(The Center Square) – According to a new website that breaks down tariff costs by state, executive tariffs have cost Illinois an estimated $17 billion since January 2025, the fifth-highest total in the country.
On Wednesday, National Taxpayers Union Foundation announced the launch of Tariffs.org.
Each state page on the new site features a graph with the total cost of tariffs imposed by executive order, as well as tariffs imposed by statute.
IL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TICKS DOWN
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the unemployment rate decreased in 11 of the state’s metro areas and increased in one for the year ending July 2026.
The statewide unemployment rate for July 2026 was 4.6%, down from 4.7% in July 2025.
SPEAKER APPOINTS BRIEL TO VETERANS ADVISORY COUNCIL
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, has appointed state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, to the Illinois Veterans Advisory Council.
Welch made the appointment on Tuesday, just days after Briel’s former chief of staff went public with allegations that Briel acted inappropriately in office.
Sean Reed contributed to this story
HARRIS LEADS, PRITZKER 8TH IN POLL FOR 2028
Early polling for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary indicates that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is far behind the 2024 nominee, former Vice President Kamala Harris.
According to The Center Square Voters' Voice Poll, Harris topped the field with 28% of registered Democrat and left-leaning independent respondents choosing the former VP from a list of eight prominent Democratic politicians.
The second choice was “not sure” at 15%. Pritzker and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear were tied for 8th place at 3%.
