Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King defended the school district amid congressional criticism of its support for trans students, the Black Student Success Plan and “ideological agendas.”

A Republican-led Congressional committee has subpoenaed Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King, compelling her to appear in Washington and testify on the school district’s compliance with federal civil rights and privacy laws.

Republicans returning to Washington on Monday are facing questions about a $1 billion Senate security proposal that could help pay for President Donald Trump’s ballroom as Democrats say they will try to defeat it.

The legislation says the money would support enhancements to the ballroom project, “including above-ground and below-ground security features,” but also specifies that the money may not be used for non-security elements.

President Donald Trump swiftly signed bipartisan legislation Thursday funding much of the Department of Homeland Security, but not its immigration enforcement operations.

The hearing before the House Armed Services Committee was focused on the administration’s 2027 military budget proposal, which would boost defense spending to a historic $1.5 trillion.

Several Democratic elected officials in Illinois released statements on social media calling for Trump to be impeached, including calling for the 25th Amendment to be invoked.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced Wednesday what they are calling a path forward to fully funding the Department of Homeland Security and ending a record partial government shutdown.

Democrats are demanding that ICE agents wear cameras, identify themselves and operate without masks. Republicans and the White House have been willing to negotiate on some points, but a final agreement remains elusive.

Tens of thousands of other DHS staffers — including Federal Emergency Management Agency workers, civilians in the US Coast Guard, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency employees — are still reporting for work without being compensated.

The deal, which the Senate approved unanimously without a roll call, next goes to the House, which could consider it Friday, though Speaker Mike Johnson said he would need to meet with his fellow Republicans first.

Democrats have been refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security as they demand changes to rein in Trump’s immigration enforcement operations.

ravel disruptions deepened Tuesday as senators raced to salvage an emerging proposal to end the Homeland Security shutdown by funding much of the department but excluding immigration operations.

Routine funding for the Department of Homeland Security has lapsed since Feb. 14, leading to long waits at U.S. airports as Transportation Security Administration agents call out rather than work without pay.

Mayor Brandon Johnson said his office was monitoring the deployment of federal officers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

The Illinois congressional delegation could be getting a new look. Four members either are retiring or left to run for higher office, opening up the opportunity to usher in a new generation of leaders.