Insurers defend rates

Insurance industry officials testifying before a state Senate committee defended recent homeowners insurance rate spikes this week, blaming such factors as inflation and climate change while warning that attempts to regulate their ability to set rates would be bad for consumers.

NONPROFITS: Gov. JB Pritzker vetoed a bill that would have allowed state Treasurer Michael Frerichs' office to create an investment pool for Illinois nonprofits, saying the program could be exploited by extremist groups.

DISTRICT MAPS: A group of former Obama administration officials and election lawyers announced Tuesday they are attempting to reform the way the state draws district maps for the state legislature with a ballot initiative for a constitutional amendment.

CONGRESS RUN: Carroll County Board Chair Julie Bickelhaupt launched her campaign for the 2026 Republican nomination in Illinois' 17th Congressional District, held by Rep. Eric Sorensen, touting her roots as a farmer and perspective as a mother.

BILLS SIGNED: The governor signed 266 laws, including measures to make public defenders more independent, tighten safety regulations at warehouses and increase the age for required annual driver tests.

BALLY'S: Bally's Chicago announced it has completed its $250 million initial public offering, adding 1,800 individual investors to the project, but falling short of its fundraising goals.