Brenden Moore
@brendenmoore.bsky.social
Illinois government + politics reporter for @capitolnewsil.bsky.social. Corn dog connoisseur, White Sox fan. Always DePaul, UIS. Tips: bmoore@capitolnewsillinois.com
**Important update**
Some new details on what property owners can build by right on land zoned for residential under Pritzker's plan:
≤2,500 sq ft: 1 unit
2,500–5,000 sq ft: up to 4 units
5,000–7,500 sq ft: up to 6 units
7,500+ sq ft: up to 8 units
Some new details on what property owners can build by right on land zoned for residential under Pritzker's plan:
≤2,500 sq ft: 1 unit
2,500–5,000 sq ft: up to 4 units
5,000–7,500 sq ft: up to 6 units
7,500+ sq ft: up to 8 units
February 18, 2026 at 4:29 PM
**Important update**
Some new details on what property owners can build by right on land zoned for residential under Pritzker's plan:
≤2,500 sq ft: 1 unit
2,500–5,000 sq ft: up to 4 units
5,000–7,500 sq ft: up to 6 units
7,500+ sq ft: up to 8 units
Some new details on what property owners can build by right on land zoned for residential under Pritzker's plan:
≤2,500 sq ft: 1 unit
2,500–5,000 sq ft: up to 4 units
5,000–7,500 sq ft: up to 6 units
7,500+ sq ft: up to 8 units
Gov. Pritzker could give his State of the State/budget speech outside if he wanted to. The forecast for speech time: sunny skies and 65° with a slight breeze. Just a beautiful day in the capital city. It certainly beats the usual frigid temps and sometimes snowy conditions!
February 18, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Gov. Pritzker could give his State of the State/budget speech outside if he wanted to. The forecast for speech time: sunny skies and 65° with a slight breeze. Just a beautiful day in the capital city. It certainly beats the usual frigid temps and sometimes snowy conditions!
It’s a supply side approach to address the state’s housing shortage by tackling the “patchwork of local barriers” that prevents builders from building. But expect significant pushback from local governments to the imposition of statewide zoning standards and permitting timelines.
New from me: @govpritzker.illinois.gov will use his State of the State address to push a sweeping housing plan that’d permit multi-unit buildings on most residential lots, legalize granny flats and slash red tape that’s slowed homebuilding in recent years. capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control
Article Summary JB Pritzker will propose a plan during his State of the State address to drastically limit local governments’
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 18, 2026 at 2:04 PM
It’s a supply side approach to address the state’s housing shortage by tackling the “patchwork of local barriers” that prevents builders from building. But expect significant pushback from local governments to the imposition of statewide zoning standards and permitting timelines.
New from me: @govpritzker.illinois.gov will use his State of the State address to push a sweeping housing plan that’d permit multi-unit buildings on most residential lots, legalize granny flats and slash red tape that’s slowed homebuilding in recent years. capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control
Article Summary JB Pritzker will propose a plan during his State of the State address to drastically limit local governments’
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 18, 2026 at 2:03 PM
New from me: @govpritzker.illinois.gov will use his State of the State address to push a sweeping housing plan that’d permit multi-unit buildings on most residential lots, legalize granny flats and slash red tape that’s slowed homebuilding in recent years. capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
Reposted by Brenden Moore
Illinois lawmakers say there’s “positive momentum” on a Bears stadium package. Indiana’s push helped. But a major hurdle – getting enough Chicago lawmakers on board – remains. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports ➡️ https://loom.ly/gwGBV2k
Bears stadium package has ‘positive momentum’ in Springfield, but not in end zone
Article Summary Illinois lawmakers say a long-stalled proposal to help the Chicago Bears build a domed stadium in Arlington Heights
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 17, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Illinois lawmakers say there’s “positive momentum” on a Bears stadium package. Indiana’s push helped. But a major hurdle – getting enough Chicago lawmakers on board – remains. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports ➡️ https://loom.ly/gwGBV2k
Reposted by Brenden Moore
@brendenmoore.bsky.social will also be bringing back his column, now called Moore in Springfield. Read his first iteration here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/moore-i...
‘Moore in Springfield’: A deeper look into Illinois government, politics
SPRINGFIELD — People often ask what I love most about my job covering Illinois politics and government. My answer is
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:51 PM
@brendenmoore.bsky.social will also be bringing back his column, now called Moore in Springfield. Read his first iteration here: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/moore-i...
Exciting things on the way. ⬇️
Ahead of the budget address, @capitolnewsil.bsky.social is launching a new, insider product. capitolnewsillinois.com/become-an-in...
Become an Insider
The Capitol News Insider newsletter delivers independent Statehouse reporting, analysis, and forward-looking coverage for professionals who need to know what’s
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:44 AM
Exciting things on the way. ⬇️
Ted Dabrowski has traded think tank influence for a spot on the ballot, pitching himself as more electable than the GOP’s 2022 nominee, Darren Bailey. He’s also calling for rolling back Illinois’ 4.95% income tax to 3%. First in our series profiling GOP candidates for governor:
For years, Ted Dabrowski wielded influence behind the scenes in Illinois Republican circles. Now, the conservative policy wonk is stepping off the sidelines and into the limelight by seeking the party's nomination for governor. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports ➡️ https://loom.ly/WOFgTwI
Conservative policy wonk Ted Dabrowski gets off sidelines with run for governor
Article Summary Governor candidate Ted Dabrowski argues he is uniquely positioned to unite the fractured Illinois GOP, raise the funds
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Ted Dabrowski has traded think tank influence for a spot on the ballot, pitching himself as more electable than the GOP’s 2022 nominee, Darren Bailey. He’s also calling for rolling back Illinois’ 4.95% income tax to 3%. First in our series profiling GOP candidates for governor:
Reposted by Brenden Moore
Gov. JB Pritzker quietly dropped $5M into a PAC backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s U.S. Senate bid, filings show. The group later confirmed it has raised more than $10M overall. Brenden Moore and Ben Szalinski report ➡️https://loom.ly/qLiFVhw
Pritzker drops $5M to boost Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in Senate race
Article Summary JB Pritzker accounted for nearly 80% of the $6.3 million Illinois Future PAC raised in 2025, according to
capitolnewsillinois.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Gov. JB Pritzker quietly dropped $5M into a PAC backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s U.S. Senate bid, filings show. The group later confirmed it has raised more than $10M overall. Brenden Moore and Ben Szalinski report ➡️https://loom.ly/qLiFVhw
The reason Stratton needs outside help? Raja Krishnamoorthi. He raised $3.6 million in Q4 and entered 2026 with $15.2 million cash on hand, per his campaign's FEC filing. By my count, he dropped $4.8 million on TV ads in the final three months of 2025 alone.
New: Gov. JB Pritzker donated $5 million last month to Illinois Future PAC, the outside group backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s U.S. Senate bid, per the PAC's FEC filing. His cousin, Jennifer Pritzker, added $1.05 million. The PAC raised $6.32 million overall in 2025. #twill
January 31, 2026 at 8:46 PM
The reason Stratton needs outside help? Raja Krishnamoorthi. He raised $3.6 million in Q4 and entered 2026 with $15.2 million cash on hand, per his campaign's FEC filing. By my count, he dropped $4.8 million on TV ads in the final three months of 2025 alone.
New: Gov. JB Pritzker donated $5 million last month to Illinois Future PAC, the outside group backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s U.S. Senate bid, per the PAC's FEC filing. His cousin, Jennifer Pritzker, added $1.05 million. The PAC raised $6.32 million overall in 2025. #twill
January 31, 2026 at 8:05 PM
New: Gov. JB Pritzker donated $5 million last month to Illinois Future PAC, the outside group backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s U.S. Senate bid, per the PAC's FEC filing. His cousin, Jennifer Pritzker, added $1.05 million. The PAC raised $6.32 million overall in 2025. #twill
Reposted by Brenden Moore
The 3 leading Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin called for some version of dismantling ICE, but only Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton called for the agency's complete abolition. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports ➡️ https://loom.ly/ZXW6k28
Illinois’ Democratic U.S. Senate primary heats up over ICE
Article Summary Rep. Robin Kelly of Lynwood, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton all to varying degrees called
capitolnewsillinois.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:05 PM
The 3 leading Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin called for some version of dismantling ICE, but only Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton called for the agency's complete abolition. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports ➡️ https://loom.ly/ZXW6k28
Reposted by Brenden Moore
Illinois has averaged about one lawsuit a week against the Trump administration since January 2025. Here’s the status of them all. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports ➡️ https://loom.ly/456Vp38
Illinois vs. Trump: One lawsuit a week
Article Summary Illinois has filed or joined 51 lawsuits against the Trump administration between January 2025 and January 2026, challenging
capitolnewsillinois.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Illinois has averaged about one lawsuit a week against the Trump administration since January 2025. Here’s the status of them all. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports ➡️ https://loom.ly/456Vp38
Reposted by Brenden Moore
Inside JB Pritzker’s media strategy as he gets in Trump’s head, grows his 2028 profile and embraces social media influencers. @benszalinski.bsky.social & @brendenmoore.bsky.social report ➡️ https://loom.ly/WwOiMT0
Needling Trump as 2028 looms: Inside JB Pritzker’s all-of-the-above media strategy
Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker has ramped up his media appearances in 2025 by embracing social media influencers and bringing
capitolnewsillinois.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Inside JB Pritzker’s media strategy as he gets in Trump’s head, grows his 2028 profile and embraces social media influencers. @benszalinski.bsky.social & @brendenmoore.bsky.social report ➡️ https://loom.ly/WwOiMT0
Gov. Pritzker showing up a lot on your TikTok scroll, favorite podcast or TV screen? That’s no coincidence. @benszalinski.bsky.social + I report on Pritzker’s embrace of an all-of-the-above media strategy drawing the attention of Trump and a national audience: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/needlin...
Needling Trump as 2028 looms: Inside JB Pritzker’s all-of-the-above media strategy
Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker has ramped up his media appearances in 2025 by embracing social media influencers and bringing
capitolnewsillinois.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Gov. Pritzker showing up a lot on your TikTok scroll, favorite podcast or TV screen? That’s no coincidence. @benszalinski.bsky.social + I report on Pritzker’s embrace of an all-of-the-above media strategy drawing the attention of Trump and a national audience: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/needlin...
Reposted by Brenden Moore
Top Illinois Democrats are calling for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s removal after video contradicted the federal account of a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, echoing two shootings involving federal agents in Illinois last year. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports https://loom.ly/c2UeC_U
After fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, Illinois Democrats seek Kristi Noem’s impeachment
Article Summary S. Rep. Robin Kelly plans to file impeachment articles against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after
capitolnewsillinois.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Top Illinois Democrats are calling for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s removal after video contradicted the federal account of a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, echoing two shootings involving federal agents in Illinois last year. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports https://loom.ly/c2UeC_U
From Chicago’s Operation Midway Blitz to Minneapolis, the pattern is familiar: ICE shooting, DHS claims self-defense, then evidence that appears to tell a different story. My pal @ckubzansky.bsky.social digs into the parallels: www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/07/f...
Feds’ statements after Minneapolis driver killed by ICE officer echo pattern from Midway Blitz in Chicago
The feds’ statement recalls claims from DHS in the aftermath of two federal agent-involved shootings that took place during Chicago’s “Operation Midway Blitz.”
www.chicagotribune.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:04 PM
From Chicago’s Operation Midway Blitz to Minneapolis, the pattern is familiar: ICE shooting, DHS claims self-defense, then evidence that appears to tell a different story. My pal @ckubzansky.bsky.social digs into the parallels: www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/07/f...
Reposted by Brenden Moore
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Even with signs of fiscal challenges reemerging in Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker and Democrats do not appear to be considering raising income taxes on the wealthiest this year, @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports. @stlpublicradio.bsky.social
www.stlpr.org/government-p...
www.stlpr.org/government-p...
Despite budget pressure, graduated income tax remains political longshot in Illinois
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is not making a graduated income tax a priority in 2026, despite backing the idea in principle and mounting budget pressures.
www.stlpr.org
January 6, 2026 at 3:38 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Even with signs of fiscal challenges reemerging in Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker and Democrats do not appear to be considering raising income taxes on the wealthiest this year, @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports. @stlpublicradio.bsky.social
www.stlpr.org/government-p...
www.stlpr.org/government-p...
Reposted by Brenden Moore
Illinois’ budget math is getting tougher, but a graduated income tax — rejected by voters in 2020 — remains off Gov. JB Pritzker’s agenda heading into 2026. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports: https://loom.ly/wZ8bgtU
Despite mounting budget pressure, graduated income tax remains political longshot
Article Summary JB Pritzker is not making a graduated income tax a priority in 2026, despite backing the idea in
capitolnewsillinois.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Illinois’ budget math is getting tougher, but a graduated income tax — rejected by voters in 2020 — remains off Gov. JB Pritzker’s agenda heading into 2026. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports: https://loom.ly/wZ8bgtU
Reposted by Brenden Moore
The primary elections in Illinois really aren't so far away. It's just a couple of months until early voting starts.
@brendenmoore.bsky.social with @capitolnewsil.bsky.social joins us on @21st.show to talk through some of the bigger developments in the Senate, House and governor races.
@brendenmoore.bsky.social with @capitolnewsil.bsky.social joins us on @21st.show to talk through some of the bigger developments in the Senate, House and governor races.
From governor’s race to House and Senate seats, the latest in 2026 election campaigns across Illi...
YouTube video by Illinois Public Media
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:22 PM
The primary elections in Illinois really aren't so far away. It's just a couple of months until early voting starts.
@brendenmoore.bsky.social with @capitolnewsil.bsky.social joins us on @21st.show to talk through some of the bigger developments in the Senate, House and governor races.
@brendenmoore.bsky.social with @capitolnewsil.bsky.social joins us on @21st.show to talk through some of the bigger developments in the Senate, House and governor races.
Reposted by Brenden Moore
Gov. JB Pritzker met with Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Wednesday, discussing the recent Trump immigration raids and inviting the pontiff to visit Illinois. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports. Get the full story here: https://loom.ly/ziVwb24
Pritzker discusses immigration crackdown with Pope Leo XIV in Rome
Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Wednesday, with the two discussing the Trump
capitolnewsillinois.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Gov. JB Pritzker met with Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Wednesday, discussing the recent Trump immigration raids and inviting the pontiff to visit Illinois. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports. Get the full story here: https://loom.ly/ziVwb24
Pritzker often talks about the impact of losing his parents young. I didn’t know until reporting this, but Caprara also lost her mom at a young age. That shared loss helped build their connection — and the empathy they say is at the root of many of the administration’s decisions.
November 17, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Pritzker often talks about the impact of losing his parents young. I didn’t know until reporting this, but Caprara also lost her mom at a young age. That shared loss helped build their connection — and the empathy they say is at the root of many of the administration’s decisions.
My final story for Lee Enterprises is out today — a profile of Gov. Pritzker's chief of staff, @annecaprara.bsky.social. She’s helped shape his "Team Fight" approach to dealing with President Trump while using her own agency to enlist others in the battle. Read here: pantagraph.com/news/state-r...
Meet JB Pritzker’s ‘indispensable right hand'
JB Pritzker calls Anne Caprara the person who made it possible for him to become governor. Inside the partnership driving Illinois’ pushback against President Trump and the MAGA movement.
pantagraph.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:17 PM
My final story for Lee Enterprises is out today — a profile of Gov. Pritzker's chief of staff, @annecaprara.bsky.social. She’s helped shape his "Team Fight" approach to dealing with President Trump while using her own agency to enlist others in the battle. Read here: pantagraph.com/news/state-r...
Reposted by Brenden Moore
Sen. Dick Durbin said he couldn’t justify “playing with other people’s lives” as millions missed paychecks & benefits, and his vote to end the shutdown wasn’t coordinated or orchestrated by Chuck Schumer. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports: https://loom.ly/uEFuVek
Durbin defends shutdown vote, says it wasn’t coordinated with Schumer
Article Summary Sen. Dick Durbin said he backed reopening the government to protect federal workers and to restore food assistance,
capitolnewsillinois.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Sen. Dick Durbin said he couldn’t justify “playing with other people’s lives” as millions missed paychecks & benefits, and his vote to end the shutdown wasn’t coordinated or orchestrated by Chuck Schumer. @brendenmoore.bsky.social reports: https://loom.ly/uEFuVek