Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (9/21)

September 21, 2026

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Gov. Pritzker: AI is dangerous ‘on the level of nuclear weapons’

“With calls to regulate AI growing, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker urged Congress to pass federal guardrails on the technology,” by ABC News.   

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Gov. JB Pritzker doesn’t condemn remarks by streamer Hasan Piker while ex-Mayor Rahm Emanuel blasts them

“Gov. JB Pritzker and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel — two Illinois Democrats viewed as possible presidential contenders in 2028 — have offered sharply different reactions to controversial comments made in recent days by Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer with a large following popular among some in the party’s far left,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Illinois EPA releases ‘Comprehensive Climate Action Plan’ to reach ‘net zero’ emissions 

“Illinois has made substantial progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in recent years, but it is not yet on track to meet its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050,” by Capitol News Illinois. 

Illinois Supreme Court to hear case that will determine future of Chicago police misconduct process 

“After three years of negotiations, lawsuits and appeals, the Illinois Supreme Court this week will hear arguments from attorneys for the city of Chicago and the Fraternal Order of Police in a case that will determine the future of serious misconduct cases involving Chicago Police Department officers and the public’s right of access,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Aldermen opposed to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s renters’ rights plan advance their own version

“After aldermen advanced a counterproposal to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s broad renters’ rights overhaul Thursday, the dueling ordinances are on a collision course for final votes,” by the Chicago Tribune.  

Parking meter compromise is a better deal for Chicago taxpayers, top mayoral aide says

“A $75 million transfer fee and future profit-sharing agreement brokered by City Council leaders sweetens a proposed parking meter ownership transfer deal in a way that nobody thought was possible, a top mayoral aide said Thursday,” by the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Chicago Mayor Johnson defends business record amid criticism from challenger 

“Mayor Brandon Johnson defended his record on economic development and business relations Thursday, rejecting criticism that he is anti-business while speaking before a group of Black business owners,” by ABC7 Chicago. 

Cook County awards $191 million in loans to bridge property tax payout gap 

“Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office awarded stopgap loans to 32 villages, library and school districts worth $191 million, an effort to dull the impact of this fall’s property tax delay that nonetheless left many suburban agencies already in dire financial straits with less money than they asked for to help make ends meet,” by the Chicago Tribune. 

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Democrats Rage Against the Machine

Progressives surged onto the national stage with a series of Democratic primary victories this year; however, their success so far has largely been confined to safe blue territory. These progressives aren’t expected to pose the same challenges to Democratic congressional leadership as the Tea Party or House Freedom Caucus have to their GOP counterparts. 

In the absence of congressional action on AI, California is leading the conversation over regulating frontier models and AI deployment, particularly in relation to employment. 

The US-Canada trade conflict escalated further last week, creating a political headache for Republican Senate candidates in the border states caught in the crossfire. Read the Cozen Currents here.

The Beltway & Beyond: The 2026 Midterms: A Battle for the Senate and Both Parties’ Futures

With early voting approaching, the 2026 midterms are emerging as a consequential test for both parties. Our team examines the closely watched Senate races, the voter sentiment shaping the cycle, and what the results could mean for control of Congress and the road to 2028. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (DC), and Patrick Martin (DC). Listen here.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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