ILLINOIS
AROUND THE STATE
Gov. Pritzker Announces Largest Infrastructure Program in State History
“Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined state and local leaders, labor and transportation stakeholders today to announce the largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history: $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the Governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital program,” by The State of Illinois Newsroom.
Pritzker says Trump administration seeking to deploy 100 troops to protect ICE in Illinois
“Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday said his administration has learned the Trump administration is seeking to deploy 100 troops in Illinois, following the deployment of armed federal agents in downtown Chicago over the weekend, and multiple clashes between protesters and ICE agents in west suburban Broadview in recent weeks,” by CBS News.
New lawsuits against Trump’s immigration actions continue to take shape
“Illinois cannot yet file suit against the federal government for an apparent plan to send federal troops to Chicago, Attorney General Kwame Raoul said, but if boots hit the ground, President Donald Trump ‘should expect a legal challenge here,’“ by WQAD.
House speaker unsure if there’s enough support for Bears stadium tax break
“During an appearance in Arlington Heights Tuesday night, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said he’s unsure whether property tax break legislation that would allow the Bears to leave Chicago for the Northwest suburb has a chance of passing,” by the Daily Herald.
CHICAGO
MORE FROM CITY HALL
Villegas introduces resolution calling for aligning Chicago with statewide election schedule
“A Northwest Side alderman has introduced a resolution that calls on state lawmakers to allow the city to move its municipal elections in alignment with statewide general elections as a way to drive up turnout and drive down costs,” by The Daily Line.
Chicago economy lags as tariffs and high interest rates bite deeper
“Economic growth in Chicago is lagging the national pace with uncertainty about tariffs and high borrowing costs hitting the area harder than the rest of the country, according to PNC’s top economist,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Officials Break Ground on Quantum Computing Campus, Promise Economic Boom for South Chicago. Neighbors Want That in Writing
“Ground was ceremonially broken Tuesday on the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, marking the first phase of development of what’s been dubbed Quantum Shore Chicago. The 440-acre technology and innovation district is set to rise up on the long-abandoned site of the former U.S. Steel South Works,” by WTTW.
New Bears stadium in Arlington Heights would generate billions, but could cost taxpayers $855M for infrastructure
“Construction of a new Chicago Bears stadium in Arlington Heights would generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity, but would also require substantial taxpayer support for infrastructure, according to team projections released Tuesday,” by the Chicago Tribune.
FEDERAL
Cozen Currents: All Policy is Tech Policy
As President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping approach their in-person meeting next month, beneath the positive rhetoric, tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface.
The White House’s rapid rollout of changes to the H-1B visa lottery system followed by a series of significant clarifications to the new policies highlights the challenge the Trump administration faces in balancing restrictive immigration policy with pro-growth economic policy.
Despite increasing polarization, Congress is expected to pass the National Defense Authorization Act by the end of the calendar year, providing lawmakers with a legislative vehicle for their pet projects.Read the Cozen Currents here.
Beltway Briefing: On the Frontline 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.
