Shia Kapos

Chicago

Reporter at POLITICO

Writer at Illinois Playbook Newsletter

Politics reporter @POLITICO and author of the Illinois Playbook.

Articles

Biden back on the attack - in Chicago

1 week ago | politico.com | Shia Kapos

Good Wednesday morning, Illinois. It felt like old times with the Secret Service in town Tuesday. HE’S BACK: Former President Joe Biden gave his first major public speech since leaving the White House at the Sofitel Hotel in Chicago on Tuesday. Biden didn’t say the words “Donald Trump” but he attacked Trump’s administration for messing with the Social Security Administration. His message: “In fewer than 100 days, this administration has caused so much damage and destruction.
Biden reemerges on the attack, but doesn’t mention Trump

1 week ago | politico.com | Shia Kapos |Elena Schneider

CHICAGO — Former President Joe Biden ripped the Trump administration’s efforts to slash Social Security spending in his first major public speech since leaving the White House, but never mentioned the current president. “In fewer than 100 days, this administration has caused so much damage and destruction. It’s breathtaking,” Biden told about 200 people gathered for the conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled on Tuesday.
Durbin’s fundraising falls off

1 week ago | politico.com | Shia Kapos

The Illinois senator’s latest fundraising report comes amid widespread questions about whether he will run again. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, speaking at a rally protesting the Trump administration last month, is considering whether to seek reelection. | Nam Y. Huh/AP CHICAGO — Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin raised just $42,695 in the first three months of this year, a possible sign he might not seek reelection.
DOGE targets Brookfield Zoo

1 week ago | politico.com | Shia Kapos

Happy Tuesday, Illinois. Spring is here. It’s Tax Day. WHAT A ZOO: The White House’s Department of Government Efficiency office has targeted a behavioral diversity program to be cut from Brookfield Zoo. Problem is, it has nothing to do with diversity, equity and inclusion in the traditional DEI sense. “It’s about bio-diversity and animal welfare,” said Brookfield Zoo Chicago Senior VP Andrea Rodgers.
E&E News: Mike Rogers launches Michigan Senate bid

1 week ago | subscriber.politicopro.com | Shia Kapos
Casten takes town halls to GOP-land

1 week ago | politico.com | Shia Kapos

Happy Monday, Illinois. Congress and the Illinois General Assembly are off this week, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be quiet. NEW THIS MORNING — Former President Joe Biden will make his first public speech since leaving office in Chicago this week at a bipartisan conference sponsored by ACRD, Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled, according to organizers.
Mike Rogers launches Senate bid in Michigan

1 week ago | politico.com | Shia Kapos

The Republican former House Intelligence Committee chair lost a U.S. Senate race to Elissa Slotkin last year. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, speaking in 2024, is making another run for U.S. Senate in Michigan. | Paul Sancya/AP file photo Former Rep. Mike Rogers is launching another bid for U.S. Senate in Michigan.
‘Partisan dog and pony show’

1 week ago | politico.com | Shia Kapos

TGIF, Illinois. Looks like we made it. Gov. JB Pritzker has been called to testify on May 15 in Washington before the House Oversight Committee about Illinois’ sanctuary status.
Mad dash in crowded Springfield

2 weeks ago | politico.com | Shia Kapos

Good Thursday Morning, Illinois. Turns out Donald Trump really does care about what people think, per POLITICO’s Rachael Bade. Lawmakers and lobbyists crowd at the brass rail in the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. | Shia Kapos/POLITICO SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — It was the biggest lobbying day of the year at the Capitol on Wednesday — elbow to elbow at the brass rail, a crowded tunnel and a line to get into Boone’s for lunch.
Pritzker on the reality of tariffs

2 weeks ago | politico.com | Shia Kapos

Happy Wednesday, Illinois. We’re getting in our steps in Springfield this week. British Consul General in Chicago Richard Hyde, left, and Gov. JB Pritzker sign a "memorandum of understanding” pledging to encourage trade between Britain and Illinois. | Shia Kapos/POLITICO SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gov. JB Pritzker said his office is looking for ways to “offset some of the impact” of tariffs initiated by the Trump administration, but he acknowledged there’s not a lot that can be done.