Gov. JB Pritzker joined other Democratic governors yesterday in a tense hearing over immigration policies before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Why it matters: Illinois' sanctuary policies remain in the crosshairs of the Trump administration, which has threatened to withhold funding to the state and Chicago over the policies.

The big picture: The spotlight on immigration is intensifying as protests continue across U.S. cities, including one this weekend that could be Chicago's largest single-day anti-Trump rally yet.

What they're saying: " Illinois follows the law, but let me be clear, we expect the federal government to follow the law, too," Pritzker said in his opening remarks.

• "We will not participate in abuses of power. We will not violate court orders. We will not ignore the Constitution."

Context: Pritzker sat on a panel with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The hearing was scheduled last month, before widespread protests erupted across U.S. cities, including Chicago.

• Thursday's questions focused largely on border security, the mobilization of the National Guard in Los Angeles and whether the Democratic governors are supporting illegal immigration.

Zoom in: Republicans took aim at Pritzker, calling Chicago a haven for drugs and crime and pointing to crimes committed in Illinois by undocumented immigrants.

• In one heated moment, chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) repeatedly interrupted Pritzker while pressing him on a fatal crash involving an undocumented immigrant.
• Downstate Rep. Mary Miller, who doesn't sit on the Oversight committee but was allowed to speak, said "illegal aliens in our state have overwhelmed local communities and schools causing untold pain and suffering."

The other side: Democrat representatives defended Pritzker, including Oversight Committee member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who used his time to boast about Illinois' overall achievements.

• He also noted that it was Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner who first created Illinois' sanctuary laws.

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Chicago's citywide celebration and mass on Saturday for the first American-and Chicago-born Pope is expected to be a packed house at Rate Field.

Why it matters: Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to deliver a video message for youth from the Vatican, but some are also wondering if the Holy Father will wade into politics.

• The mass and papal message come on the same day as the nationwide No Kings protests, including in downtown Chicago.

Zoom in: As of yesterday, a few hundred tickets behind the stage were still available on Ticketmaster.

• Doors open at 12:30pm and the program begins at 2:30pm.
• The event will be on the Chicago Archdiocese's social media.

Between the lines: Leo hasn't commented directly on Trump or his policies, but he has waded into politics since he became Pope.

• Last Sunday, the pope delivered a rebuke against nationalism during his celebration of mass at St. Peter's Square.
• "Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for 'security' zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms," Leo said according to ABC News.

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🧑‍⚖️ Former IL House Speaker Michael Madigan is expected to be sentenced today for his corruption conviction. Prosecutors are reportedly asking for a 12 1/2 year sentence. (Tribune)

🏛️ The U.S. House passed a bill to cancel more than $1 billion in funding for NPR and PBS. The bill now heads to the Senate. (NBC)

🗞️ The Chicago Tribune is offering buyouts to its newsroom. The union representing the journalists called the move "a short-term profit boost." (Sun-Times)

Chicago's newest tourism campaign is meant to attract visitors but also speak to locals.

Driving the news: Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, joined Mayor Brandon Johnson yesterday to unveil "Never Done. Never Outdone."

Why it matters: The city's first major tourism campaign in three years aims to play up Chicago's "swagger," as Reynolds calls it, and push back against negative narratives about the city and state — especially those coming from the White House.

Reality check: Like other major U.S. cities, Chicago is seeing fewer international travelers because of President Trump's travel bans and other federal policies, Reynolds tells Axios.

Yes, but: "The other statistic is a lot of U.S. travelers are not traveling internationally as they had in the past several years, so there's an opportunity to try and recapture some of the domestic market to fill those gaps," Reynolds says.

By the numbers: The agency's 2024 budget was about $33 million and tourism brought in $20 billion, according to Choose's annual report.

• Choose spent $640,000 over the last two years on creating "Never Done. Never Outdone," spokesperson Isaac Reichman said.

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🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Beach House: One Day. One Stage. All House. at North Avenue Beach on June 28: From the creators of Volleywood comes Beach House – a sun-soaked, open-air celebration of Chicago's legendary house music scene. Just one stage, one epic day, and nothing but house beats on the beach. $38.76.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

From Andersonville to Sox Park, Chicago's in for another big weekend of events and the street closures that go with them.

• It's gonna be one of those Chicago weekends.

Zoom in: Here are some spots the city is flagging.

🇵🇷 Puerto Rican Festival and Parade around 2800 W. Division St., Friday-Sunday

🥁 No Kings Rally around Daley Plaza, Saturday at noon.

🏟️ Pope Leo XIV Celebration Mass at Rate Field, Saturday at 12:30 pm

🇸🇪 Andersonville Midsommarfest around 5400 N. Clark St., Friday-Sunday.

⚾️ Cubs v. Pirates at Wrigley Field, Friday-Sunday 1:20pm.

🇹🇭 Thai Festival Chicago around 851 W. Irving Saturday and Sunday.

🎸 Smino and Band of Skulls at the Salt Shed Friday at 7pm and Sat. 8pm

🌭 Taste of Randolph around 900 W. Randolph St., Friday- Sunday

🖼️ Wells Street Art Festival around 1200 N. Wells Saturday and Sunday; street closures start Friday.

🎨 Old Town Art Fair around 1900 N Lincoln Ave. Saturday and Sunday; street closures start Friday.

The bottom line: If you're heading out, check your route, grab a Ventra card, and consider ride-sharing so you can leave the car at home.

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