In this episode of The Cole Memo, I sit down with Jeremy Gorner from the Chicago Tribune to discuss the latest developments in Illinois politics and policy. We dive into the heated debate over hemp regulation, including the behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts by Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Jeremy shares insights on how these tensions reflect broader divisions within the Democratic Party.
We also explore key legislative updates from the recent lame-duck session, including bills addressing domestic violence, nursing home retaliation, and reforms to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Finally, we unpack the high-profile ethics violation case involving Brett Bender, former Deputy Director for Cannabis Control, and its implications for state governance.
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Links mentioned during show
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/01/06/hemp-regulation-bill-stalls-after-lobbying-battle-between-mayor-brandon-johnson-and-gov-jb-pritzker/
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/01/07/feud-over-hemp-bill-dominates-final-days-of-illinois-legislative-session/
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/01/24/former-state-cannabis-official-fined-for-violating-revolving-door-ethics-law/
- Read the series on Illinois’ notorious political legacy: Our culture of corruption by the Chicago Tribune
The Cole Memo 
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