Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

At the heart of the state’s new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, officials promise thousands of high-paying jobs and a chance to turn Chicago into a global tech hub. But a closer look at the numbers reveals how expensive those jobs are, who they’re likely to go to, and what it will take for the park to deliver on its promises. […]

An Illinois Answers Project analysis found that IQMP companies are receiving some of the highest incentives per job in the state. The median state funding for an incentivized job is $20,000 per job.

- PsiQuantum: $92 million for 150 jobs (nearly $600,000 per job)
- Pasqal: about $122,000 per job
- Infleqtion: about $107,000 per job […]

Right now, most of these positions require college degrees or specialized experience, especially in computer science, engineering and physics. That raises questions about how accessible the jobs will be for nearby residents and whether Illinois is investing enough in workforce training on the South Side to build a local pipeline.

* WGLT…

A program that works to reduce the caseloads at Bloomington-Normal emergency rooms and the McLean County jail has seen significant growth in the last two years.

The Frequent User System Engagement [FUSE], program had 26 clients at the end of 2024. At the middle of last year, it had 56 and FUSE Program manager Nicole Kirstein said the program added 24 more clients in the second half of 2025. […]

“I had a client who had been arrested probably a couple times a year. I sat down and told him, ‘Listen, you haven’t been arrested since you joined the program.’ And that was five years [ago]. And he just started crying,” said Kirstein.

She said the man told her he had been in and out of jail since he was a teenager.

Of 56 clients studied, 48 had fewer jail bookings following FUSE participation. Only eight had more. Kirstein said there are several variables among the people who were booked more.

* WCIA…

The University of Illinois is reviewing a social media post made by a political registered student organization at the University of Illinois that drew backlash from the campus community.

Six days ago, Illini Republicans made a post on Instagram that expressed support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and denounced “foreign invaders” and “traitors” who allegedly support them. […]
When reached for comment, Pat Wade, the university’s director of executive communications and issues management, told WCIA that the matter has been reported to the Title VI Office. The office is reviewing the incident and processing them “in accordance with normal protocols.” […]

Wade added, however, that registered student organizations are independent from the university and are responsible for managing their own affairs.

* The Democratic Party of Illinois…

Five days ago, Illini Republicans posted on Instagram that they “stand with ICE” while sharing a graphic image celebrating violence, prompting condemnation from elected officials, school leadership, and students across Illinois. Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez demanded that the Illinois Republican Party and every Republican candidate in our state denounce the post. ILGOP leadership has refused.

Party Chair Kathy Salvi, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, Senate Republican Leader John Curran, gubernatorial front-runner Darren Bailey, and Senate GOP front-runner Don Tracy have all refused to condemn the post. By refusing to speak out, they’re sending a clear message that ILGOP leaders are willing to excuse rhetoric that celebrates violence against American citizens and puts students on college campuses at risk.

With primary day just six weeks away, Illinois voters deserve answers. Will Republican leadership condemn this post and reject political violence, or will they continue to stay silent?

…Adding… The Illinois Gaming Board…

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), in coordination with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, has issued more than 60 cease-and-desist letters to entities allegedly operating illegal online casino and online sweepstakes gaming platforms in Illinois.

The cease-and-desist letters demand that entities allegedly operating online casinos or sweepstakes platforms immediately block Illinois residents from accessing their internet sites or discontinue offering prizes to Illinois users. Operators who fail to comply may be subject to civil or criminal penalties under Illinois law. Offering games of chance that award money or other items of value via the internet violates Illinois criminal law. […]

Illinois law allows legal gambling only for licensed riverboat casinos, land-based casinos holding an owners’ license, racetracks with organizational gaming licenses, sportsbooks licensed under the Sports Wagering Act, and video gaming licensees licensed under the Video Gaming Act. Illinois law prohibits the operation of internet sites that allow gambling.

*** Statewide ***

* Crain’s | Illinois insurers clash with states over regulation as profits soar: Illinois insurers State Farm and Allstate are putting on a full court press when it comes to regulation they say is hampering their ability to lower prices for customers. But while State Farm is asking for less, Allstate wants more. Overall, the insurance industry has been able to weather massive natural disasters such as floods, wildfires and hurricanes over the past few years, recording solid profits despite booking billions of dollars of losses and facing a U.S. market made up of regulations that vary by state.

* KWQC | Illinois HIV funding: Black leaders call for equity as racial disparities persist: According to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Black Illinoisans account for nearly 40 percent of new HIV diagnoses and more than half of existing cases, despite making up about 14 percent of the state’s population. Advocates also pointed to wide gender disparities in the data that show Black men are about 12 times more likely to be living with HIV than white men, and Black women are about 14 times more likely to be newly diagnosed than white women.

*** Statehouse News ***

* Capitol News Illinois | Illinois attorney general wins state’s first civil hate crime lawsuit: The attorney general’s office was first given authority to try such a case in 2018. The legislature amended the Illinois Hate Crime Act to allow the attorney general to file civil lawsuits against residents for alleged hate crimes. Carroll County Circuit Court Judge Jerry Kane ordered the Hamptons to each pay a civil penalty of $5,000 and damages of $45,000 to Johnson. […] After Hampton was charged with a misdemeanor for the damage, the lynched effigy appeared in the Hamptons’ front yard, which Raoul labeled as an intimidation tactic and threat of racial violence in the complaint.

*** Chicago ***

* Tribune | Mayor Brandon Johnson’s public market plan slows to a crawl: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s marquee plan to increase access to fresh groceries on the city’s South and West sides — a plan that initially called for a city-owned grocery store and later evolved into a proposed year-round market — appears to have slowed to a crawl. Johnson first floated the idea of opening a publicly owned grocery store in 2023, just months after he took office. The idea, a novel one at the time for a major U.S. city, has since attracted the attention of progressives elsewhere, including Zohran Mamdani, who put city-owned grocery stores on the platform that won him the mayor’s office in New York City.

* Crain’s | Chicago banks see loan demand return as tariff and labor woes ease: Fourth-quarter results showed banks regained their footing after tariff uncertainty slowed growth in the middle of the year and issues such as credit quality concerns proved to be one-offs rather than endemic to the industry. The increasing clarity of the tariff picture allowed banks’ business customers to apply for loans after they put together plans to deal with any cost increases, whether that meant changing suppliers or raising prices.

* WTTW | CPD Policy That Does Not Ban No-Knock Warrants Leaves Anjanette Young ‘Frustrated’: Anjanette Young, a social worker who was handcuffed while naked during a botched raid in February 2019, told WTTW News’ “Chicago Tonight” she is frustrated with the policy. “I’m frustrated with the process,” Young said, vowing to continue to lobby state lawmakers this spring with the help of state Rep. Kam Bucker (D-Chicago). “I’m also learning in this journey of being in this space that change doesn’t happen overnight and that it’s a marathon and not a sprint.”

* WTTW | Police Oversight Board to Top Cop: Explain Why CPD Officers Are Using Force More Often: “When we come up with a goal, one of the things that I believe in, especially coming from a training background, we don’t want to throw something together,” Snelling said. “We want to make sure that whatever we’re doing is comprehensive. We want to make sure that whatever we’re doing is going to be effective moving forward. And we want to make sure that there’s something in it for everyone, especially our officers who go out there and face these things every day, we want to make sure that our officers are prepared to go out and deal with these situations in the most constitutional, respectful manner possible. So, with that, I accept goal number four.” Snelling has repeatedly said that he does not believe that CPD officers are actually using force against Chicagoans more often but simply reporting those incidents accurately for the first time as compliance ramps up with federal court order that requires officers to stop routinely violating Black and Latino residents’ constitutional rights.

* Sun-Times | Chicago software firm ActiveCampaign buys AI startup Feedback Intelligence: Chicago software company ActiveCampaign announced Tuesday that it bought AI startup Feedback Intelligence in San Francisco for an undisclosed sum. ActiveCampaign is a $3 billion AI-driven marketing platform used by hundreds of thousands of small businesses worldwide, according to the Loop-based firm. Founded in 2003, the company uses AI to automate tasks such as email and text message marketing.

* Block Club | How The Great Migration — And Segregation — Built The South Side’s Black-Owned Lounge Culture: Restrictive covenants, redlining and vigilante violence, among other discriminatory and racist practices, made it almost impossible for Black people to live in certain parts of Chicago. So, a concentration of Black people settled along the State Street corridor in Bronzeville, creating what came to be known as the Black Belt, Todd-Breland said. Churches, markets, funeral homes, beauty salons and theaters sprouted in the neighborhood. Nightlife was also “huge,” leading to the founding of nightclubs like 47th Street’s The Palm Tavern, Club De Lisa on State Street and 55th Street’s Rhumboogie Club, Todd-Breland said.

* Crain’s | Scottie Pippen auctioning $6 million of personal memorabilia: Chicago Bulls legend and six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen has hired Sotheby’s auction house to sell a selection of his personal memorabilia, including the jersey he wore during the championship-clinching game of the 1998 NBA Finals. Dubbed “The Scottie Pippen Collection,” the auction is set to begin in March and will feature items he personally wore during his 17-year NBA career. The collection is expected to be worth more than $6 million, with items ranging from $30,000 to over $1 million.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Sun-Times | Federal prosecutors fear tainted jury pool if public sees evidence in Broadview Six conspiracy case: Federal prosecutors in Chicago say they fear a tainted jury pool if the public is allowed to see evidence from the upcoming conspiracy trial of six people, including four Democratic politicians, involved in protests at an immigration holding facility in Broadview. U.S. District Judge April Perry said Thursday that, “we’re going to have to deal with that, regardless,” as she scheduled the trial for May 26.

* Sun-Times | Trial set for May in ‘Broadview Six’ conspiracy case against Operation Midway Blitz protesters: Judge Perry agreed with parties from both sides that a questionnaire should be sent out to potential jurors beforehand, given all the sensitive issues surrounding the allegations and immigration policy more broadly. “It would be kind of nice to have a prescreened pool coming in that Tuesday,” Perry said. She said it would also be helpful to find out how jury selection was handled for the recent murder-for-hire trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez, who was acquitted on charges of putting a hit on Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino.

* Press release | Reilly Campaign Demands Preckwinkle Apologize to Parents at School Districts That Lost Millions Thanks to Tyler Technologies Disaster: In an interview that aired last night on ABC 7 News, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle once again refused to take any accountability for the Tyler Technologies tax system disaster that is happening on her watch. Preckwinkle claimed that the county’s tax system is “fixed,” despite the fact that school districts throughout Cook County have been forced to spend over $120 million in unnecessary interest costs because they did not receive tax receipts from the county on time. Preckwinkle has not announced any plans to reimburse those school districts, which means that local taxpayers will be forced to pick up the tab for her mismanagement. The Reilly for Cook County Board President campaign is now demanding that Preckwinkle apologize to parents at school districts hurt by her incompetent management of county government.

* Reilly has a new anti-Preckwinkle ad…

*** Downstate ***

* 25News Now | Illinois Gaming Board tables Par-A-Dice redevelopment plan decision: The Illinois Gaming Board decided Thursday to table a controversial decision regarding the modernization of the Par-A-Dice Casino & Hotel in East Peoria. Boyd Gaming Company, the parent company behind the casino, also announced that they are ditching plans to build a land-based casino. Instead, the company’s current plan is to keep the casino on the river and move toward a “permanently moored barge design.” This structure would, according to Boyd, be located directly on the water and avoid a potential legal battle with Peoria.

* BND | Recovery center’s halfway house finds rare support among Belleville neighbors: No one spoke in opposition to the project at a Belleville Zoning Board of Appeals hearing or a Belleville City Council meeting this month. In fact, some neighbors spoke in favor of it. “I just think (the partners) were very straightforward with us,” said Donald Cramer, 83, a retiree who has lived next door with his wife, Wanda, for 47 years. “That’s what convinced us.” The Cramers also were happy to see the partners fully renovate the former apartment building, which had fallen into serious disrepair.

* Capitol News Illinois | Search warrant shows why FBI is investigating former metro-east police chief: The FBI is investigating Pingsterhaus, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, for possible wire fraud and theft of federal funds, according to the search warrant, obtained by Capitol News Illinois and the Illinois Answers Project. The FBI rents space in the Carlyle police station in downstate Clinton County. No criminal charges have been filed against Pingsterhaus, who resigned in December, and neither the city nor the FBI would discuss the nature of the allegations.

* WMBD | Five Tazewell County students’ designs selected for new ‘I Voted’ stickers: A press conference was held to honor the five students, three from Pekin Community High School, one from Pekin Edison Junior High School and another from Washington Central Grade School. Out of a plethora of designs, the Tazewell County Board selected those belonging to the five students, most of whom created a sticker with the American flag embedded in some fashion.

* NPR Illinois | Eagle Day events along the Illinois River this Saturday: The annual Fulton-Mason Eagle Day, hosted by the University of Illinois Springfield Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon and other partners, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at multiple locations along the Illinois River in Fulton and Mason counties. The free public event offers visitors opportunities to learn about bald eagles and regional wildlife through live raptor programs, hands-on science activities, hiking and wildlife viewing.

*** National ***

* NYT | Jeffrey Epstein’s Money Mingled With Silicon Valley Start-Ups: The billionaire Peter Thiel advised Mr. Epstein on potential investments in Palantir, Mr. Thiel’s data analysis company. Mr. Epstein put money into Jawbone, a popular wearable technology start-up, while his financial adviser was pitched on backing SpaceX. And Mr. Epstein tapped a Russian émigré who had become a public relations expert to help broker meetings with start-up founders and media outlets. Mr. Epstein’s connections to high-profile tech leaders including Bill Gates, Sergey Brin, Reid Hoffman and Mr. Thiel have been well documented, and some have expressed regret for associating with the financier. The latest batch of files offer deeper insights into how Mr. Epstein made his money after his 2008 conviction and continued to fund a lavish lifestyle by amassing assets worth more than $600 million before his 2019 arrest, according to an audit of his finances within the files. Mr. Epstein was introduced to Coinbase by Brock Pierce, a crypto entrepreneur with a checkered financial past, who later sent him frequent updates on the state of the business that were signed by Mr. Ehrsam or Coinbase’s chief executive, Brian Armstrong. In 2018, an investment firm founded by Mr. Pierce sought to buy half of Mr. Epstein’s Coinbase holdings for $15 million. It is unclear if, or when, Mr. Epstein sold the other half.\\

* Brennan Center | Prison Gerrymandering Distorts Representation: Prison gerrymandering — the practice of counting incarcerated people at their detention facilities rather than their homes during redistricting — distorts political representation, inflating the clout of active voters living in districts with prisons at the expense of the communities from which incarcerated people come. This report assesses the level of distortion in state lower-house maps due to prison gerrymandering and illustrates how power could shift if all people were instead counted at their homes. [From Rich: Illinois will do this beginning with the next decennial census.]

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Catching up with the federal candidates

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Robin Kelly just rolled out a new ad…

Rate it.

* The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association sent out this pro-Juliana Stratton mailer recently…

One small problem: Rep. Marcus Evans has not endorsed Stratton. Evans told Rich he asked to be taken off the mailer a week before it went out. His name stayed on anyway. Oops.

Click here for the full mail piece.

* Moving on to the 9th Congressional District. Politico…

A political forum that began politely turned raucous Wednesday evening when Mayor Daniel Biss accused state Sen. Laura Fine of accepting dark money and donations from Trump supporters. The exchange escalated when former FBI agent Phil Andrew pointed his finger at the candidates, all but declaring that’s what’s wrong with government. […]

Tensions rose when candidates were asked about the U.S. response to the Oct. 7 attack in Israel and subsequent war in Gaza, an issue in which they have nuanced differences. Fine said, “I believe firmly in a two-state solution.”

Donor dispute: Biss said he also supports a two-state solution, as well as the Block the Bombs to Israel Act. Then, he quickly pivoted to criticize Fine for accepting political donations he says are from supporters of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and Donald Trump. […]

The tense moment was interrupted by Andrew, who gestured toward Biss and Fine, saying, “What’s absurd is how you are seeing two career politicians use an incredibly critical political and nuanced issue as a political football.”

The audience applauded. And later, when Biss again attempted to attack Fine on the issue, some in the crowd booed.

Click here for the press release Biss sent out after the forum.

* In the 8th CD, Kevin Morrison responds to the pro-Melissa Bean super PAC ad we told you about yesterday….

“These ads are absurd. Obamacare has been under constant attacks from Republicans for the last 16 years while Melissa Bean has been cashing in on Wall Street. While she’s been MIA for nearly two decades, Kevin Morrison has been doing the work on expanding access to health care - including mental health care - on the Cook County Board. 8th district voters won’t be bought by misleading TV ads rewriting history. Our voters are looking for a new generation of leadership, not a rerun from the past.”

Click here for a refresh on the pro-Bean ad.

* Press release…

Last Wednesday at a restaurant in Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood where Byron Sigcho-Lopez once taught GED and financial literacy classes to adults, he launched his candidacy for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District as an Independent.

In the one week that followed his campaign announcement, between Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Tuesday, Feb. 3, Sigcho-Lopez received 612 individual contributions.

“Our movement is resonating with people who share our unyielding beliefs that voters deserve an actual choice rather than a handpicked successor, that working families must come before corporate billionaires on both sides of the aisle, and that we need a representative in Congress who has the courage to stand up to the Administration,” said Sigcho-Lopez, who refuses to take money from corporate PACS or lobbyists. “Our supporters know that we’re not tied down by the Democratic Party and we have what it takes to transform the baseline standard of dignity for people in our community, including working families, seniors, teachers, veterans and federal workers.”

* More…

* Evanston Now | Andrew, Biss go on offense in lively forum: State Sen. Mike Simmons, who was not in attendance Wednesday but in Springfield for a three-day legislative session, had also released a list of Fine’s donors with histories of supporting Republicans this week, writing in a statement, “Neighborhoods like the one I grew up in are never going to see real progress if we elect Democrats who accept contributions from Republican megadonors.”

* Evanston Now | Fine on Super PAC: ‘I would love to know who’s funding it’: “I don’t know what the extent is,” Fine said, but when asked if she supports the group disclosing its donors, even before it’s required to by the FEC, she said, “Absolutely. I mean, transparency.” The Super PACs aren’t legally required to disclose donors until Mar. 20, three days after Illinois’ primary elections.

* Fox Chicago | Illinois Senate primary debate: Submit your questions for the candidates: Among the large field of Democrats are three frontrunners who are slated to join Fox Chicago on Monday, Feb. 16, for a live debate about the major issues facing the country.

* Press release | Statewide Coalition of Leaders Endorsing Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate Grows: “I am honored to have the backing of these local leaders who fight day in and day out to improve the lives of working families in their communities,” said Raja. “With their partnership, I look forward to bringing the needs and priorities of all Illinoisans — from Coffeen to Rockford — to the floor of the U.S. Senate.”

* Press release | Collinsville Democrats and Tri-Cities Democrats Endorse Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate: Today, the Collinsville Township Democrats and the Tri-Cities Democrats (representing Democrats from Granite City, Nameoki, Venice, and Chouteau in Madison County) both announced their endorsements of Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate, strengthening a rapidly growing coalition of Metro East leaders and downstate organizations rallying behind his campaign. Their support underscores Raja’s deep connections to downstate Illinois and his commitment to delivering results for working families in every corner of the state.

* Press release | Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorses Juliana Stratton for US Senate: Today, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) endorsed Juliana Stratton for U.S. Senate. Senator Warren is the third sitting member of the U.S. Senate to endorse Juliana, in addition to Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). “Lieutenant Governor Stratton is a champion for working families with a strong record of delivering results — increasing pay for workers, lowering costs like health care, and expanding educational opportunities. I’m proud to endorse Juliana Stratton as the next U.S. Senator for Illinois,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “She is progressive fighter who is not taking a penny of corporate PAC money. We need real fighters in Washington right now, and I am confident that Juliana Stratton is that fighter for the people of Illinois.”

* Daily Northwestern | Illinois Federation of Teachers endorses Biss for Congress: The Illinois Federation of Teachers endorsed Mayor Daniel Biss in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District race Thursday, adding to Biss’ repertoire of statewide and Chicago-area union supporters. IFT also announced that it would endorse Democrats Patrick Hanley for Illinois Senate and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for U.S. Senate.

* Press release | Laura Fine Endorsed By REALTORS® PAC: “We are proud to endorse Laura Fine for Congress. She is committed to supporting affordable housing by increasing housing supply and building in communities that need it most,” said Carrie Little, the 2026 RPAC Trustees Chair. “Her thoughtful leadership in the state house has helped make the communities she has served stronger and we know she will continue that great work in Congress.”

* Press release | Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider Endorses Democrat Donna Miller for Congress in Illinois’ 2nd District: Today, U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced his endorsement of Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, citing her proven record of leadership, commitment to health care access and ability to deliver results for Illinois families “Donna Miller understands Illinois communities and knows how to get things done,” said Congressman Brad Schneider. “As Cook County Commissioner, she has led with integrity and delivered real results, especially when it comes to health care, economic opportunity and standing up for seniors and working families. Illinois needs leaders like Donna Miller and I’m proud to support her.”

* Press release | Unbought, Unbossed, Unafraid: IL-07 Congressional Candidate Anabel Mendoza Receives Catch Fire Movement Endorsement: Today, Catch Fire Movement announced its endorsement of Anabel Mendoza in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District. Catch Fire, a national organization dedicated to advancing a foreign policy rooted in peace, diplomacy, and human rights, praised Anabel’s leadership, values, and unwavering commitment to working people.

* Press release | Congressman Scott Peters endorses Melissa Bean for congress: Statement from Congressman Scott Peters: “New Dems are committed to breaking through gridlock to deliver real results for the American people, and that ethos is more important today than ever before. In a time of chaos, we need pragmatic leaders who know how to get things done – Melissa Bean embodied that spirit during her time in Congress, and I’m thrilled to support her as she runs to represent the people of IL-08 once again.”

10 Comments

Caption contest!

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Alyssa Goodstein…

I just wanted to let you know that you have a big fan. I was trying to work on another project and he bit me when I tried to close the window. He really loves CapFax.

Alyssa said his name is Laddoo and he’s a green cheek conure…

What a cutie. Maybe needs more coffee, though. Or not so much.

24 Comments

It’s just a bill (Updated)

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* The House Republican Organization is targeting a bill from Democrat Rep. Murri Briel…

At a time when Illinois families are already stretched thin, Representative Murri Briel has introduced legislation that would allow municipalities to charge residents a fee just to light a campfire. For Democrats obsessed with raising taxes and fees, it seems nothing is off limits.

House Bill 4459 would give local governments the authority to require a $5 permit for open burns, including campfires. That means families, campers, and anyone enjoying the outdoors could soon be paying a new fee for a simple recreational activity.

For many Illinois families, a campfire is not some luxury. It’s a low-cost way to spend time together, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories. Turning that into a pay-to-play activity is just another example of how out of touch Illinois Democrats have become with everyday life. […]

“Democrats keep claiming they are fighting for affordability, but actions like this tell a very different story,” explained the House Republican Organization. “The 76th District needs Liz Bishop to go to Springfield and fight to lower costs, cut taxes, and rein in out-of-control government spending so families in the district can finally get some relief.”

Republican Liz Bishop lost a very close race to Democrat Briel in 2024. Bishop is facing Crystal Loughran in the Republican primary.

* Rep. Briel responded yesterday, calling the claims an “influx of inaccurate news.” Press release…

Thank you to all who reached out. I appreciate the questions and concerns regarding House Bill 4459.

Seeing this influx of inaccurate news is very disheartening, especially when fueled by elected leaders who are bluntly ignoring the process of transparent governing by spreading misinformation about this bill—perhaps to simply grasp at straws to stay in the news. This bill never was and was never going to be about limiting a person’s ability to enjoy campfires or bonfires. I’ll continue to be transparent as I correct this drafting error—something I can not say the same about my counterparts.

Due to these unchecked and inaccurate facts in news articles circulating, I believe it is my responsibility to provide clarification and emphasize my intent that inspired this bill.

The legislative definition of “Open burns” for House Bill 4459 is drawn from 70 ILCS 705/8.20, which falls under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal, not the EPA. Campfires and bonfires, for example, are not named in this statute—and are unaffected by my proposal.

It’s important to note that this bill only impacts unincorporated areas and does not impose any new restrictions on municipalities or their existing authority to regulate fire protection. It simply gives these unincorporated areas the option to adopt requirements. The bill does not require, force or incentivize any new rules for municipal fire protection districts.

My primary intent is to provide our resource-strapped fire protection districts with better knowledge of where fires are occurring and their associated risks. This helps our firemen avoid unnecessary calls and wasted resources, and ensures they are best prepared should a fire spread and cause damage to other properties, structures, or land. Additionally, it will help increase public awareness of “no burn days,” which is critical given the continuously worsening drought conditions. Last year alone, three open burn fires spread, causing over $2 million in damages.

With that being said I am currently working on an amendment.

Still, I must thank everyone who has reached out to share their concerns and feedback. Moments like this show you how integral community feedback has in state government, and the necessity for ALL to have a seat at the table. I applaud my community for taking the interest and initiative to call out these needed corrections.

This year is about putting the power back in the people’s hands. I’m proud to continue the collaboration amongst community members at town halls, district events and council meetings. Because with your contributions, lived-experiences, and robust perspectives, we can continue building a better state together.

“With that being said I am currently working on an amendment.” Sigh.

…Adding… GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey…

arren Bailey, former State Senator and candidate for Governor, says just when everyone thought government overreach in Illinois could not get any worse, the far left is pushing legislation to require permits for campfires.

New legislation (House Bill 4459) would require individuals who wish to gather around a campfire to secure a permit and pay a fee of up to $5. The bill allows counties and municipalities to formulate their own regulations regarding burn permits and set up an online system for residents to find local requirements. It also introduces significant penalties, with fines reaching up to $100,000 for burning without a local permit and up to $500,000 for burning on designated “no-burn days” without a permit.

“While Illinois families are struggling to pay the highest property taxes in the nation, our leaders are focused on making sure government is involved in your next campfire,” Bailey said. “We have a budget billions in the red and this is what lawmakers are worried about? I would say JB Pritzker and his allies in the House and the Senate have run out of ideas, but they never had any good ideas in the first place. I am committed to ensuring families can better afford life in Illinois. My Blueprint for Illinois is about empowering Illinois citizens and ending the culture of corruption in Illinois. Campers will be free to gather around a campfire with friends and family, and they won’t have to check with far-left extremist Democrats to do it. More freedom. Less government.”

* Moving on to SB3368 from Sen. Sue Rezin…

Creates the Chatbot Response Liability Act. Provides that a proprietor of a chatbot that is used as an alternative to a human representative or that provides any substantive response, information, advice, or action may not disclaim liability if the chatbot provides materially misleading, incorrect, contradictory, or harmful information that results in financial loss or other demonstrable harm or that results in bodily harm to the covered user or any third party. Provides that a proprietor of a chatbot shall provide clear, conspicuous, and explicit notice to covered users that the covered users are interacting with an artificial intelligence chatbot program rather than a human. Sets forth requirements for proprietors of companion chatbots, including parental consent for the use of companion chatbots by minors. Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules to determine commercially reasonable and technically feasible methods for proprietors of companion chatbots to comply with the Act. Effective one year after becoming law.

* Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado…

State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado today announced the introduction of three bills in the 104th General Assembly aimed at strengthening Illinois’ clean energy leadership, promoting sustainable government operations, and expanding educational equity. […]

HB4371 allows portable solar, modernizing Illinois energy policy by clarifying rules for portable solar generation devices. The bill exempts small, portable solar units from net metering and interconnection requirements while maintaining critical safety protections. By removing unnecessary fees, approvals, and equipment mandates, the legislation makes clean energy more accessible for residents seeking affordable, flexible power options—particularly during outages or emergencies.

HB4399 builds on Illinois’ clean fuel standards by updating biodiesel requirements for publicly owned diesel vehicles. Beginning in 2027, state and local government fleets, school districts, and transit agencies would use a biodiesel blend containing at least 19 percent biodiesel, with seasonal flexibility during winter months. The bill supports Illinois agriculture, reduces emissions, and strengthens the state’s commitment to renewable fuels.

HB4372 advances educational equity by requiring public elementary and high schools to include instruction on the contributions of Latin Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States. The measure directs the State Superintendent of Education to provide instructional materials and professional development support, ensuring that districts have the tools they need to implement high-quality, inclusive curriculum statewide beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

Each bill was crafted with input from environmental advocates, industry stakeholders and educators to balance innovation, safety, and practicality.

* WAND…

The Illinois Senate Local Government Committee unanimously approved a plan Wednesday to allow volunteer fire departments to receive state grant funding.

Many nonprofit fire departments in central and southern Illinois are currently unable to receive grant funding for equipment and building upgrades since the state only provides grants to municipal fire departments.

However, Senate Bill 2645 would allow the Illinois State Fire Marshal to create and award grants for volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts across the state. […]

The legislation now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Senators could vote on the plan when they return to Springfield Feb. 17.

* Patch…

A bill filed by State Representative Nicole La Ha in the Illinois House in Springfield would amend Illinois law to add “coercive control” as a type of abuse, according to a news release from La Ha’s office.

“With this legislation, Illinois will be taking a more proactive stance in addressing domestic violence before it escalates to physical violence,” said Rep. La Ha. “This bill will bring Illinois law in line with federal standards that already recognize coercion in cases of human trafficking. We must recognize that many forms of nonphysical violence are just as harmful as physical, and we must protect all victims of domestic violence.” […]

HB 4659 defines coercive control as, “a pattern of behavior that interferes with a person’s free will and personal liberty,” including isolating a household member from friends or family against their will, restricting access to finances, monitoring communications, using degrading language, making threats, or exerting control through intimidation or fear.

La Ha filed the amendment on Jan. 28, and the first reading in the House was on Feb. 3. It was referred to the House’s rules committee.

* Sen. Karina Villa introduced SB3407 yesterday…

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that a hospital licensed under the Act shall not charge a covered hospital employee more than 10% of the total health insurance premium cost. Provides that any agreement permitting a charge to a covered hospital employee in excess of 10% of the total health insurance premium cost shall be deemed invalid, void, and unenforceable. Provides that a hospital in violation of those provisions shall pay a civil penalty of $500 to the Department of Public Health for each impacted covered hospital employee.

* Rep. Nabeela Syed filed HB5098 today…

Creates the Entertainment Water Access Act. Requires places of entertainment to provide attendees with access to potable water while entertainment is occurring by: (1) providing bottled water at no cost; (2) allowing attendees to bring bottled water; or (3) allowing attendees to bring an empty bottle and providing free water for refilling. Requires the Attorney General to enforce the Act, and allows the Attorney General to provide information to owners and operators of places of entertainment. Allows a State’s Attorney or the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief. Defines “entertainment” and “place of entertainment”.

* More…

WBBM | Advocates call for stronger paid leave policies in Illinois, other states: ‘It’s not rocket science’:

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Big Tax-Exempt Hospitals Are Turning Patient Discounts Into Corporate Profits

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Across Illinois, large hospital systems and corporate PBMs are profiting from a program meant to help patients. The 340B program allows hospitals to buy medications at steep discounts, but those savings aren’t passed on to patients in need.

Instead, large hospitals charge patients full price for 340B-discounted drugs, keep the difference, and share the cash with for-profit chain pharmacies and PBMs.

What began as a safety-net program has become a profit stream. No transparency. No oversight. Just higher costs for working families.

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Little boxes all the same

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* We’ve talked about it on the blog a little bit, but with AIPAC ads now hitting the airwaves in a few congressional districts, it’s probably worth digging into red boxing a bit more. The New York Times explains how it works…

The practice is both brazen and breathtakingly simple. To work around the prohibition on directly coordinating with super PACs, candidates are posting their instructions to them inside the red boxes on public pages that super PACs continuously monitor.

The boxes highlight the aspects of candidates’ biographies that they want amplified and the skeletons in their opponents’ closets that they want exposed. Then, they add instructions that can be extremely detailed. […]

Red boxes are typically hidden in plain sight in “Media Center” or “Media Resources” sections of campaign websites that operatives know how to find.

Red boxes aren’t static. Candidates update their messaging guidance, essentially scripting super PAC ads for different stages of the campaign.

* A lot of the pro-Fine ad content appears to come straight from her “media center.” Evanston Now’s Matthew Eadie…

Super-PAC Elect Chicago Women goes positive in its first ad supporting Laura Fine in #IL09

Also Melissa Bean in #IL08 and Donna Miller in #IL02 via "Affordable Chicago Now" (below)

(Fine's ad, you'll notice, uses the same b-roll as her own campaign ads) https://t.co/4VbluToBKn pic.twitter.com/u6vp6US78e

— Matthew Eadie (@mattheweadie22) February 4, 2026

From Fine’s redboxing page…

Likely Democratic primary voters under age 65 across the 9th should spend the next several weeks should hear the following message:

When Democrats are under attack, they need fighters who get results. Laura Fine gets results. More than ever, Democrats need fighters in Washington who have a real record of taking on bad actors and getting results. In Springfield, Laura is one of the most effective legislators, passing over 200 laws and winning big fights against the insurance and drug industries.

No other candidate here has done more to protect abortion rights. Years before the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, Laura voted to ensure abortion was a fundamental health care right in Illinois. This protected people in Illinois once federal protections under Roe disappeared.

And in Washington, she’ll keep fighting the insurance lobby and supporting a Medicare for All plan that provides quality care for more Americans who are tired of dealing with insurance companies that care more about their share prices than your well-being.

Now she’s taking that same fight to ICE and their masked agents who think they’re above the law.

* Daniel Biss’ redboxing page, updated this week, is here. Evanston Roundtable recently wrote about the super PAC backing Biss…

At time of writing, 314 Action has reported spending over $158,000 on Jan. 16 and 21 for two mailer campaigns supporting Biss. These are the only independent expenditures reported in the 9th District race so far, and the resulting mailers help illustrate how red boxing works.

Biss’ red box states it was last updated on Jan. 8, and starts its specific directions with, “Democratic primary voters who voted in either 2018 or 2022 primaries across the district need to know that,” before listing off talking points. Two directions are clear: target people who voted in the last two midterm primary cycles, and target the entire 9th District, rather than a specific area.

The phrase “need to know” doesn’t immediately specify a format, but further down the page, it’s called critical for voters to “read mail” that gives them a set of talking points, signaling the desire for a mailer campaign.

At least two versions have been mailed out so far, and both carry language directly from the red box’s talking points both verbatim and with small edits. This includes the “proven progressive” descriptor and rigged system phrasing, as well as quotes from U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to help plug their endorsements of Biss. After Schakowsky’s quote is a link to a Chicago Sun-Times article reporting on her endorsement, and one mailer includes the article’s headline under the Sun-Times’ masthead.

* Kat Abughazaleh’s media kit can be found here. From her redboxing page…

Democratic primary voters need to first see on TV, online, and then in the mail that Kat Abughazaleh is the only candidate in this race who is willing to take on the tough fights and can take that fight to the House.

Her opponents, including Daniel Biss and Laura Fine, have had meetings where they have sought support from MAGA-funded PACs such as AIPAC, as well as asking for endorsements from an organization funded by MAGA megadonors and that has endorsed 109 insurrectionists, including Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Speaker Mike Johnson.

There haven’t been reports yet of a super PAC supporting Abughazaleh.

Other candidates getting super PAC support today include 2nd CD candidate Donna Miller (ad here, redboxing here) and 8th CD candidate Melissa Bean (ad here, media center here).

* In the 2nd CD, Robert Peters’ redboxing page goes after Donna Miller…

Donna Miller overrode fierce objections from immigrant rights groups and voted for a million-dollar law enforcement deal that exposed Cook County residents’ personal records and private data to be used for ICE’s raids — and took thousands of dollars from the company’s lobbyists. Miller also voted to let every county agency, including Stroger Hospital, share people’s records with ICE for them to use to hunt people down. Now her campaign is being backed by tens-of-thousands of dollars from MAGA donors who back ICE’s agenda – we can’t trust Donna Miller to stand up to Trump.

* 8th CD candidate Junaid Ahmed may have the most detailed redboxing I’ve seen…

The page also goes after Bean for being “Wall Street’s favorite Democrat.”

* Anyway, what are your thoughts on these ’little boxes’…

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Support 340B Legislation This Spring: NO Budget Appropriation, NO Cost To Taxpayers

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

When it comes to healthcare, what’s at stake this legislative session? It’s the health of Illinois communities, large and small, urban, suburban and rural. Hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve patients and communities throughout the state, with FQHCs providing essential primary care and hospitals providing lifesaving care around the clock.

Yet hospitals and FQHCs face increased costs—from supplies to staffing—just like everyday Americans challenged to make ends meet. What’s more, H.R. 1 will strip Illinois of up to $57 billion in federal Medicaid dollars over 10 years, leaving up to 500,000 vulnerable Illinoisans without health coverage.

Over 30 years ago, the federal government created the 340B Drug Pricing Program to help hospitals and FQHCs that serve many uninsured and low-income patients expand access to care and provide more comprehensive healthcare services. Recent drugmaker restrictions have made it difficult for hospitals and FQHCs to offer the services historically marginalized communities deserve.

With 340B savings, hospitals and FQHCs are investing in their communities. They’re offering free lifesaving health screenings, expanding critical healthcare services in underserved communities, providing free transportation to medical appointments, adding mobile clinics and new freestanding clinics, and more. Legislator support is critical to ensuring 340B survives and communities thrive—at NO cost to taxpayers and with NO budget appropriation needed. Stand with Illinois hospitals and FQHCs for 340B. Learn more.

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Isabel’s morning briefing

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: Building owner OK’d Trump administration’s raid of Chicago apartment complex, court records show. Sun-Times…

************** Advertisement **************
Sponsored by the Association of Safety-Net Community Hospitals:

Our Healthcare Backbone At Risk.

Safety-net hospitals are the backbone of Chicago’s Black and Brown communities. They provide emergency and lifesaving care for families who rely on them. They also support thousands of good, local healthcare jobs, serving as economic anchors in neighborhoods that have faced decades of disinvestment.

With federal support being reduced, safetynet hospitals need more resources – not less – to avoid further strain that could irreversibly damage local health systems and weaken the essential services our communities rely on.

Now, these hospitals are under threat.
The so-called Safety Net Moonshot would close or shrink hospitals in Black and Brown communities, cutting access to care and putting thousands of healthcare workers at risk. Fewer hospitals means longer wait times, overcrowded emergency rooms, reduced services, and worse health outcomes for vulnerable patients.

This is not reform. It is a sell-off of community healthcare, driven by outsiders – not by the needs of patients, workers, or neighborhoods.

Save safety-net hospitals. Protect our care, our jobs, and our communities.

************************************************

*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***

* The pro-Stratton Illinois Future PAC placed $7.1 million in new ad reservations yesterday…

#ILPol: Pro-Juliana Stratton group, Illinois Future PAC, placed $7.1M in new ad reservations today.#ILSen ad support:
Aired:
?Raja Krishnamoorthi: $20.1M
?Stratton: $1.5M
?Robin Kelly: $98K

Future reservations:
?Stratton: $7.1M
?Krishnamoorthi: $3.6M
?Kelly: $995K

— AdImpact Politics (@AdImpact_Pol) February 4, 2026

* STLPR | Greater St. Louis Inc. took public officials on trips to tour huge data centers with Ameren in tow: One such trip took place in December, when officials from Greater St. Louis Inc. and Ameren traveled to a Google data center in Nebraska with city and county officials from communities in Missouri and Illinois, according to newly obtained documents. […] Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser, along with Cathy Hamilton, the county’s economic development director; Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson; Troy City Administrator Jay Keeven; Jefferson County County Executive Dennis Gannon, and Festus City Council member Jim Trinnin attended the trip. Three Ameren employees from Missouri and Illinois were also on the trip.

*** Statehouse News ***

* Daily Herald | ‘All of us want them to stay’: GOP governor candidates opine on Bears’ threats to go to Hoosier state: “If I was governor, that property would be half-built by now,” said Heidner, who called the 326-acre site a “city inside of a city in Arlington Heights.” […] “I oppose giving any public money … directly to the Bears,” [Dabrowski] said. “Of course, for the infrastructure, this public infrastructure that would benefit all communities, I’m for that. But I’m not looking for deals that force our taxpayers to subsidize a big company like the Bears.”

* Tribune | Illinois voter guide to the 2026 primary election on March 17: Primary elections for federal, state and local races will all be on the ballot with voters deciding who will advance to the general election for the following offices. To see who is already representing you, click here and enter your home address.

*** Chicago ***

* Crain’s | Chicago banks see loan demand return as tariff and labor woes ease: Chicago banks posted strong profit growth in the fourth quarter as loan demand returned, and expectations are high for the year ahead even as uncertainty on interest rates looms. “Banks exceeded expectations in all the right areas,” said Terry McEvoy, banking industry analyst with financial services firm Stephens. “That momentum is a result of expanding net interest margins . . . returning loan demand, managing expenses and maybe even more importantly credit quality trends.”

* Block Club | Aida Flores Again Running For 25th Ward Aldermanic Seat: Aida Flores, born and raised in Pilsen, said in a Sunday news release she is again vying for the 25th Ward seat. Her announcement comes just days after incumbent Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez launched his bid for Congress — though he hasn’t yet said if he’ll also run for reelection as alderman. The 25th Ward covers Pilsen, University Village and a portion of Little Village. The 25th Ward election is Feb. 23, 2027.

* Block Club | South Side Irish Parade Names 2026 Grand Marshal And Honoree: Bill Letz, chair of the 2026 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade, said the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has been “honoring those who have given their lives or been seriously injured in the line of duty for decades.” “We are pleased to name Tunnel to Towers Foundation as grand marshal, honoring the significant financial impact the foundation makes by helping the injured and their families across the country, in the Chicago area, and right here in our own community,” Letz said in a press release.

* Chicago Reader | Chicago housing workers call the city’s encampment closures ‘unconscionable’: The closure of the Chicago Avenue encampment “literally made no sense whatsoever,” said Ali Simmons, senior case and street outreach worker at the Law Project at Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness. In an interview, Simmons pointed to the closure as an example of what he sees as the futility and waste of encampment evictions more broadly. “If one person on a block is making a ruckus, [authorities] don’t come in and force the whole block to move,” he said. “So, why is it any different for somebody experiencing homelessness? [The city] collectively blamed everybody and displaced the whole encampment.”

* Crain’s | Willis Tower tenant nears big expansion: Trading firm IMC is close to adding about 100,000 square feet of new workspace in Willis Tower, a deal that would give the Dutch company one of the largest trading-firm footprints in Chicago as the downtown office market struggles with rampant vacancy. The Amsterdam-based company is in advanced discussions to drastically expand its footprint in the 110-story tower at 233 S. Wacker Drive, according to people familiar with the matter. IMC would lease more than 250,000 square feet in the skyscraper if the deal is completed, making United Airlines the only larger tenant at the property.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* The Real Deal | Not in this town: More Chicago suburbs crack down on short-term rentals: Skokie officials passed an ordinance Monday setting up a pilot program to ban new investor-owned short-term rentals in the village. And the Evanston City Council is considering passing tighter regulations to cap the number of short-term rentals in the city. The changes add to a growing list of local governments aiming to clamp down on the number of vacation rentals offered through apps like Airbnb and Vrbo. Neighbors have complained that dedicated vacation rentals create noise, disruptions and drive up costs in an already strained housing market.

* Aurora Beacon-News | Indian Prairie school board OKs almost $26 million in renovations at Neuqua Valley High School: In 2024, voters approved a proposal from the district to sell up to $420 million in bonds to pay for facility improvements. The bonds are to be paid for using a continuation of an existing 37-cent property tax per $100 of equalized assessed value that would otherwise have expired at the end of 2026, meaning the tax rate for residents in terms of their contribution to capital projects will effectively remain flat as a result of the referendum question’s passage.

* Daily Southtown | Flossmoor approves production studio development plan on village-owned land: The Village Board approved an agreement last month with the production company Only Believe Entertainment to develop abandoned village-owned land into a studio and production space. Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson said the project will benefit the town by drawing in production crews and revenue for every new project. “Each one of these films has their own crew, contractors and whatnot, and artists and actors, so it’ll bring in a fresh new crew to the village whenever there’s a production happening,” Nelson said.

*** Downstate ***

* WGLT | Community leaders are apprehensive about prospects for insurance regulation: Patrick Hoban, head of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council [EDC], last week expressed some alarm about the prospect of such regulation and its potential impact on employment and the economic base. “Some of this needs to settle down because what that will do to our community is unheard of. It’s not to scare everybody, but they at least are talking. But the concept that one industry makes up a third of our economy is terrifying. A quarter of all jobs rely on insurance,” said Hoban at an EDC presentation on the housing market.

* WGEM | Quincy Public School Board reconsiders superintendent salary after candidate feedback, reopens search: Despite the challenges, Arns reaffirmed the board’s commitment to filling the position. “It’s a required position in the district, it’s something we have to have, and it’s the one job of the board to hire the superintendent. So we’re committed to doing that, finding that right person.” Because the original salary range ($200,000) was insufficient to attract qualified candidates, the Board is working with their search firm, Hazard, Young, Attea, and Associates (HYA), to reopen the position for two weeks.

* TEXT:WIFR | Dept. of Education Secretary Linda McMahon to visit Illinois school for History Rocks! tour: The History Rocks! tour is organized by the U.S. Department of Education in collaboration with Turning Point USA and other organizations as part of the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. […] The event, planned for 2:30 p.m. Feb. 5, was arranged by the student organization “Club America,” the high school’s chapter of Turning Point USA. The calendar event hosted on the school’s website says Genoa-Kingston High School was selected as a host for the History Rocks! tour which will feature “national-level speakers.” No further details about the identities of the speakers have been officially announced.

* WGLT | Normal could dust off an old idea for a community sports complex: Mayor Chris Koos said one idea that has come up periodically over the last couple of decades is back again. “Surprisingly there’s a lot of chatter that I’ve heard, not just second hand from the focus groups but from studies and focus groups that the Chamber has done, is a sports complex,” Koos said in an interview with WGLT. Past sports complex initiatives have failed because of finances, and/or a lack of a public-private partnership. The last such initiative was in 2019-2020. It’s unclear given the interest rate climate and rising construction costs whether this time could be different.

* WCIA | Effingham neighbors pack city council meeting, share concerns about halfway home: At the city council meeting on Tuesday, neighbors said their small street isn’t the right location for a transitional house that focuses on helping people recover from addiction. Meanwhile, others in attendance said the tenants aren’t bothering anyone and this is just another example of “not in my backyard.” “I didn’t wake up one day and (say), oh, (I’d like to) use drugs today,” said Merl Moulton, who showed up to the meeting to tell his story and alleviate fears over the new house. “We just got to stop that kind of mentality with that — (just put) people in prison (who) suffer from an addiction problem.”

* WCIA | Macon Co. Beltway project on pause : The project was planned to be a 22-mile loop around the City of Decatur. Now, work is temporarily stopped as officials figure out what roads they should pay for and work on first. The original plan was for the roadway to be created in stages, starting with Busch College Road. But now, the city is looking at a different area to re-start construction.

*** National ***

* WIRED | Measles Is Causing Brain Swelling in Children in South Carolina: ncephalitis is a rare but severe complication of measles that can lead to convulsions and cause deafness or intellectual disability in children. It usually occurs within 30 days of an initial measles infection and can happen if the brain becomes infected with the virus or if an immune reaction to the virus causes inflammation in the brain. Among children who get measles encephalitis, 10 to 15 percent die. It’s not known how many children in South Carolina have developed this serious complication. Under state law, measles cases must be reported to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, but measles hospitalizations and complications do not need to be disclosed.

* Swarthmore | Understanding the Political Disconnect: To find out why lower-income people vote at significantly lower rates than other Americans, a group of Swarthmore researchers conducted in-depth interviews with a diverse group of 144 Pennsylvanians who do not vote regularly. Respondents described a deep sense of disconnection from politics, saying they don’t believe elected officials are sincerely interested in helping them or their families.

23 Comments

Good morning!

Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Sometimes our commenter Dotnonymous x posts videos late at night. They’re usually pretty good. This one was excellent. Don Nix wrote it, Leon Russell produced it and Freddie King belted it out…