Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (9/18)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Jury deliberates second day with no verdict in trial of AT&T Illinois boss accused of scheme to bribe Michael Madigan

“A federal jury deliberated for about seven hours Wednesday without reaching a verdict in the bribery trial of former AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza, who is accused of funneling payments to an ally of Michael Madigan to win the powerful speaker’s support for key legislation in Springfield,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago-Area Transit Agencies Won’t Be Getting More Financial Help Any Time Soon, Illinois House Speaker Says

“Speaking at a City Club event Tuesday, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch said any financial assistance is likely at least eight months from resolution,” by WTTW.

Legislators say they’re still skeptical about public funding for new White Sox stadium after team-sponsored cruise

“Illinois lawmakers on Tuesday said they remained unmoved over the prospect of public funding for a new White Sox stadium a day after the team and real estate developers hosted an event that included a Chicago River cruise to the proposed site for a new ballpark,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago community groups join forces to oppose new Bears stadium on the lakefront

“A coalition of public groups joined forces Wednesday to oppose a new Chicago Bears stadium on the lakefront, saying the billions of dollars at stake would be better used for things like affordable housing, health care, and improved neighborhood parks,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Central Illinois lawmakers urging restrictions on carbon storage near aquifer after leak  

“Lawmakers in Central Illinois are calling for new restrictions on carbon storage after a leak was found at a major agriculture facility located near a drinking water source for hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

City Council gives top cop power to keep ShotSpotter

“Hours after ShotSpotter offered to cut its prices by 48% for the next 15 months, the City Council suspended the rules and gave immediate approval to an ordinance empowering Police Supt. Larry Snelling to sign a new contract with ShotSpotter,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

City Council OKs $15 million to settle police misconduct cases, confirms Burnett as Zoning Committee chair

“The Council also protected some Northwest Side residents from gentrification, added incentives to locate more data storage facilities in the city and confirmed a new chief procurement officer,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago City Council Bans Lobbyists From Giving Campaign Cash to Mayors

“The Chicago City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to tighten Chicago’s ethics ordinance to ban registered lobbyists from sending campaign cash to Chicago mayors — and those running to be the city’s chief executive,” by WTTW.

Chicago school board votes unanimously to pass 5-year strategic plan aiming to create more ‘equitable’ district

“The Chicago Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to pass a new, five-year strategic plan to address what the district calls ‘long-standing issues of equity’ and ‘opportunity gaps’ in the city’s public schools,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Controversial appointment of 48th Ward staffer to civilian police oversight commission approved by police and fire committee

“The appointment of Angel Rubi Navarijo, Manaa-Hoppenworth’s neighborhood services and public safety director, was approved by the Committee on Police and Fire on Tuesday. The City Council will consider Navarijo’s nomination for a final vote Wednesday,” by The Daily Line.

Mayor Johnson dismisses criticism after staff changes, controversy

“After facing an onslaught of criticism last week for a shake-up in his City Hall lobbying team that involved elevating a key appointee who drew fire for comments about police officers and the Gaza war, Mayor Brandon Johnson downplayed the mounting broadsides Monday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: The Fight for the Center

As undecided voters tune into the presidential race’s post-Labor Day sprint, former President Trump and Vice President Harris are rapidly unveiling new populist economic policy proposals in a race to capture the economic center.

Former President Trump is all in on tariffs as a centerpiece of his foreign policy. While this was already the case during his first term, he is expected to rely more heavily on them during a second term, seeing them not only as a means to an end, but sometimes as the end itself.

After voters have their say this fall, each party will hold elections to determine their respective leadership in the House and Senate. There are no doubts who will be leading the Democrats in each chamber, but it’s an open question for the Republicans, at least in the Senate.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: Cats, Dogs, and Taylor Swift

Did the minds of any voters change after the Harris-Trump debate? Does the debate matter for down ballot races? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Share

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin