J.B. Pritzker

Built World

Demanded resumption; was not notified of the lifting

Work is resuming on the $1.15 billion Brandon Road barrier after President Donald Trump lifted a stop-work order on September 3. The reversal followed a direct phone call from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who warned that juvenile silver carp had been found 80 miles from Lake Michigan.

Updated 6 days ago

Built World

Committed Illinois as a funding partner

For more than a century, an artificial canal has linked the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. That link is how invasive carp could reach the Great Lakes. This week, crews lowered the first permanent piece of a barrier built to close that door.

Updated Jul 13

Rule Changes

Lead plaintiff challenging Trump's National Guard deployment

The Supreme Court told President Trump he can't send National Guard troops to Illinois. The 6-3 decision on December 23 marks the first time the modern court has blocked a president from federalizing state Guard units over a governor's objections. Trump claimed protests at an ICE facility in suburban Chicago constituted a rebellion, and the court wasn't buying it.

Updated May 16