Illinois quick hits: Trump reacts to Chicago violence; Pritzker increases weight limit for certain vehicles

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Trump reacts to Chicago violence

Weekend violence in Chicago’s Loop has drawn the attention of President Donald Trump. A teenager was killed and eight other people were injured in two shootings Friday, shortly after the city’s tree-lighting ceremony and Christkindlmarket opening nearby.

“In the meantime, Governor [J.B.] Pritzker and the Low IQ Mayor of Chicago [Brandon Johnson] are refusing Federal Government help for a situation that could be quickly remedied,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “The people are chanting, BRING IN TRUMP!!!”

The president noted reports of “300 people rioting” as large crowds of teens flooded the area outside the Chicago Theatre before shots rang out.

Pritzker increases weight limit for certain vehicles

Gov. J.B. Pritzker Friday has signed legislation to allow electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to exceed posted weight limits by up to 2,000 pounds.

Opponents said House Bill 2394 will allow heavy electric and hydrogen trucks to rip up the roads without contributing their fair share to the road fund.

The new law takes effect June 1, 2026.

U.S. House committee asks for CTU documents

The U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce is requesting audited financial reports from the Chicago Teachers Union.

In a letter to CTU President Stacy Davis Gates, the committee asked the union to produce the reports from 2019 to 2024 no later than Dec. 8.

The letter says the committee is concerned that “CTU has undertaken a half-decade long, concerted effort to deny its members the complete audit information to which they are entitled under the union’s by-laws.”