Illinois

A Mega Millions ticket buyer in Florida won an $800 million jackpot on July 28, 2026, the largest lottery prize of the year so far. The winning numbers were 34, 48, 49, 59, 70 and gold Mega Ball 12. The winner can choose between a 30-year annuity of $800 million or a lump sum of $344.2 million. After mandatory 24% federal withholding and a potential 37% marginal tax rate, the lump sum would shrink to approximately $216.8 million. Florida has no state income tax or separate lottery tax. The odds of winning were 1 in 290.4 million. The previous largest 2026 jackpot was a $533 million Mega Millions prize won in Illinois in March. The Powerball jackpot has since risen to $663 million.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:52 AM UTC

On July 27-28, 2026, U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez issued a preliminary injunction halting Minnesota's ban on prediction markets (e.g., Kalshi, Polymarket), which was set to take effect August 1. The judge ruled the ban likely preempted by federal law under the Commodity Exchange Act, siding with the CFTC and platforms. This marks a major win for the prediction market industry and may impact similar state efforts in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:00 AM UTC

The Powerball jackpot has increased to $663 million after no ticket matched all six numbers in the July 27 drawing, making it the second-largest lottery prize of 2026 behind the $800 million Mega Millions jackpot. Winners can choose between 30 annual installments of $663 million or a one-time cash prize of $290.4 million. After mandatory 24% federal withholding and a potential 37% marginal tax rate, the cash prize would drop to approximately $182.9 million. State taxes vary, with some states like New York taxing at 10.9% and others like Texas, Florida, and California imposing no tax. For the first time, U.K. players are eligible, but they can only receive the prize as 30 annual payments, with the advertised jackpot at £352 million ($467.8 million). The next drawing is scheduled for Wednesday night, while the Mega Millions drawing for $800 million occurs Tuesday. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:28 AM UTC

The Digital Chamber, a cryptocurrency lobbying organization, sued the U.S. state of Illinois on July 21, 2026, to halt the proposed Digital Asset Tax Act. The law, passed on June 16, imposes a 0.2% tax on businesses transacting or storing crypto assets for customers in Illinois, effective January 1, 2027. It applies to firms based in Illinois or serving state residents with gross receipts of at least $100,000. The lawsuit alleges the tax violates both the U.S. and Illinois constitutions and is preempted by the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, which prohibits discriminatory state taxation of e-commerce. The Digital Chamber argues the tax does not distinguish between gains and losses, profitable and unprofitable transactions, or realized and unrealized appreciation, targeting blockchain infrastructure unfairly. The group asks a federal judge to block the tax and award legal fees.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:15 PM UTC

Prairie Farms, an 88-year-old farmer-owned dairy cooperative based in Illinois, is permanently closing two cheese-making facilities in Shullsburg, Wisconsin: the historic Shullsburg Creamery and the nearby White Hill Cheese facility. The closures, effective July 20 and August 14 respectively, will eliminate 97 jobs. The company cited a careful review of its manufacturing network and long-term operational needs. Shullsburg Creamery, dating back to 1934, produced award-winning cheeses including cheddar, Colby Jack, and specialty flavors like Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar. White Hill Cheese employed 54 workers. Prairie Farms products reach 30% of the U.S. market and are sold at major retailers like Target and Walmart. The company won 55 awards at the 2025 World Dairy Expo. The closures do not affect the Shullsburg Creamery retail cheese store, and the company assured no supply disruptions for customers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 09:03 PM UTC

Prairie Farms, an 88-year-old Illinois-based dairy cooperative, is permanently closing two cheese-making facilities in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, eliminating 97 jobs. The closures affect the historic Shullsburg Creamery, which dates back to 1934 and has won multiple dairy awards, and the nearby White Hill Cheese facility. Production at Shullsburg Creamery ended July 20, affecting 43 employees, while White Hill Cheese will cease operations by August 14, impacting 54 workers. The company stated the decision followed a careful review of its manufacturing network and long-term operational needs, similar to ongoing evaluations by many manufacturers. Prairie Farms products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream, are sold by major retailers such as Target and Walmart and reach 30% of the U.S. market. The closures do not affect the Shullsburg Creamery retail Cheese Store, and the company assured no disruption in customer supplies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 09:03 PM UTC

Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) stock dropped nearly 15% over the trading week ending July 24, 2026, driven by investor fears over a widening cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to lettuce. The CDC and FDA issued multiple alerts, with the outbreak originating in central Mexico and affecting 1,947 people across nine U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. No cases have been reported at Sweetgreen locations, but as a salad-focused chain, the company is seen as vulnerable to consumer avoidance. The article notes that while no fatalities have occurred, 98 hospitalizations have been reported. The author advises caution, suggesting the stock may fall further due to potential revenue impacts from diners avoiding restaurants like Sweetgreen.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:44 PM UTC

A multistate Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants has sickened over 1,600 confirmed cases and thousands more suspected across the U.S., with Michigan hardest hit. The FDA traced contamination to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sourced from a single farm in Mexico. Taco Bell proactively removed the lettuce and switched suppliers. Federal lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence. The outbreak has affected 34 states since May, prompting a recall and highlighting ongoing food safety concerns.

34 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:30 AM UTC

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, Illinois, features a new KIA Shooting Stars competition debuting on July 24, alongside the Three-Point Contest and the All-Star Game. The Shooting Stars event includes WNBA legends Elena Delle Donne, Lauren Jackson, Rebekkah Brunson, and Deanna Nolan, paired with current All-Stars and top high school players. The Three-Point Contest will proceed without Caitlin Clark, Kayla McBride, and Sabrina Ionescu, but includes Rhyne Howard, Mabrina Mabrey, and rookie Azzi Fudd. The All-Star Game on July 25 at the United Center pits teams led by Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon, coached by Cheryl Reeve and Becky Hammon. All events are broadcast on ESPN/ABC and streamable via fubo, Disney+, and ESPN app.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:51 PM UTC

Custom Health Holdings Inc (TSX:CHLT) received a Buy rating from Stifel with a C$12 price target and potential upside to C$18. The analyst highlights the company's pill-dispensing platform (Spencer device) and AI-powered AdhereNet system, which achieves 98% medication adherence, addressing the $0.5 trillion US cost of non-adherence. Custom Health has over 100,000 patients contracted with major insurers like Humana and BlueCross BlueShield. Separately, the company signed a binding letter of intent to acquire Wisconsin-based Evergreen Pharmacy LLC for US$3.5 million, adding over US$78 million in annual revenue and expanding its Midwest footprint. Stifel projects nearly tripling active patients to 17,000 next year and 4x revenue growth over 2-3 years, with high-margin recurring revenue from the Spencer device and improving EBITDA margins.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:28 PM UTC

Custom Health Holdings Inc (TSX:CHLT) received a Buy rating from Stifel with a C$12 price target and potential upside to C$18 per share. Stifel highlighted the company's pill-dispensing platform, including the Spencer device and AdhereNet AI, which achieves a 98% medication adherence rate, addressing the $0.5 trillion US healthcare cost from non-adherence. Custom Health has over 100,000 patients contracted with major insurers like Humana and Elevance. Separately, the company signed a binding letter of intent to acquire Evergreen Pharmacy LLC for US$3.5 million, adding over US$78 million in annual revenue and expanding its Midwest footprint. Stifel projects nearly tripling active patients to 17,000 next year and 4x revenue growth over two to three years, with high-margin recurring revenue from the Spencer device.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:28 PM UTC

The article analyzes the financial dilemma faced by a 62-year-old worker laid off from an employee-owned Illinois steel mill that closed, leaving 253 workers jobless. With $420,000 in a 401(k), no retiree medical coverage, and three years until Medicare eligibility, the worker must decide whether to claim reduced Social Security benefits at 62 (permanently cutting benefits by up to 30%, or about $8,600/year) or spend down the 401(k) to delay claiming until age 70, which yields an 8% annual benefit increase. The analysis highlights hidden costs: claiming Social Security raises reported income, potentially reducing ACA marketplace subsidies, which can outweigh the monthly benefit gain. It also notes Illinois does not tax Social Security or most retirement income. The piece frames the decision as a trade-off between immediate cash flow and maximizing lifetime inflation-adjusted income, with health coverage costs as a critical factor.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:04 PM UTC

A growing number of rural counties in the U.S. are becoming pharmacy deserts, with 73% meeting criteria for inadequate pharmacy access. This crisis disproportionately affects retirees who moved to rural areas for affordability on fixed Social Security incomes. The 2026 Social Security COLA of 2.8% adds roughly $106 per month to a typical household benefit, but two weekly pharmacy runs can consume that entire increase in fuel costs alone. An Illinois state report documented over 800 pharmacy closures over 12 years. Retirees face long drives for prescriptions and specialist care, with some driving 90 minutes each way for monthly refills. The article highlights the gap between COLA calculations based on urban wage earners and the actual cost burdens faced by rural retirees, including fuel, vehicle wear, and missed appointment fees.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:02 AM UTC

Anabi Oil has signed a route agreement with gaming operator Accel Entertainment to manage approximately 600 gaming terminals at its 87 Green Valley Grocery convenience stores in Southern Nevada. The terminals were previously operated by Crawford Coin and will now be supported by Accel's subsidiary, Century Gaming Technologies Nevada. This follows Accel becoming the gaming partner for all of Anabi's Rebel Convenience Stores across Las Vegas earlier in 2026. Accel plans to strategically replace existing games to match each location's player profile. The deal reflects the growing trend of convenience retailers using gaming terminals as an additional revenue stream and to increase customer dwell time. Anabi continues to expand its portfolio, having acquired Green Valley Grocery in October 2025 and 12 additional stores from C&J Cox Corporation in December 2025.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:38 AM UTC

The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to $743 million, making it the largest lottery prize of 2026 so far, after no ticket matched all six numbers in the Tuesday night drawing. The winner can choose between a 30-year annuity of $743 million or a lump sum of $323.4 million. After mandatory 24% federal withholding, the cash payout drops to about $245.8 million, and with a potential 37% federal marginal tax rate, it could fall further to around $203.7 million. State taxes vary, with New York taxing at 10.9% while Texas, Florida, and California have no state tax on lottery winnings. The odds of winning are 1 in 290.4 million. The next drawing is Friday night, while the Powerball jackpot has also risen to $567 million with its next drawing on Wednesday.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:06 AM UTC

Dr. Stephen Chang, a gastroenterologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, explains how his family is navigating the cyclospora outbreak without abandoning fruits and vegetables. He emphasizes thorough washing of produce, caution with iceberg lettuce (especially from Taylor Farms), careful cleaning of berries, and avoiding raw produce for higher-risk individuals like the immunocompromised, elderly, and young children. He notes that cyclospora is killed at 158°F and that the outbreak is seasonal, likely declining after late August. He advises seeking medical care for persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days. The article is based on an as-told-to essay and provides practical food safety tips.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:59 PM UTC

Corn futures saw midday gains of 1 to 3 cents on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following strength in the market. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price rose by a nickel to $4.18 ¾. The weekly USDA Crop Progress report indicated 59% of the US corn crop was silking by July 19, 5 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average, with 13% in the dough stage. Overall US condition ratings slipped 1% to 67% good to excellent, with notable declines in North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, and Minnesota, while Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ohio saw improvements. NOAA's 7-day precipitation forecast showed 1-2 inches of rain expected in parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio, while the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana remain drier with less than 0.5 inches. Separately, President Trump announced 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods, excluding energy and potash, citing trade discrimination.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:01 PM UTC

This analysis from Yahoo Finance examines how the rapid expansion of AI data centers is driving up U.S. residential electricity rates, disproportionately impacting retirees on fixed incomes. Between 2018 and 2023, data centers' share of U.S. electricity consumption rose from 1.9% to 4.4%, with projections reaching double digits by 2028. Utilities pass infrastructure upgrade costs to all customers, leading to an estimated 5% increase in residential rates in 2026. For a retiree with a $1,800 monthly Social Security benefit, the 2.8% COLA raise ($50/month) is partially offset by a roughly $13/month increase in electric bills ($156/year). The article highlights that the CPI-W index used for COLA calculations does not perfectly match retirees' spending patterns, where electricity, medical costs, and insurance often rise faster than average inflation. It offers mitigation strategies such as LIHEAP assistance, budget billing, and senior rate discounts.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:03 PM UTC

The Federal Reserve has banned James Burns, former chief lending officer at Heritage State Bank in Lawrenceville, Illinois, for approving loans based on inflated appraisals. Burns, who served from 1999 until the bank's acquisition by First National Bank of Carmi (FNBC) in 2020, approved four loans using altered appraisals that reflected inflated property values. He also failed to ensure at least 25 loans or renewals were appraised by licensed appraisers and ignored inconsistencies. After FNBC foreclosed on some loans, collateral sales yielded substantially less than original appraisal values, causing financial losses. The Fed stated Burns' conduct involved violations of law, breaches of fiduciary duty, and personal dishonesty. Burns consented to the order and agreed to comply. FNBC has since been renamed First Bank.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:05 PM UTC

The article reports that super PACs representing the crypto, AI, and pro-Israel (AIPAC) industries are spending unprecedented sums—over $180 million so far in the 2026 midterm cycle—to defeat progressive candidates in Democratic primaries and elect centrists. These groups often keep their policy agendas opaque to voters, using shell PACs to delay donor disclosure. AIPAC-linked groups have spent the most, including over $16 million in Illinois primaries via secretive PACs. In Michigan's August Senate primary, moderate Representative Haley Stevens has a 23x outside spending edge over progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. Despite this, some progressives have won, but the spending is reshaping races. The article notes that the three interests face major legislative battles in Congress and are fueling the most expensive midterm cycle ever projected.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:00 AM UTC

The Powerball jackpot has risen to $567 million after no winning ticket was sold for the Monday night drawing, making it the second-largest lottery prize of 2026 so far, behind only the ongoing Mega Millions jackpot of $707 million. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday night. A winner would have the choice between receiving the full amount in 30 annual installments or a one-time cash payout of $251.8 million. After mandatory 24% federal withholding and a potential 37% federal marginal tax rate, the cash payout would shrink to approximately $158.6 million. State taxes may further reduce the prize, depending on the winner's residence, with states like New York taxing winnings at 10.9% while Texas, Florida, and California impose no state tax on lottery winnings. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:31 AM UTC

Amid a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US linked to leafy greens, Business Insider analyzes the safety of eating lettuce. The FDA retracted a positive test pointing to Taylor Farms as a source, calling it a false positive, though Taylor Farms' voluntary recall of Mexican-grown iceberg lettuce remains. Over 8,260 confirmed cases have been reported since May, concentrated in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, and Colorado. Infectious disease expert Dr. Tyler Evans advises that risk depends on location, health status, and preparation methods. The article categorizes risk into three tiers: lowest (cooked vegetables only), medium (whole heads of lettuce washed thoroughly), and high-risk (raw bagged pre-chopped lettuce). High-risk groups including the elderly, immunocompromised, pregnant women, and children under 2 are advised to avoid all leafy greens until fall. The cyclospora parasite thrives in hot weather, and the outbreak may last through August.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:40 PM UTC

Researchers from Northwestern University in Illinois have developed a novel drone called the Phantom Twist, which spins at 25 rotations per second, making it nearly invisible to the human eye due to motion blur. Unlike traditional quadcopters, the drone has a single motor and propeller, with the propeller and body spinning in opposite directions for stability. The design was refined using AI and optimization algorithms that evaluated roughly 20,000 configurations, narrowing them down to 500 based on visibility scores against real-world backgrounds. According to lead researcher Michael Rubenstein, the drone is 10 times less visually perceptible than a conventional quadcopter. The team acknowledges the drone is noisy and plans to use quieter propulsion systems and transparent materials in future versions. The work was presented at the Robotics: Science and Systems 2026 conference.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 01:27 PM UTC

This article from Yahoo Finance analyzes the best U.S. states for retirees seeking to minimize state taxes on retirement income. It highlights that 41 states do not tax Social Security income, 37 do not tax most military retirement pay, 16 exempt pension income, and 9 have no income tax (including Washington, which taxes only high earners' capital gains). The article profiles seven states offering significant tax breaks: Arkansas (exempts up to $6,000 in pension/IRA income, no Social Security or military tax), Illinois (exempts pensions, 401(k)/IRA withdrawals, Social Security, and military pay), Iowa (no tax on pension/annuity/IRA income for those over 55, flat 3.8% tax rate as of 2025, eliminated inheritance tax), Mississippi (exempts retirement plan distributions, pensions, annuities, Social Security, and military pay), and New Hampshire (partial profile). The piece provides practical guidance for retirees evaluating state tax burdens on various income sources including Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and military retirement pay.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:05 PM UTC

This article from Yahoo Finance, published July 18, 2026, analyzes US states that offer favorable tax treatment for retirees. It highlights that 41 states do not tax Social Security income, 37 do not tax most military retirement pay, 16 exempt pension income, and 9 have no income tax. The article profiles seven states with specific tax breaks: Arkansas (exempts up to $6,000 in pension/IRA income, no Social Security or military tax), Illinois (exempts pensions, 401(k)/IRA withdrawals, Social Security, and military pay), Iowa (no tax on pension/annuity/IRA income for over-55s, flat 3.8% tax rate as of 2025), Mississippi (exempts retirement plan distributions, pensions, annuities, Social Security, and military pay), and New Hampshire (exempts various retirement incomes). The piece provides practical guidance for retirees seeking to minimize state tax burdens in retirement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:05 PM UTC

A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has led Taylor Farms to voluntarily recall its product for the US market. Over 8,260 confirmed cases have been reported, primarily in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, and Colorado. The cyclospora parasite thrives in hot weather, and public health authorities warn the outbreak could last until the end of August. Infectious disease expert Dr. Tyler Evans offers a three-tiered risk assessment system: lowest risk involves cooking vegetables to 158°F; medium risk includes buying whole heads of lettuce, discarding outer leaves, and washing thoroughly; highest risk involves eating raw, unwashed bagged greens. High-risk individuals (elderly, immunocompromised, pregnant, children under 2) are advised to avoid all leafy greens until fall. The article notes that past outbreaks have also involved raspberries, snap peas, and fresh herbs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 10:03 PM UTC

A federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois dismissed a lawsuit brought by an 18-year-old female student against Valley View Community Unit School District 365U. The plaintiff alleged that allowing a transgender student (biologically male, identifying as female) to use the girls' restroom violated her rights under the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX. The incident occurred in November 2024 when the plaintiff saw the transgender student near her stall and feared exposure, though no actual exposure occurred. The school offered the plaintiff access to single-use staff restrooms and later installed privacy strips on stall doors. The court ruled that the school's policy, based on Illinois Human Rights Act guidance, did not violate federal law, noting that the plaintiff's discomfort did not constitute a legal injury and that the school provided reasonable accommodations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:50 PM UTC

A federal district court in Illinois dismissed a lawsuit brought by an 18-year-old female student, F.F., against Valley View Community Unit School District 365U. The plaintiff alleged that allowing a transgender student (biologically male but identifying as female) to use the girls' restroom violated her rights under the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX. The incident occurred in November 2024 when the plaintiff saw the transgender student in a restroom stall and feared exposure, though no actual exposure occurred. The school offered the plaintiff access to single-use staff restrooms and later installed privacy strips on stall doors. The court ruled that the school's policy, based on Illinois Human Rights Act guidance, did not violate federal law, as the plaintiff's privacy concerns were addressed by alternative accommodations and the school's actions were reasonable. The court emphasized that discomfort from encountering a transgender student does not constitute a constitutional violation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:50 PM UTC

A federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois dismissed a lawsuit brought by an 18-year-old female student against Valley View Community Unit School District 365U. The plaintiff alleged that allowing a transgender student (biologically male but identifying as female) to use the girls' restroom violated her rights under the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX. The incident occurred in November 2024 when the plaintiff saw the transgender student in a girls' restroom and feared exposure, though no actual exposure occurred. The school offered the plaintiff access to single-use staff restrooms and later installed privacy strips on stall doors. The court ruled that the school's policy, based on Illinois Department of Human Rights guidance, did not violate federal law, noting that the plaintiff's discomfort did not constitute a legal injury and that the school provided reasonable accommodations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:50 PM UTC

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill ending the practice of home equity theft, where local governments seized homes over property tax debts and kept all sale proceeds. The law ensures homeowners receive surplus proceeds from tax sales and provides compensation for past victims. This follows a May 2026 federal ruling that Cook County was liable for constitutional violations, and a unanimous 2023 Supreme Court decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County that declared the practice unconstitutional under the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause. The Pacific Legal Foundation noted that thousands of Illinois homeowners lost an average of 85% of their equity, totaling over $303 million, due to the former law.

1 reports · 1 sources