| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | | Presented by |  | | | Good Tuesday morning, Illinois. The executive orders are still coming. BREAKING OVERNIGHT: President Donald Trump's budget office issued a two-page order temporarily freezing “all federal assistance” to groups across the country, including research bodies, universities and nonprofits, via POLITICO. Gov. JB Pritzker called it unconstitutional, via X.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | 
Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during the Democratic National Convention last summer in Chicago. | Charles Rex Arbogast/AP | PRESSURE FROM D.C.: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been called to testify before a congressional committee about the city's sanctuary city status — a demand that came Monday as federal agents fanned across the Chicago area to carry out the Trump administration’s deportation operation. It’s an investigation: The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating “sanctuary jurisdictions and their misguided and obstructionist policies,” Republican Congressman James Comer, the panel’s chair, wrote to Johnson in a letter obtained by Playbook. Also called to testify are the Democratic mayors of Boston, New York and Denver, all cities with sanctuary status, which means that local law enforcement does not help with deportation efforts (but doesn’t hinder, either). Johnson’s team declined to comment about the investigation but plans a 10 a.m. press briefing today. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston sent us a statement, saying, "The most helpful thing congressional Republicans could do right now is fix our broken immigration system. While they work on that, we will focus on running the cities that manage the consequences of their failure to act.” ICE moves: Federal agents, including those with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, visited more Chicago neighborhoods and extended into the suburban towns of Broadview, Berwyn and Cicero, which has a huge Latino population. Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez said the deportation efforts are taking a toll on the city’s Latino community. “Children are afraid to go to school, businesses are experiencing big losses and people are skipping medical appointments,” he told Playbook. Chicago Ald. Michael Rodriguez said agents were just a block from his 22nd Ward Office on the city’s Southwest Side. They were seen driving around the neighborhood. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights also received reports that agents were seen in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood on the city’s Northwest Side. It’s not clear whether agents are looking for particular individuals. “We’re always trying to get more information about how ICE and other agencies are conducting immigration enforcement. There are laws they have to follow in terms of conducting their operation,” said the coalition's Brandon Lee. ICE agents cannot randomly knock on doors. And they can only enter a home if they have a valid warrant signed by a judge, according to the ACLU. Many of the sightings so far have been agents in SUVs driving around neighborhoods. RELATED Tears from families as ICE releases little information about who is detained or why they were sought, by the Sun-Times and WBEZ team Suburban police navigating conflicting state, federal directives on immigration crackdown, by the Daily Herald’s Marni Pyke Dr. Phil’s unrestricted access in a high-stakes law-enforcement operation raises questions, by the Tribune’s Dan Petrella, Nell Salzman and Jake Sheridan A mistaken ICE report about feds visiting a Chicago elementary school is still creating fear, via the Tribune
| | THE BUZZ | | | 
Sen. Dick Durbin talks to reporters last month in Washington. | Francis Chung/POLITICO | THE BIG QUESTION in Illinois political circles lately isn’t just about whether Gov. JB Pritzker might run for president. It’s whether Sen. Dick Durbin will seek re-election in 2026. The answer: He has said he hasn’t yet decided and probably won’t for at least a few months. There’s no rush. Petitions won’t get started until August. What we know: Durbin is feeling invigorated to fight the Trump administration, calling it out on issues related to immigration and abortion rights, not to mention Cabinet selections. And even though he’s 80, Durbin is feeling physically up to the task thanks to the knee surgery he had last year. Still, folks are lining up just in case. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who has a $17 million war chest; Congresswoman Robin Kelly; and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood are all seen as likely candidates to run should Durbin step aside. Even Congresswoman Delia Ramirez might be interested, she told NOTUS. On Monday, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton launched a federal hybrid PAC called Level Up to support candidates and causes across the country. Stratton could pivot the PAC to run for federal office, too. State Treasurer Mike Frerichs said he wouldn’t even discuss the issue until Durbin makes a move. And everyone wonders what Rahm Emanuel might do next. In a few days, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia is holding a fundraiser. Durbin promoted it in a mass email, calling her “a shining example of the next generation of leaders.” Some context: Should Durbin run, it would be his sixth term. He was first elected to the Senate in 1996, succeeding Sen. Paul Simon. In the primary that year, Durbin defeated Pat Quinn, who would later become governor. And in the General Election of 1996, Durbin defeated Al Salvi, the husband of Kathy Salvi, who now chairs the Illinois Republican Party. It’s a small world. If you are Dick Durbin, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@politico.com
| | | | A message from Amazon: Once Nadia realized her Spicy Sweet Soy Sauce was a hit, she turned to Amazon to help share the taste with the rest of the country. "Shipping products can be complicated, but Fulfillment by Amazon makes it easy," she said. Fulfillment by Amazon costs 70% less on average than comparable two-day shipping options. Learn how Amazon innovates for sellers. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | No official public events
| | WHERE's BRANDON | | In City Hall for a 10 a.m. press briefing.
| | Where's Toni | | In the Cook County Building at 10 a.m. with Cook County commissioners to celebrate Black History Month Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a complaint? Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | Power shifts, razor-thin margins, and a high-stakes agenda. We’ve transformed our coverage—more reporters, more timely insights, and unmatched policy scoops. From leadership offices to committee rooms, caucus meetings, and beyond, our expert reporting keeps you ahead of the decisions that matter. Subscribe to our Inside Congress newsletter today. | | | | | | | SPOTLIGHT | | | 
Dan McConchie, speaking at a Municipal League event, is leaving the Illinois General Assembly. | Photo via Facebook | MAKING HIS EXIT: State Sen. Dan McConchie, a Republican from Hawthorn Woods, is stepping down from the Illinois General Assembly to head up the Accessibility Policy Institute, a new non-profit think tank focused on improving accessibility for disabled people. He has served nearly 10 years in the state Senate, including as minority leader. McConchie has focused on limiting the size of government and reducing the property tax burden and was a member of the K-12 education funding formula working group that established legislation to fund Illinois elementary and secondary schools. McConchie’s exit is bittersweet, he told Playbook in an interview. He’ll miss the interaction with constituents, but he won’t miss the challenge of trying to get legislation heard. While some states let lawmakers take their proposals to the floor “and let the chips fall where they may,” Illinois leaves it up to party leaders to decide, he said. In Springfield right now, that means Democrats. McConchie will still be involved in legislation, but instead of doing it from the Capitol, he’ll advise lawmakers in Illinois and around the country on policies that improve the lives of people with disabilities. Getting to the point: “A lot of people assume that the ADA [Americans With Disabilities Act] has taken care of things. But the one-size-fits-all standard for the federal government doesn’t always mean local issues are addressed. Sometimes new technologies take a long time to be incorporated into ADA,” said McConchie, who comes to the issue with a unique perspective. He uses a wheelchair due to injuries he suffered in a crash by a hit-and-run driver. He's already talked to Gov. JB Pritzker about making sure EV stations are accessible. In 2022, McConchie won a tight race and likely would have faced another fierce challenge from Democrats. Next, Republican Party leaders will start the process of posting his position and filling his seat.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Madigan attorney urges acquittal, accusing feds of ‘shoving misshapen puzzle pieces together’: “Lengthy closing arguments to further delay deliberations as 3-month trial crawls to end,” by Capitol News’ Hannah Meisel
| | | | A message from Amazon:  
| | | | | CHICAGO | | — The battle over regulating intoxicating hemp moves to City Hall: “Johnson and supporters in the City Council are on the clock to produce their own regulatory framework the mayor hopes will ‘center safety and equity,’ but the effort faces resistance from aldermen who are siding with the governor and believe the city will be unable to craft a workable solution,” by Crain’s Justin Laurence.
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard worked to hide true condition of village finances, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says: Trustees “were effectively cut off from receiving regular financial reports,” Lightfoot tells 200 gathered to hear her findings on the village spending, by the Daily Southtown’s Mike Nolan. Lightfoot cites 'excessive' spending, saying Henyard and her administration spent more than $171,000 on travel, by the Sun-Times’ Emmanuel Camarillo — Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi is featured in a podcast with Strong Towns Chicago, a nonprofit focused on safe streets, affordable housing and “strong fiscal solvency.” Kaegi talks about how property taxes work, reforms made to the assessment process and how tax policy impacts residents. Watch it here
| | TAKING NAMES | | — David Schwimmer celebrates return of Lookingglass Theatre Company after Covid hardships: Joining in the event were Gov. JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker, by WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky — Dave Joens grew up reading about Illinois history. Now, he retires after 20 years preserving it as state archivist, by Atmika Iyer and Medill Illinois News Bureau — Former Sen. Mosely-Braun: ‘You have to keep up the struggle,’ she tells a Kentucky crowd, by Forward Kentucky’s Berry Craig
| | | | New Year. New Washington. New Playbook. With intensified congressional coverage and even faster delivery of policy scoops, POLITICO’s reimagined Playbook Newsletter ensures you’re always ahead of the conversation. Sign up today. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked when you ignored the knock at the door. Matthew Beaudet: “When it’s a solicitation. I just say ‘no thanks’ through the doors. That and three loud barking dogs makes them move on.” Ed Mazur: “When a civil process server knocked at the front door. He left but would return.” Marilynn Miller: “When it’s dark. Friends let me know they are coming. I also ignore anywhere I cannot see them through the peephole.” Alison Pure-Slovin: “When Seventh Day Adventists knock on my door to share their religion with me.” Erika Weaver: “When they didn’t call first.” Next question: Did you ever make a career change? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Trump’s DOJ already feels like ‘a wholesale politically inspired demolition,’ by POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein — Chaos, confusion after Trump halts US foreign aid, by POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi, Robbie Gramer and Carmen Paun
| | TRANSITIONS | | — Dr. Leanne Yanni has been named CEO and president of HSHS’ Physician Enterprise in Springfield, Ill. by the State Journal-Register’s Claire Grant. — David Adeleye is now government relations director and counsel, Point of Difference Strategies. Adeleye previously worked at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. — Mary Hanahan is now senior government relations director and counsel at Point of Difference Strategies. She was deputy general counsel to Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.
| | | | A message from Amazon: During the pandemic, local restaurant owner Nadia needed a new way to reach customers. She turned to Amazon to deliver her sauces to customers across the country.
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See how Amazon supports independent sellers. | | | | | EVENTS | | — Thursday: Eileen O’Neill Burke, the Cook County state’s attorney, headlines an event at the Union League Club with CBS 2’s Joe Donlon as moderator. It’s sponsored by the Lincoln Forum. Tickets here
| | TRIVIA | | MONDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Pat McCann for correctly answering that Jim Downey was the original “Saturday Night Live” head writer who grew up in Joliet? TODAY’s QUESTION: What is Illinois’ state motto? Email skapos@politico.com
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres partner and former Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Lorraine Murphy, Economic Security Project Illinois Director Sarah Saheb, Culloton + Bauer Luce VP Eleni Demertzis, Cor Strategies’ Collin Corbett, political consultant Tom Stapka, and retired teacher Georgette Kapos. -30- Correction: Monday's Illinois Playbook misidentified the former Tribune managing editor who wrote a tribute to the late Dorothy Collin. It was Jim O'Shea. | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
