ILLINOIS
AROUND THE STATE
Pritzker creates governors group as IL legislators debate increased energy bills
“Pritzker’s office announced PJM Governor’s Collaborative, saying its aim is to strengthen state representation in the decision-making process of PJM Interconnection. His office said there are concerns over PJM’s role in driving up electricity costs,” by The Center Square.
Judge rules feds can’t block Illinois’ disaster funding in response to immigration laws
“The Trump administration cannot withhold federal emergency funding from Illinois because the state refuses to participate in federal immigration enforcement, a Rhode Island federal judge ruled on Wednesday,” by Capitol News Illinois.
Pritzker accuses feds of creating chaos, calls for calm at Chicago-area ICE facility
“Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is urging the public to “remain calm” and “stay safe” even as he claims the Trump Administration is intentionally creating chaos by sending military troops to American cities and suburbs,” by 25 News Now.
As Illinois congressional delegation seeks answers, ICE cancels meeting
"Immigration and Customs Enforcement leaders in Chicago canceled a meeting scheduled for Friday with members of Illinois’ congressional delegation,” by Capitol News Illinois.
Lawmakers push for transit reform, funding despite delayed fiscal cliff
“Illinois lawmakers say they hope to pass transit legislation during the fall veto session next month, even though the fiscal cliff is not as near as previously reported,” by The Center Square.
Illinois law prohibits sheriffs from assisting ICE with immigration enforcement. Some wish they could
“As the U.S. government escalates immigration raids in Illinois and nationwide, some Illinois sheriffs are expressing support and a desire for greater cooperation with federal immigration enforcement despite state laws that limit their involvement,” by Capitol News Illinois.
CHICAGO
MORE FROM CITY HALL
Chicago budget fight a political minefield for Mayor Brandon Johnson
“The leaves are starting to change in Chicago, and Mayor Brandon Johnson is about to kick off a fall budget fight that will test his political savvy at least as much as his ability to balance the city’s books,” by the Chicago Tribune.
Brandon Johnson's proposed City Council shake-up crumbles
“A plan to reshuffle Mayor Brandon Johnson’s City Council leadership team has fallen apart, pushing off into the fall negotiations over who leads key committees and serves as vice mayor,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Downtown aldermen rip ‘public relations stunt’ day after Border Patrol agents patrolled busy Chicago streets
“The two Chicago aldermen who represent downtown Chicago on Monday criticized the patrolling of federal immigration agents through much of the area on Sunday, saying the efforts were largely a performative stunt aimed at intimidating citizens and shoppers,” by the Chicago Tribune.
Walter ‘Red’ Burnett Confirmed as 27th Ward Alderperson by Chicago City Council
“The Chicago City Council voted unanimously Thursday to confirm Walter Redmond Burnett as 27th Ward alderperson, replacing his father, former Ald. Walter Burnett, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick to lead the Chicago Housing Authority,” by WTTW.
City Council leader wants to raise maximum age for starting police officer to 55
“The maximum age for a starting Chicago police officer or firefighter would rise from 40 to 55 under a controversial proposal to bolster hiring that was dismissed by union leaders as impractical,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
New Coach Houses, Basement Units To Be Allowed Citywide — With Restrictions In Single-Family Areas
“The City Council passed a compromise plan to allow the construction of additional dwelling units citywide. The units will still be banned in certain districts unless individual alderpeople opt in,” by Block Club Chicago.
FEDERAL
Cozen Currents: No One is to Blame
With congressional leadership deeply divided over how to avert a government shutdown at the end of month, both parties are gearing up to blame the other for the funding lapse. Despite the messaging wars, history suggests that the long-term political ramifications of the shutdown will be limited.
The Trump administration’s plan to build a nuclear reactor on the surface of the moon is just the least of their efforts to spark an atomic renaissance.
President Trump and Republicans in Washington, DC are looking to move fast and break things on AI while California lawmakers have passed legislation to regulate the emerging technology. Read the Cozen Currents here.
Beltway Briefing: On the Frontlines of Shutdown Politics
How will shutdown politics shape Virginia’s elections? Will the state serve as a litmus test for the 2026 midterms? Can Democratic messaging around threatened health care subsidies break through to voters? And how much will candidates themselves matter—versus the weight of national politics? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Julia Hammond here.