| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | | Presented by |  | | | Good Thursday morning, Illinois. And welcome to Chicago, Mick Jagger.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | | 
Journalists await decisions outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Washington. | Alex Brandon/AP | SUPREME RULING: The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Wednesday that distinguishes “bribes” from “gratuities' ' — and some Illinois corruption cases connected to former House Speaker Mike Madigan could be upended as a result. Even Rod Blagojevich’s team is looking at whether his conviction could be reversed. About the case: The justices ruled 6-3 to overturn the conviction of former Portage, Indiana, Mayor James Snyder, who accepted $13,000 from a local truck dealership after it had been awarded city contracts. The court said it’s not a crime for elected officials to accept gratuities, such as “gift cards, lunches, plaques, books, framed photos, or the like — that may be given as a token of appreciation after the official act.” The full SCOTUS opinion is here. Gratuities are different from bribes, which elected officials can be prosecuted for since they are “typically payments made or agreed to before an official act in order to influence the public official,” the ruling states. Playing out in Illinois: Two ongoing cases could unravel as a result of the decision since the issue of “gratuities” play a role. Former House Speaker Michael Madigan is awaiting trial on bribery charges in which ComEd said it gave gifts to him in exchange for his help with a legislative agenda. The trial is set for October, but the Supreme Court case could delay that. The Madigan allies known as the "ComEd Four” were convicted of bribing the speaker in a case that hinged on the issue of “gratuities.” Their sentencing has been delayed in anticipation of the SCOTUS decision. One attorney's view: “I don’t think the entire case would be dismissed. But we will argue — I think successfully — that all of the convictions have to be reversed. And so, if that’s the case, the government would have to make a choice about whether they want to retry the case," he told the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel and WBEZ's Dave McKinney. From the Tribune: It’s a pivotal decision that could upend key corruption cases in Chicago, by Jason Meisner, Megan Crepeau and Ray Long. About Blagojevich: He went to prison, in part, for asking for political contributions of a CEO of a hospital getting state funding. Now, attorneys are looking into whether his case is affected by the SCOTUS decision, according to his spokesman. MORE SCOTUS ACTION Biden administrtion can’t be sued for pressuring social media companies to remove misinformation, high court rules, by POLITICO’s Rebecca Kern and Josh Gerstein Supreme Court ‘inadvertently’ exposes opinion that would restore emergency abortion access in Idaho, by POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein and Josh Gerstein
| | THE BUZZ | | DEBATE WATCH: It’s a pivotal day in the race for president as Joe Biden and Donald Trump are set to take the debate stage for the first time in four years. We’ll be watching for sharp answers about how they’d govern and any mention of Chicago. When it starts: 8 p.m. CT, and it will run 90 minutes (Will they have the stamina?). Where to watch: The debate, hosted by CNN, will air live on its platforms and will be simulcast on other networks. Some rules of engagement: Mics will be turned off when a candidate's turn is done. More from POLITICO’s Isabella Ramirez. Debate expectations are low. But it could still upend the 2024 race: “More than 70 percent of American voters plan to tune in,” by POLITICO’s Adam Wren. A video take is here. Illinois political observers lay out stakes, expectations for a 'unique' debate: It’s the first presidential rematch in decades, and it’s taking place nearly three months earlier than any previous presidential debate, longtime Illinois political observers told Lee Enterprises’ Brenden Moore. "Debates matter particularly in a race which could literally turn on thousands of votes in a handful of states," said John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University. "So, any major factor like a face-to-face, one-on-one encounter is likely to have some impact on at least thousands of voters, if not millions of voters." The Chicago Republican Party is holding a debate watch party. Details here If you are Michael Madigan, Playbook would like to hear from you. Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | A message from Electronic Payments Coalition: Lawmakers in Springfield are giving away millions to corporate megastores—and Illinoisans will pay the price. This back-room deal will radically change how we use credit and debit cards; consumers may have information on their private purchases exposed, and local
businesses could face costly operational challenges, even requiring separate cash payments for tips and sales tax. Prevent credit card chaos. Learn more at GuardYourCard.com/Illinois. | | | | | WHERE'S JB | | No official public events.
| | | WHERE's BRANDON | | | At the South Shore Cultural Center at 9:20 a.m. for the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program graduation — At Apollo’s 2000 at 4 p.m. for the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards — At Navy Pier at 7:30 p.m. for the Illuminarium VIP opening party.
| | Where's Toni | | At Apollo’s 2000 at 4:30 p.m. for the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards. Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or (heaven forbid) a complaint? Email skapos@politico.com
| | | | THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLICY REPORTING & INTELLIGENCE: POLITICO has more than 500 journalists delivering unrivaled reporting and illuminating the policy and regulatory landscape for those who need to know what’s next. Throughout the election and the legislative and regulatory pushes that will follow, POLITICO Pro is indispensable to those who need to make informed decisions fast. The Pro platform dives deeper into critical and quickly evolving sectors and industries—finance, defense, technology, healthcare, energy—equipping policymakers and those who shape legislation and regulation with essential news and intelligence from the world’s best politics and policy journalists.
Our newsroom is deeper, more experienced, and better sourced than any other—with teams embedded in the world’s most active legislative and regulatory power centers. From Brussels to Washington, New York to London, Sacramento to Paris, we bring subscribers inside the conversations that determine policy outcomes and the future of industries, providing insight that cannot be found anywhere else. Get the premier news and policy intelligence service, SUBSCRIBE TO POLITICO PRO TODAY. | | | | | | | CONVENTION ZONE | | — Abortion rights group will get protest permit to march at Democratic National Convention: “Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws will be issued a permit to march on Aug. 18 through downtown after the group sued the city for denying it a permit,” by the Block Club’s Melody Mercado. — Convention cooch: On Aug. 19, “L’Abortion Variety Hour: A Cavalcade of Cooch!” will play at the Metro. It’s described as a “hilarious feminist variety show” with music, comedy and sketches. Proceeds from the show will benefit the reproductive rights non-profit Abortion Access Front. Details here
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Pritzker signs bill creating quantum zone, extending and creating new development incentives, by WGEM’s Max Cotton — Illinois gas tax is set to increase on July 1, by State Journal-Register’s Zach Roth — Illinois said to have ‘momentum’ in ending HIV in state, by WGN 9’s Brónagh Tumulty, Michael Johnson and BJ Lutz — The Latinos in the Illinois House are out with a video. Watch it here.
| | CHICAGO | | — City Hall on the hot seat? 'Shortcomings' in heat wave response spark call for City Council hearing: “On the fourth day of the heat wave last week, city officials closed cooling centers and libraries where those without air conditioning had sought relief,” by the Sun-Times’ Brett Chase. — How can Chicago make more money? First Revenue Committee hearing offers few specifics, by Block Club’s Quinn Myers — Dancin’: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is partnering with The Verdon Fosse Legacy, the company that owns the repertoire of the late choreographer Bob Fosse. Hubbard Street is now the only company in the world to be granted such rights, according to Hubbard Street. Its next season is set to feature Fosse’s “Sweet Gwen Suite,” choreographed with the late Gwen Verdon.
| | DAY IN COURT | | — TWO YEARS LATER: Highland Park massacre suspect rejects plea deal: “Robert Crimo III backed out of a deal in court Wednesday after prosecutors say he agreed to plead guilty to seven counts of first-degree murder in connection with the mass shooting in 2022” during the July Fourth parade, by the Sun-Times’ David Struett and Sophie Sherry. ‘Evil and manipulative’: Families outraged, by the Daily Herald’s Barbara Vitello and Charles Keeshan — Judge gives Rishi Shah 7.5 years in prison: “The 38-year-old was convicted more than a year ago of five counts of mail fraud, 10 counts of wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud and two counts of money laundering in connection with overbilling pharmaceutical companies such as AbbVie to advertise on Outcome’s network of TV and tablet-computer screens in doctors’ offices,” by Crain’s John Pletz.
| | | | A message from Electronic Payments Coalition:   | | | | | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — BREAKING: Big Cook County property tax hikes coming for many in south suburbs: “Historic property tax increases will hit south suburban homeowners’ mailboxes in the coming weeks, according to a new analysis from the Cook County treasurer’s office that found median tax bills there are rising by 19.9% compared with last year, the largest jump in the last 29 years,” by the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and Olivia Stevens. — Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes won’t seek reelection, but believes Bears stadium talks are ‘in a good place,’ by the Daily Herald’s Christopher Placek — CME Group and Google join forces on data center expansion in Aurora, by the Sun-Times’ David Roeder — Itasca, in DuPage County, says it’s hosting “Illinois' largest fireworks show,” via NBC 5 | | BUSINESS OF POLITICS | | — Illinois Democratic Women of Cook County is launching its county chapter. The group is led by co-presidents Litcy Kurisinkal and Jacqui Algee. A kick-off event is Monday, featuring Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Details here
| | TAKING NAMES | | — SPOTTED IN D.C.: Illinois represented at a White House Pride party on Wednesday. Among the attendees: Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis and her husband Equality Illinois spokesperson Myles Davis, Equality Illinois CEO Brian Johnson and his daughter Joey, Equality Illinois Deputy Director Mony Ruiz-Velasco and National Wildlife Federation’s Denise Poloyac, Penchina Partners’ Mary Anderson, Office of Community Policing’s Mike Milstein, Equality Illinois Board Chair Justin DeJong and finance and operations consultant Austin Baidas. — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs picked up Institutional Investor’s Alpha Generation Award for Real Assets Investing on Wednesday night. Pic! — John Sciaccotta is set to be named president of the Chicago Bar Association today during its annual meeting. He's a senior partner at Aronberg Goldgehn, co-vice chair at the DuSable Museum of African American History and board member of WINGS Program Inc. He'll succeed Ray J. Koenig III of Clark Hill.
| | | | Understand 2024’s big impacts with Pro’s extensive Campaign Races Dashboard, exclusive insights, and key coverage of federal- and state-level debates. Focus on policy. Learn more. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked when you were swayed by an endorsement: Randy Bukas, the retired city manager of Freeport: “When it came to judicial candidates, I always talked to my city attorney on which candidates he liked and would vote for. This was especially true for judicial retention.” Charles Keller: “Robert DeNiro, but not like you think.” Jim LaCognata: Any endorsement by Trump is an automatic ‘no’ vote. Lucas Hawley: “My mentor, longtime former city manager of multiple villages David Niemeyer. After 38 years, he knows a thing or two.” Jim Lyons: “I am a member of a labor union, and I go along with most of their endorsements.” Marilynn Miller: “NO endorsement has ever changed my vote. I believe they all have self-interest when doing so rather than the interest of the community.” Edwin Reyes: “Jesse White.” NEXT QUESTION: If Mick Jagger were eligible to run for president, who might his running mate be? Email skapos@politico.com
| | KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION | | — Congresswoman Delia Ramirez among progressives behind a 'Global Migration' caucus to reshape U.S. immigration debate, by NBC News’ Sahil Kapur
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — Biden quietly had his biggest online fundraising day after Trump was convicted, by POLITICO’s Jessica Piper — Trump has 4-point edge over Biden in post-conviction national poll, by POLITICO’s Kierra Frazier — The Squad is shrinking. Now what? by POLITICO’s Nicholas Wu and Daniella Diaz
| | | | A message from Electronic Payments Coalition: Imagine paying at the pump with your credit card, and then having to go inside to pay the taxes. That’s just one possible outcome of a new law that will radically change how consumers and small businesses use credit cards.
This multi-million dollar giveaway to corporate megastores could
● Force separate cash payments on sales tax and tips
● Reduce consumer privacy by exposing information about private purchases
● Create costly operational nightmares and paperwork burdens for small businesses
This first-of-its-kind, untested mandate will lead to chaos, removing credit cards as the safe, secure and hassle-free way to pay in Illinois—all so giant, out-of-state corporations can pad their profits. Prevent credit card chaos. Learn more at GuardYourCard.com/Illinois. | | | | | EVENTS | | — Tonight: Susana Mendoza, the Illinois state comptroller, is holding a fundraiser at O’Briens Riverwalk Café. Details here
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Roger Flahaven for correctly answering Father Augustus Tolton, was born in Missouri but raised in Quincy, Illinois, where he later served as a parish priest and is now buried there. TODAY’s QUESTION: Who was issued special Illinois license plates with stick figures of people instead of numbers?
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Former state Rep. David Welter, former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter, The Inland Real Estate Group’s senior VP Dan Wagner, tech investor and political donor Howard Tullman, Sidley Austin attorney Daniel Epstein, Village of Lansing Trustee Micaela Smith, Accountable Tech co-founder Jesse Lehrich, PR pro Karrie Leung, PR pro Melissa Skoog, economic development pro Sarah Habansky, Palatine Township Assessor Bill Pohlman and political strategist Ryan Hurley. -30- | | | | 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 | | | | |
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