ILLINOIS
AROUND THE STATE
Illinois kinship foster care bill heads back to House for concurrence
“With unanimous bipartisan support, a bill that would require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to notify relatives within 30 days of a child’s entry into foster care – now heads back to the state House of Representatives for concurrence on a Senate committee amendment to the proposition,” by The Daily Line.
Illinois rolls out first phase of plan to modernize professional licensing
“The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation launched a new online licensing system this fall, the first phase in a plan to modernize the management and licensing process for service providers across the state,” by Illinois Capitol News.
‘Sir, you’ve been with prostitutes right?’: FBI mole Daniel Solis on hot seat in Madigan corruption trial
“Former Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis was asked on a federal witness stand Monday about prostitutes and pot smoking during a Puerto Rican excursion with other elected officials, using campaign funds to make purchases at high-end department stores and pay for his son’s school tuition, and potential tax fraud involving more than a half a million dollars he received from his sister,” by Chicago Tribune.
CHICAGO
MORE FROM CITY HALL
Johnson floats $60 million property tax hike with budget deadline looming
“With just under a month to go before the City Council must approve a 2025 budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s team spent the weekend gauging support for a property tax increase roughly $240 million less than what the mayor first proposed,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Chicago plans $806M bond refinancing amid budget standoff
“Chicago is planning to sell about $806 million in municipal bonds this week as part of a refinancing as Mayor Brandon Johnson races to close a budget gap of nearly $1 billion by year end,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Johnson’s ex-communications director faced misconduct complaints before firing
“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ex-communications director, former campaign spokesman and longtime confidant Ronnie Reese was accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment before abruptly being forced out of City Hall last month — allegations that Reese categorically denies,” by Chicago Sun-Times.
FEDERAL
Beltway Briefing: The Trump Nominations: Is This What Americans Voted For?
As Trump’s personnel announcements continue to roll out, Americans are given a glimpse into his vision for the next four years. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.
Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.