ILLINOIS
AROUND THE STATE
After Trump Says ‘We’re Going In’ to Chicago With Troops, Illinois Officials Slam Plan
“Officials in Illinois condemned the Trump administration on Tuesday for a planned immigration crackdown and influx of federal agents into the city, calling it a political stunt that will terrify residents and inflame tensions in Latino neighborhoods,” by the New York Times.
Gov. JB Pritzker appoints two members, including a downstate ally, to controversial parole board
“Pritzker on Friday appointed two new members to the state parole and release board, including Timothy Nugent, who as mayor of Manteno helped Pritzker two years ago secure the construction of a Chinese-owned electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant despite complaints from residents and Republicans. Pritzker appointed Nugent and Tracy Buckley, a contractor for the review board, as board members, pending Senate approval,” by the Chicago Tribune.
Daley, LaHood discuss rebooted ‘fair maps’ campaign in Illinois
“Two veteran federal officials from Illinois are relaunching an effort to amend the Illinois Constitution and end partisan gerrymandering in state legislative districts,” by Capitol News Illinois.
Illinois election officials decline to give Justice Department sensitive voter data
“Illinois election officials late Tuesday told President Donald Trump’s Justice Department the state would not comply with the federal agency’s demand for sensitive data on the state’s roughly 8.3 million registered voters,” by the Chicago Tribune.
Alternative tax-hike ideas emerge to fund Illinois public transit
“After a funding package that included a $1.50 retail delivery tax and real-estate transfer taxes failed to clear the Illinois House during the 2025 spring legislative session, state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, suggested a special-event surcharge that could raise interest in the use of mass transit,” by the Center Square Illinois.
Feds File Lawsuit Targeting Illinois Law That Provides Financial Aid to Undocumented Students
“The Department of Justice on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the state itself arguing that by providing in-state tuition and scholarships to undocumented students, they are unconstitutionally discriminating against U.S. citizens,” by WTTW.
CHICAGO
MORE FROM CITY HALL
Mayor Johnson slams Trump plan, vows to 'defend our democracy' at Labor Day rally
“Mayor Brandon Johnson joined union leaders and advocates at a rally Monday in the West Loop decrying President Donald Trump and other billionaires and calling for workers’ rights as part of nationwide Labor Day protests,” by the Chicago Sun Times.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Signs Executive Order Designed to Protect Residents if Trump Sends National Guard, ICE Strike Team to Chicago
“The city will launch the “Protecting Chicago Initiative” in an effort to ensure that all Chicagoans know their rights and directs the Chicago Law Department to pursue all possible legal challenges to the president’s actions and respond to the violation of Chicagoans’ civil rights,” by WTTW.
Mayor’s Plan To Install Walter Burnett As CHA Head Delayed Again
“After weeks of political and bureaucratic snags, the CHA’s governing board scheduled a Tuesday meeting to formally sign off on Burnett as the agency’s next CEO. But when the meeting got underway, Burnett wasn’t there — and the board soon made it clear that the mayor’s plan was again on hold,” by Block Club Chicago.
CPS adopts $10.2 billion budget without high-cost loan for pensions
“After a long delay and intense political wrangling, Chicago Public Schools has a 2025-26 budget of roughly $10.2 billion that rejects high-cost borrowing and will only make a controversial pension payment to the city if there’s unexpected new revenue,” by ChalkBeat Chicago.
Federal court rules it is legal to ban guns from CTA and Metra
“A federal appeals court in Chicago on Tuesday overturned a ruling by a lower court that found it unconstitutional for Illinois residents with concealed carry permits to be barred from carrying guns on public transportation,” by the Chicago Tribune.
Should retired police be able to sell marijuana? Alderman says no, blocks dispensary
“Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, came out in opposition late last month to the proposal by the Kaneh Group, which includes 10 former Chicago cops as members. The progressive alderman said he supports opening a dispensary in the ward, but decided to halt the bid after resident pushback emphasized “a fundamental justice concern” with the retired police ownership,” by the Chicago Sun Times.
FEDERAL
Cozen Currents - The Battle for the Soul of the Democratic Party
The Democratic Party is searching for a path out of the political wilderness after being locked out of power on the federal level in last year’s elections.
The crypto industry notched its first major legislative victory with the passage of a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins. Now, both industry and lawmakers are turning their attention to the more expansive effort to create a regulatory framework for non-stablecoin digital assets.
Read the Cozen Currents here.
Beltway Briefing - In-Conversation with Media and Tech Exec. Peter Cherukuri
Veteran media and technology executive Peter Cherukuri joins host Howard Schweitzer to reflect on his career at the intersection of media, policy, and technology—building platforms that shape how we consume news and leadership insights. Together, they explore how executives, policymakers, and innovators can cut through the noise to make thoughtful decisions as America faces a technological inflection point. To stay competitive on the global stage, how can today’s leaders harness new tools to stay ahead of the curve? Featuring Public Strategies CEO Howard Schweitzer and upNEXT Founder Peter Cherukuri.
Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.
