Report shows educational attainment levels rising, but proficiency rates stagnant despite billions in new spending. Report offers mixed review of educational progress in Illinois by Peter Hancock

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan reported to federal prison Monday to begin serving his 7.5 year sentence for corruption. Ex-Speaker Madigan reports to West Virginia prison to begin 7 ½-year sentence by Hannah Meisel

Legal challenges, protests ongoing as immigration enforcement continues around Chicagoland. Appeals court allows federalization of troops but says they can’t be deployed by Andrew Adams

Legislative leaders say they will focus on affordability issues during the fall veto session. Veto session preview: Federal issues top of mind as lawmakers seek transit, energy solutions by Ben Szalinski

Constituents also aired concerns about health care costs at a virtual roundtable. Budzinski urges bipartisan deal to end shutdown, but draws ‘red line’ on health care by Brenden Moore

State lawmakers also face a $2.2 billion deficit next fiscal year, the report projects. Illinois’ budget on track for deficit as new federal policies create challenges by Ben Szalinski

The judge’s order lasts 14 days while the federal, state and local governments work on their next strategies. Judge calls feds ‘unreliable,’ temporarily blocks National Guard deployment to Illinois by Hannah Meisel

Pasqal will open its U.S. headquarters at the state’s quantum research facility on Chicago’s southeast side. French tech company announces new headquarters at Chicago quantum research park by Maggie Dougherty

Protesters, clergy and news organizations allege the Trump administration has used illegal violence, harassment to shut down protests in Chicago. Judge grants restraining order protecting protesters, journalists in Chicago-area clashes by Peter Hancock

The war of words between President Donald Trump and Gov. JB Pritzker escalated dramatically this week. As Trump says Pritzker ‘should be in jail,’ Illinois’ governor taunts: ‘Come and get me’ by Brenden Moore