school? What access to resources do they have?' And so forth," she said. "And so, kids are paying attention to the social realities of their world and kind of adding it up."
While it's impossible to control everything children are exposed to, Kinzler suggested parents try to broaden their early experiences by exposing them to diverse ideas, languages, people and places, especially from a young age. She said formed biases are more often a result of social and cultural attitudes rather than political messages.
TELL THE SENTINEL WHAT YOU THINK:Can someone be "American" if they speak English, but are not 'white'? Send us a letter and tell us what you think.
.::. Here is how and where to sent it More stories ~
Tags: Implicit bias in American identity perception, How children learn cultural stereotypes in America, English language and American belonging study, Racial bias in defining who is American, Effects of early childhood exposure on prejudice
Illinois governor signs executive order that requires state agencies to draft plans to mitigate effects of the Trump Administration's tariffs last week.
by Ben Szalinski
Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order Monday requiring Illinois agencies to draft recommendations to respond to tariffs being implemented by President Donald Trump.
The order requires seven state agencies to “consider the specific impacts that the U.S. tariffs have had on Illinois and provide draft recommendations of measures to mitigate the impact of these tariffs” within the next 100 days, which would be Oct. 22.
Pritzker said in a statement that tariffs amount to a tax increase on consumers and contribute to economic uncertainty.
“This Executive Order ensures we have a clear-eyed view of the impact the Trump Slump will cause from higher prices at the grocery store to uncertainty in our farms and factories,” Pritzker said. “We’re working with other states to stand up for working people and protect our economies when we can.”
The order cites large tariffs Trump has unilaterally implemented on most countries, including some of Illinois’ largest trading partners, saying the tariffs have raised prices for consumers and businesses and led to supply chain disruptions. The order says tariffs as well as retaliatory tariffs countries have imposed on the United States are hurting “vital sectors of the Illinois economy.”
After previously pushing off implementation of some tariffs until Aug. 1 to allow time for negotiations, Trump announced last week many countries will see tariffs take effect. His latest policy includes 35% tariffs on Canada, 30% on Mexico and the European Union, and between 25% and 40% on many Asian countries. The president previously imposed 145% tariffs on goods from China in the spring, but many of his latest rates are lower than they would have been earlier this year.
Illinois imports more goods from Canada than any other country.
Image courtesy Capitol News Illinois
Screenshot of executive order filing with Illinois Secretary of State by Gov. JB Pritzker, who issued his third executive order this year last week. The EO requires certain state agencies to draft plans to respond to federal tariffs.
Order’s requirements
Under Pritzker’s executive order, state agencies must examine the impact of tariffs on certain sectors of the economy or the agency’s operations.
The departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Employment Security will evaluate challenges reported by businesses, employment trends since tariffs have been implemented, and industries most affected by tariffs.
Pritzker’s executive order was part of actions taken by seven Democratic governors.
The Department of Human Services will evaluate trends in food donations and supply chain challenges for food assistance programs, as well as the purchasing power of food banks and their ability to meet demand.
The Department of Transportation and the Capitol Development Board will assess the impact of tariffs on construction costs, and the ability to purchase construction materials and complete projects within their timelines.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security will evaluate any impacts to stockpiles and the ability to obtain supplies, including staying prepared for emergencies within budget constraints.
Pritzker’s executive order was part of actions taken by seven Democratic governors to understand the impact of tariffs on their states.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Dear Editor,
I write with deep concern over the unfolding controversy involving Assam’s Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, his family’s dairy venture, and a significant ₹50 lakh subsidy meant for dairy farmers. An RTI revelation highlights that 90 state-owned Gir cows reportedly went missing from Rangiya Railway Station, only to seemingly reappear at a private dairy firm run by the minister’s wife in the same region.
This dairy enterprise, JMB Aqua Agro Pvt. Ltd., registered in Shillong and spanning more than 104 bighas with Gir cattle, poultry, horticulture, and fishery operations, experienced spectacular growth: revenue rose by 13.9%, profit by nearly 500%, and assets by over 1,900% in 2022–23. Notably, the minister’s wife was appointed managing director in March 2020, and their daughter was added as a director in 2023.
While family-run enterprises are not inherently wrong, the opacity here is troubling. Were public subsidies—intended as lifelines for small farmers—diverted to a privately controlled operation aligned with political influence? And how did 90 Gir cows vanish from public inventory, only to surface under the minister’s firm? These gaps demand investigation.
Furthermore, the timing is striking. Minister Baruah has publicly positioned himself as a protector of cattle and rural livelihoods. Yet, the alleged misdirection of funds and livestock undermines that commitment. As RTI activist Dilip Nath has demanded, it is vital to trace the procurement of cows under the Garukhuti project, track the subsidy’s approval to the minister’s wife, and examine declarations of business interest.
In a healthy democracy, public trust hinges on transparency—especially when government schemes are involved. Hence, I urge:
1. A judicial or independent probe into the missing state Gir cows, their procurement, and eventual placement.
2. Full disclosure of the subsidy approval process, including eligibility assessments and any conflict-of-interest disclosures.
3. A review of public asset declarations by the minister and his family to ensure no discrepancies.
The people of Assam deserve accountability, not "cash for curd" schemes serving political families. Let this inquiry affirm that governance is neither opaque nor partisan, but truly public-centered.
Jun 03, 2025 03:35 pm .::. If you love food, here are the top cities you need to move to this year
For anyone who truly enjoys good food, choosing where to live can shape everyday happiness. Certain places offer incredible meals on every corner, from street stalls to high-end restaurants. Finding cities you should move to if you love food means looking for diversity, quality, and unique local flavors.
Jun 03, 2025 02:40 pm .::. Challenges to Illinois gun laws could go before the Supreme Court
Challenges to local and state gun bans in Illinois could be the next case in front of the U.S. Supreme court on the “AR-15 issue.”
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up a challenge to Maryland’s ban, The Center Square reported. In the order, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said whether a state can ban an AR-15 is a question he expects the court to take up, but not right now.
May 28, 2025 12:57 pm .::. Book Review | I Fuel, How Energy Powers Our Busy World
"As dinosaurs thump about, my life begins," opens I Fuel, Kelly Rice Schmitt’s attempt to explain to children the complex web of energy topics.
Where do gasoline and jet fuel come from? How do our lights turn on? Why do we seek alternative energy sources? These questions are answered at a young child’s level in this 2024 picture book. Schmitt starts by describing the formation of crude oil, then delves into the ...
May 28, 2025 02:41 am .::. State-Bound: Local tennis players ready for IHSA Finals this weekendCHAMPAIGN - Three singles players and three area doubles teams are set to represent the Champaign-Urbana area at the IHSA Boys Tennis State Finals, which begin Thursday across the Chicago suburbs.
May 27, 2025 07:11 pm .::. Officials find first instance of West Nile virus in IllinoisCHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Public Health said the first positive test for West Nile virus in 2025 has been detected in Winnebago County near Rockford.
Health officials warned people in the infected area and elsewhere to take precautions to avoid the mosquito-borne disease, which is expected to spread across the state. Last year, Illinois reported 69 cases of West Nile, with 13 reported human deaths.
New bill would allow a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling or child of any Illinois driver to submit medical information about the driver to the secretary of state if they think the person’s medical condition interferes with their driving abilities.
Photo: Cheng Xiao/Unsplash
Drivers 87 and older will have to take an annual driver’s test says new bill waiting for the Illinois governor's signature. by Jade Aubrey
Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - A bill unanimously passed by the Senate on Thursday and on its way to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk will increase the age that senior drivers in Illinois are required to take an annual driver’s test.
Currently, if a driver renews their driver’s license between the ages of 79 and 80, they are required to take a driving test. Drivers between 81 and 86 are required to take a driving test every two years, and drivers 87 and older have to take the test annually.
If Pritzker signs House Bill 1226, sponsored by Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, only drivers 87 and older will have to take an annual driver’s test. Illinois drivers between 79 and 86 won’t be required to take a driver’s test to renew their license; instead, they’ll only have to take a vision test, and if they have a driving violation, a written test.
The bill would also allow a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling or child of any Illinois driver to submit medical information about the driver to the secretary of state if they think the person’s medical condition interferes with their driving abilities. Currently, only medical officials, police officers and state’s attorneys can submit such information.
HB 1226, also called the Road Safety and Fairness Act, has garnered bipartisan support. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his support for the bill in January alongside lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. The bill was conceived by a constituent of Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, last year.
The bill has 86 cosponsors in the House and 35 in the Senate.
Illinois is the only state that requires seniors to pass a driving test solely due to their age. But state data indicates that older drivers tend to have lower crash rates.
In 2023, the crash rate for drivers aged 75 and older was 24.61 per 1,000 drivers, which was lower than any other age group, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The low crash rate has been consistent since at least 2018, according to the Secretary of State’s Office’s 2023 Study on Age-Related Driving Abilities.
The crash rate is more than double for many of the other age groups.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. Jade Aubrey contributed to this article.
Issues such as escalating unemployment, the deteriorating quality of education, environmental degradation, and increasing digital surveillance have direct implications for younger generations.
byJahidul Hassan
Guest Commentator
"Politics is not something to avoid. It is something to shape," said Barack Obama—words that ring especially true for India, home to the world’s largest youth population. With nearly 40% of Indians between the ages of 15 and 29, young people are uniquely positioned to reshape the country’s future.
Yet despite this demographic advantage, youth participation in Indian politics remains alarmingly low. From climate change and unemployment to digital governance and social justice, today's challenges require fresh ideas and active engagement. This article explores why political involvement among India’s youth is essential, what’s holding them back, and how they can take the lead.
Young Indians need to invest more time into politics and governance through voting, protests, and local leadership.
India’s Youth: A Demographic Powerhouse
India’s young population represents a vast reservoir of potential. Their energy, creativity, and digital fluency can bring innovative solutions to complex issues. However, their voices are often missing from the formal political process. While youth drive trends on social media and lead protest movements, many stop short of entering politics formally.
According to recent studies, nearly 46% of young Indians express little or no interest in politics. Even among the engaged, disillusionment with traditional political parties is common. This disengagement is a cause for concern, as it suggests that future leaders may be absent from the decision-making table.
Why Are Young Indians Reluctant to Enter Politics?
Several barriers hinder formal youth participation in politics:
Dynastic politics: Many political parties favor family lineage over merit.
Financial hurdles: Campaigning and nomination costs are often unaffordable.
Perception of instability: Politics is rarely seen as a secure or viable career path.
Lack of civic education: Most schools and colleges fail to provide political literacy.
These factors combine to create an environment where political ambition among youth often goes unrealized.
Disengagement Comes at a Cost
The absence of youth in governance doesn’t mean politics ignores them. Issues like unemployment, education inequality, and environmental degradation affect young people directly. If they don’t participate, policies will continue to be made without their input.
This disengagement is evident in voting trends. According to the Election Commission of India’s Lok Sabha 2024 Atlas, the share of voters aged 18–29 fell from 25.37% in 2019 to 22.78% in 2024. States like Rajasthan saw a steep drop in voter turnout among 18–19-year-olds, from 76.7% in 2019 to about 60% in 2024.
Panchayati Raj: A Gateway to Grassroots Leadership
Despite national-level disengagement, some hopeful signs are emerging. Local politics, especially through Panchayati Raj institutions, offers a promising entry point for youth. In Assam’s recent Panchayat elections, a significant number of candidates were under 40, and nearly 60% were women.
Young leaders are leveraging their tech-savviness and local knowledge to improve services like sanitation, water management, and primary education. They are also involved in executing schemes like MGNREGA, which directly affect their communities.
Former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted this shift at the 35th Regional Youth Parliament Competition, emphasizing the need for young people to preserve and promote Assam’s heritage through active governance.
Learning from History: India’s Youth Movements
Youth have historically led transformative movements in India:
The Chipko Movement for forest conservation
Jayprakash Narayan’s Total Revolution
The Anti-Mandal protests and Bihar student movement
More recently, the anti-CAA demonstrations
These examples show that when mobilized, young people can drive change at every level.
Creating a Culture of Political Engagement
To unlock youth potential in governance, systemic change is needed. This includes:
Transparent political recruitment: Parties must prioritize competence over legacy.
Financial support: Scholarships or grants for political aspirants can ease entry barriers.
Civic education: Schools and colleges should offer practical lessons in political systems and leadership.
Youth platforms: Initiatives like mock parliaments and civic fellowships can cultivate future leaders.
National Youth Day, celebrated in honor of Swami Vivekananda, underscores the role of young people in shaping India’s destiny. Government initiatives like the National Youth Policy and National Youth Parliament aim to build capacity and leadership among India’s emerging voters and visionaries.
The Road Ahead: Youth as Changemakers
Ultimately, youth participation in politics is not just about age—it’s about perspective, innovation, and the will to build a more inclusive India. In states like Assam, where challenges such as unemployment and ethnic tensions persist, the need for active youth leadership is even more urgent.
The recent rise in young Panchayat candidates signals a shift, but much remains to be done. Young Indians must go beyond protest and advocacy to step into roles as elected leaders and policy architects.
India’s future won’t be built for the youth—it must be built by them.
Jahidul Hassan is a research student at Darul Huda Islamic University in Kerala, India. In his leisure time he likes to talk to friends and travel. If given to fly anywhere in the world first class, it would be to Switzerland.
It is estimated the federal government spent about $2 billion in advance point-of-sale EV tax credit payments.
Photo: Charlie Deets/Unsplash
by Terri Dee Indiana News Service
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Supporters of electric vehicle ownership said there are a number of advantages to owning one.
Studies show EVs can convert 85% to 90% of their energy into forward movement. A majority of the electricity used in an EV vehicle is American-made and an EV can be charged at home, just like a cellphone.
Despite the benefits and their popularity, Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., the Speaker of the House, has proposed removing a $7,500 tax credit for EV owners as part of President Donald Trump's goal to restructure the country's budget.
As of December 2023, the Department of Energy shows slightly more than 26,000 Hoosiers own an electric vehicle.
John Higham, board member of the Electric Vehicle Association, wondered if it will cause potential EV car buyers to back away.
"Do I think if this $7,500 tax credit suddenly disappeared, it's not going to kill the electric vehicle?," Higham asked. "It might slow the acceleration of the adoption of the electric vehicle but it's certainly not going to reverse the trend."
Trump's budget proposal could pass between the end of May and the end of July. Higham acknowledged the tax credit is a strong motivator for people to buy or lease an electric car. And he expects a 10% to 12% growth rate for purchases. Higham admitted the number could drop to between 8% and 9% if the tax credit disappears.
As of December 2023, the Department of Energy shows slightly more than 26,000 Hoosiers own an electric vehicle.
The Republican controlled House has proposed legislation to extend the tax credit until the end of 2025 and analysts said the largest EV automaker, Tesla, owned by Trump associate Elon Musk, would be affected the most if the tax credit ends. Higham noted the fallout of repealing the tax credit could break down along party lines.
"That economic engine that is in those red districts, where there's new battery manufacturing put in, new automotive manufacturing put in," Higham pointed out. "Those are the voters that are going to feel it the most, are in those red districts. And so there are Republican congressmen who are saying, not quite so fast. It is harder to repeal than I think most people realize."
In 2024, it is estimated the federal government spent about $2 billion in advance point-of-sale EV tax credit payments. Buzz about the tax removal may push consumers to buy EVs sooner than later, to take advantage of the credit before it disappears.
The path forward demands urgent introspection, from political parties and the community alike. Parties must invest in building inclusive platforms that prioritize competence and character over tokenism.
byAshfaq Choudhury
In Assam’s intricate political landscape, the state’s sizable Muslim population, nearly 34% of its total, remains one of the most electorally significant yet politically voiceless communities. On paper, representation appears sufficient: 31 out of 126 MLAs in the Assam Legislative Assembly are Muslim. But beyond numbers, there is a growing sense of abandonment, a leadership vacuum that becomes glaring during moments of crisis.
The recently concluded panchayat elections have only sharpened this perception. Despite the symbolic presence of Muslim leaders in the legislature, a striking absence of real advocacy persists. These elected figures are often visible during campaigns and in constituency events, but in the heat of critical debates—be it on citizenship, identity, or communal tensions—their silence is deafening. For many, it no longer feels like representation, but rather a performance devoid of agency.
The Muslim community in Assam is not lacking in numbers or political engagement. What it lacks is a mass leader—someone with the courage, clarity, and intellectual heft to articulate the community’s concerns in the state’s mainstream discourse. Most Muslim leaders remain confined to their constituencies, avoiding broader engagement on sensitive issues that demand moral conviction and political skill.
Take, for instance, the recent controversy surrounding the WAQF Amendment Bill. Regardless of one’s stance on the bill, what stood out was the lack of a strong, unified voice from within the Muslim leadership. While a few MLAs from the AIUDF did register protest, their message lacked resonance in the absence of a credible, widely respected face, especially after Badruddin Ajmal’s defeat in Dhubri, which has left the party without a clear figurehead.
Historically, the Congress party has positioned itself as the natural home for Muslim voters in Assam. It has benefited from decades of loyalty, largely rooted in fears of marginalization and communal politics. But this reliance on Muslim-majority “safe seats” has bred complacency. The incentive to nurture bold, capable Muslim leaders has diminished. Instead of dynamic representation, the community has been handed ritualistic tokenism.
For young Muslims disillusioned by the recent election outcomes, this is not the time to retreat.
Many Muslim MLAs today seem more invested in political survival than in principled leadership. They hesitate to speak on issues that challenge the dominant narrative, fearing backlash or loss of favor within their parties. Their silence during moments that demand empathy and courage isn’t just disappointing; it’s dangerous. It sends a signal that the community can be electorally significant but politically disposable.
The current vacuum is particularly painful when viewed in the light of Assam’s past. The state once produced towering figures like Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who went on to become President of India, and Moinul Hoque Choudhury, a respected national leader. Their presence not only inspired pride but also offered tangible proof that Muslims in Assam could shape national discourse. Today, such leadership is conspicuously absent.
The path forward demands urgent introspection, from political parties and the community alike. Parties must invest in building inclusive platforms that prioritize competence and character over tokenism. But the onus also lies on the community to identify, encourage, and elevate a new generation of leaders—individuals who combine education with grassroots connection, who can speak not only for Muslims but also to the larger issues that shape Assam’s future.
For young Muslims disillusioned by the recent election outcomes, this is not the time to retreat. It is a clarion call to participate more deeply, to organize, speak out, and reclaim agency. Leadership is not handed down by political parties; it is built from the ground up, rooted in conviction and service.
Assam’s Muslims must stop waiting for saviors. The community must begin cultivating leaders who do not simply occupy legislative seats but embody the courage, clarity, and vision required to honor the trust placed in them. Only then can representation move beyond symbols to become a force for genuine change.
About the author ~
Ashfaq Choudhury is a student at Delhi University. An aspiring journalist from Assam with a passion for telling untold stories from the Northeast, Choudhury's hopes to amplify voices that often go unheard and spark conversations that matter.
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly joins Democratic primary to fill Durbin’s Senate seat. Former state party chair once again challenging a Pritzker-backed candidate.
by Ben Szalinski Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly is the second Democrat to step into the 2026 primary race to succeed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Kelly, a resident of south suburban Matteson, has represented Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District since 2013 and recently served a short stint as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
“This moment requires proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles,” Kelly said in a statement. “I’ve never backed down – not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for what’s right.”
Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Jerry Nowicki
State Rep. Lisa Hernandez embraces U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly in 2022 after unseating her as Democratic Party of Illinois chair.
Kelly won a crowded 16-person primary in a 2013 special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, who resigned while under investigation for misuse of campaign funds and eventually went to prison. Kelly received more than half the primary vote before easily winning the special election.
Kelly currently represents one of Illinois’ most geographically diverse congressional districts. The 2nd District stretches from the South Side of Chicago more than 100 miles south to Danville.
Kelly also served two terms in the Illinois House and unsuccessfully ran for state treasurer in 2010.
As a member of Congress, Kelly has focused much of her time on health care and gun violence issues. In a video launching her campaign, Kelly reflected on the time she refused to stand for a moment of silence in the U.S. House following a mass shooting.
“And the next time, someone else sat down with me,” Kelly said. “And then another, until a moment of silence felt more like an echo of inaction.”
Kelly joins Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in the race. Stratton has already received endorsements from Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
Her entrance into the race also sets up another battle with Pritzker.
With Durbin’s support, Kelly was elected chair of the state Democratic Party in 2021 to replace Mike Madigan after the long-time party head bowed out of politics amid a then-ongoing federal investigation. Kelly beat Chicago Ald. Michelle Harris for the party leadership job, but her success was short-lived.
Kelly ended her bid for reelection as party chair in 2022 after it became clear she would not have enough support to beat State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, for party leadership. Pritzker supported Hernandez while Kelly continued to have Durbin’s support.
In the 2026 primary, however, Durbin told reporters last month he likely won’t endorse any candidate for his Senate seat in the primary. Durbin announced last month he will retire when his term ends in 2027 following 44 years in Congress.
Kelly enters the primary with $2 million in her campaign account, according to federal election records.
“You could say I’ve been an underdog my whole life,” Kelly said in the video.
Democratic U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood and Raja Krishnamoorthi are still contemplating entering the race for Senate, but Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs announced Monday he will not join the fray.
State Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, posted on social media Tuesday he is considering next steps in his career and possibly running for Kelly’s congressional seat in 2026.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Operation Sindoor was not a move of aggression against the country of Pakistan, but a selective action against terrorism.
Viewpoint
byIshanee Chaliha
India started Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, as a retaliatory action against the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, that massacred 26 civilians. The attack was a massive blow to the Indian nation and the world in general.
Operation Sindoor was initiated as a retaliation with precision and hit nine targeted terrorist camps- four within Pakistan and five within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was tactically commanded and guided by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi, and its successful accomplishment was greeted with overwhelming national admiration.
International responses to the operation were highly polarized. Israel expressed unambiguous support to India, labeling the operation as a rightful act of self-defence. Its Indian ambassador stated that “terrorists must know there is no hiding from their atrocious act against the innocents.”
On the contrary, countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany called for restraint and the resumption of diplomatic talks. U.S. President Donald Trump even went to the extent of condemning the operation as a “shame,” whereas the foreign secretary of the U.K. warned that "if this escalates further, nobody wins." Likewise, a Taliban statement from Afghanistan called for restraint and diplomatic talks on both sides.
These reactions have, however, raised some serious questions regarding the double standards of international diplomacy. Historical experiences indicate that terrorist attacks against Western countries frequently trigger massive military interventions under the pretext of an international war against terror.
However, when identical events take place in non-Western nations, particularly those in the Global South, response measures are most often termed as unwarranted or shameful. In addition, nations like China, which were accused of giving military aid to Pakistan, are now emerging as impartial intermediaries, contributing to the intricacies and perceived paradoxes of the international reaction.
Operation Sindoor was not a move of aggression against the country of Pakistan, but a selective action against terrorism. By limiting itself to targeting militant infrastructure and avoiding civilian casualties, the operation helps underline India's long-standing role as a country that never seeks war, yet has the will and ability to finish it once provoked. The international community's disparate responses to the operation lead one to pose the following critical question: Are such reactions based on genuine diplomatic concern or part of a larger trend of geopolitical hypocrisy?
Ishanee Chaliha a student studying political science at Christ University in Bangalore. In her free time she enjoys learning new languages and is currently working toward proficiency in Korean and German. She believes the key to a good life starts within yourself which is to find your individuality and cultivate on it and later contribute to the society through it.
U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos, of the Southern District of New York, issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of an order that Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued on Friday, March 28.
by Peter Hancock Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD — A federal judge in New York issued a preliminary order Tuesday blocking the Trump administration from cutting off states’ access to hundreds of millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds for public schools, including more than $77 million for Illinois.
Capitol News Illinois file photo
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is pictured in a file photo. He was part of a lawsuit securing a temporary injunction to stop the Trump administration from cutting off more than $77 million in education funds to the state.
U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos, of the Southern District of New York, issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of an order that Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued on Friday, March 28. That order reversed earlier decisions to grant the states additional time to spend funds they had been allocated.
The effect of McMahon’s order was to immediately cut off access to funds that states said they had already committed to spend but not yet made the actual expenditures.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 17 states in suing the federal government to block McMahon’s order.
“The Trump administration’s shortsighted and illegal decision to attempt to rescind already-appropriated education funding would hurt vulnerable students the most and could wreak havoc on the budgets of school districts throughout Illinois and the nation,” Raoul said in a statement Tuesday.
The lawsuit over pandemic-related education money is one of more than a dozen multistate suits Raoul has joined, in combination with other Democratic state attorneys general, challenging actions Trump has taken since being sworn in for a second term Jan. 20.
In 2020 and 2021, Congress passed several relief and economic stimulus packages totaling trillions of dollars to help individuals, businesses and state and local governments deal with the financial consequences of the pandemic. For schools, that included costs associated with preparing for the safe return to in-person learning, addressing the learning loss students suffered during the extended period of school closures, and addressing some of the unique needs of homeless children that were exacerbated by the pandemic.
According to the complaint, Illinois was awarded just over $5 billion in “education stabilization” funds under the American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, which was enacted in March 2021. Of that, $77.2 million remained obligated but not yet spent as of the end of March 2025.
Those funds had been earmarked for such things as teacher mentoring, statewide instructional coaching, new principal mentoring, trauma response initiatives, the creation of social-emotional learning hubs and contracts for technology infrastructure upgrades, according to the complaint.
Under ARPA, those funds were intended to cover expenses incurred through Sept. 30, 2023. Subsequent legislation gave states an additional year, to Sept. 30, 2024, to “obligate” their funds. And under agency regulations, they had another 120 days beyond that to draw down the funds, although they were also given the option of requesting further extensions.
In January 2025, Illinois requested, and later received, permission to extend its deadline for drawing down the remainder of its funds to March 28, 2026. Other states involved in the lawsuit also received extensions.
But on Friday, March 28, 2025, the Department of Education issued a memo rescinding those extensions, effectively cutting off the states’ access to any unspent funds.
“Extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion,” McMahon said in a memo to state education agency heads.
The injunction means the Department of Education cannot enforce the order, at least while the case is still being litigated or until the court issues a different order.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
The League of Women Voters of Illinois meets with lawmakers on Lobby Day to address key social and environmental issues.
Photo courtesy League of Women Voters of Illinois
League of Women Voters of Illinois members gather in Springfield for their annual Lobby Day on Wednesday. Experienced League members and members of the new Volunteer Lobby Corps met face-to-face with state legislators.
SPRINGFIELD - The League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) returned to the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday, May 8, for its annual Lobby Day, engaging with lawmakers across the political spectrum to advocate for a range of policy issues.
This year’s event marked the debut of the organization’s newly established Volunteer Lobby Corps, a group of trained advocates who joined experienced League members in meeting face-to-face with legislators. Prior to their Capitol meetings, the volunteers underwent orientation led by seasoned members to prepare for discussions with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan group, bases its advocacy on positions it has thoroughly studied and reached consensus on. According to LWVIL President Becky Simon, the group continues to press for voting rights protections and initiatives aimed at building a more equitable democratic system.
“LWVIL advocates to protect voting rights and advance a more equitable democracy,” Simon stated. “The League stands up for social justice issues because systemic inequities prohibit people from participating equally in our democracy.”
This year’s lobbying priorities included the defense of Constitutional rights and efforts to ensure equity in both education and housing. Local chapters of the League were also encouraged to raise district-specific issues with their representatives. These included managing environmental waste and safeguarding aquifers from potential contaminants.
The organization’s Capitol visit is part of a broader effort to maintain a visible presence in public policy discussions and to empower volunteers to take active roles in civic engagement.
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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Father McGivney's Elena Rybak and St. Anthony's Isabella Keller embrace after running in the Class 1A 1600m Run on Saturday at the Illinois High School Association's Girls Track & Field State Finals.
