Mitchell Armentrout

“This is the most unusual situation I’ve seen in my entire lifetime,” the governor said Monday of what appears to be the first fatal shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent this year. A man who witnessed the deadly encounter said he doesn’t think the official account is true.

Hundreds of federal agents are being sent to a suburban naval base from Los Angeles, where an immigration blitz spurred protests that pushed President Trump to call in the National Guard. Trump has since threatened to send the Guard to Chicago while promising a crime crackdown and immigration arrests.

More than a decade removed from the last time a Republican won a statewide election in Illinois, state GOP leaders say they have plenty of time to build a strong ticket.

Redistricting was a large focus at an annual gathering of the state party’s central committee and the Republican County Chair’s Association in Springfield, with a pre-taped message from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that dubbed his push “fair” and “necessary” setting the tone for the day.

An Adams County judge ruled his court “does not have the inherent power to direct Illinois law enforcement officers” to round up the Texas lawmakers.

All three major Senate Democratic candidates have said they’ve spoken to Durbin about an endorsement, but it’s unclear whether the senator will choose a side in a competitive race that is also becoming one of the most expensive in the country.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon downplay the potential of a heavyweight power struggle.

Pritzker will make his reelection campaign official with kickoff events in Chicago and Springfield, but it’s still unknown whom he’ll tap as running mate.

As Republican lawmakers grilled Democratic governors, Pritzker defended Illinois’ sanctuary policies and criticized President Donald Trump’s policies.

The billionaire governor’s backing could help Stratton preempt a long line of statewide political heavyweights jockeying for Durbin’s seat.