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Reader comments closed for Presidents’ Day weekend
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller The only one my arms will ever hold
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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* The Illinois Federation of Teachers…
* The New Republic | How the Democrats Can Play Offense on Immigration: And it’s working. In Chicago, the citizen documentation of ICE atrocities has been positively staggering. Indeed, Pritzker’s team consciously has sought to make ordinary people find empowerment amid dark times through participation. As Caprara describes it, the governor and his advisers realized that this had the makings of a cultural moment during early ICE raids, when they started “seeing suburban ladies out in their Lululemon pants with their whistles.” The result, Caprara said, is that for every one propaganda video Trumpworld puts out, “there are 50 videos in everybody’s timeline of actual incidents where people can see what’s happening.” * Tribune | Will County Forest Preserve applications signal potential harm to state endangered animals: Only seven of the 318 permit applications received by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources since 2000 have been submitted by county forest preserve districts, according to records available online. Of those, only the Will County Forest Preserve District has submitted more than one. The Forest Preserve District said in a statement the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is responsible for determining when an incidental take authorization is required. * Crain’s | Indiana legislative leaders say Bears deal must be done by Feb. 27: Indiana legislative leaders said yesterday that time is running short to make a deal with the Chicago Bears to move their games to northwest Indiana but that conversations between the team and state officials have been positive. House and Senate leaders say they plan to adjourn their 2026 session no later than Feb. 27 (although state law would allow them to go about two weeks longer) and want a stadium agreement in place before then. * South Side Weekly | Archer Ave Bike Lanes Tension Fuels Political Ambitions: For many residents, this push is rooted in long-standing safety concerns. Alfredo Valladares Jr., a lifelong Gage Park resident and local cycling advocate, said the dangers along Archer are not new. Valladares Jr., a member of Gage Park Cyclists, said he has been riding in the area since high school and began organizing group rides in 2021 to build community and advocate for safer infrastructure. He recounted multiple fatal crashes and serious injuries involving neighbors over the past two decades. * Sun-Times | Voters cast ballots at Loop Supersite as early voting kicks off: * WTTW | Deadline to Vote in Chicago’s Snowplow Naming Contest is Saturday; Will ‘Abolish ICE’ Win After Leading Nominations?: “Chicagoans have once again displayed their unmatched creativity and civic pride in submitting names for this year’s contest,” Department of Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Cole Stallard said in a statement. “We are grateful to the community for engaging with us, and we encourage all residents to submit votes for the top six names.” * WBEZ | Longtime incumbent Preckwinkle faces challenge from Ald. Reilly in Cook County Board president primary: Reilly said that if needed, he would terminate the county’s contract with Tyler Technologies, which has been working to upgrade the technology behind the property tax system for years. Preckwinkle countered that she’s one of several separately elected officials who oversees a complicated tax system. Other elected officials, such as the county assessor and treasurer, determine property values and mail tax bills. “My view has been to try to get people to work together to solve the problems,” Preckwinkle said. “You can’t do that if you point fingers and throw people under the bus.” * Injustice Watch | No contest: Cook County judicial primary elections draw dwindling field of candidates: ? Candidates in 16 of the 28 circuit court races are virtually assured to breeze onto the bench, where they could decide who goes to prison, holds a driver’s license, or keeps their kids. Some candidates on a glide path have liabilities that might hurt them in a contested race, including one with an arrest record, one with a history of failing to pay taxes, and one who only recently moved to Cook County. * Tribune | District 5 Dem candidates for DuPage County Board discuss affordable housing: In advance of the March 17 primary, the Naperville Sun asked the Democratic candidates running for the four-year seat representing Naperville’s District 5 on the DuPage County Board to answer a series of questions on the issues. This is the second article in a series. The first one, which covers biographical information and what each candidate views as the biggest county issue, is available online. * Daily Herald | Schaumburg preparing to close the barn door on backyard chickens: But trustees made it clear they see Schaumburg’s agricultural history as something best honored by the park district’s Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley Nature Center. “I do have to concur with the mayor that Schaumburg is more of an urban residential type of community and not agriculture anymore,” Trustee Mark Madej said. * Daily Southtown | Dixmoor water line breaks highlight continued infrastructure needs: The water line break Feb. 1 at 139th Street between Dixie Highway and Thornton Road affected nearly 1,000 residents, according to village spokesperson Travis Akin. He said some residents had no water pressure that day, and it took 15 hours to repair the break. The following weekend, Feb. 7 and 8, two more water main breaks were discovered at 143rd Street and Page Avenue and at 143rd and Marshfield Avenue, leaving nearly 50 homes without water, Akin said. These breaks were fixed by 3 p.m. Sunday, and there was no boil water order, he said. Four major water main breaks were discovered in Dixmoor in the past two weekends, with a break also discovered Jan. 29 near 146th Street and Seeley Avenue. * WCIA | Sullivan declares water emergency amid Central Illinois drought: In a notice posted to Facebook around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sullivan announced that water use should be restricted to preserve it for drinking, cooking, firefighting and other essential purposes. Specifically, city water should not be used for turf irrigation, filling swimming pools or personal car washing, city officials said. * STLPR | Cahokia teachers union demands investigation of district amid contract dispute: The union outlined some of its claims during Monday’s school board meeting and levied additional allegations at a press conference Thursday. They include multiple employees being paid for years despite no evidence that they were working and the assistant superintendent being paid $406,000 above his contracted salary for fiscal 2024. “The public deserves to know where their taxpayer funds are going,” said Ray Roskos, the Illinois Federation of Teachers field services director who assists Local 1272, at Thursday’s news conference in Fairview Heights. “The students and the community of Cahokia deserve better than what they’re receiving.” * BND | Gambling mogul with metro-east ties reaches ‘settlement’ to keep state license: The judge, John White, concluded that Lucky Lincoln violated state law by failing to timely notify the Gaming Board that it had hired a sales agent, but stated that “a preponderance of credible evidence does not show that (the company) committed any of the other violations.” “The Board has stipulated that the usual discipline it has imposed for a terminal violation of the notification duties is a fine in the range of $2,500 to $10,000 per instance,” White wrote in his 169-page report. * The Hill | US business, consumers bore 90 percent of Trump tariff costs: NY Fed: In the first eight months of the year, consumers and businesses were shouldering 94 percent of the economic burden associated with tariffs. The New York Fed noted that tariffs’ pass-through into import prices declined in the latter half of the year, meaning that foreign exporters were taking on a larger share of the tariff incidence. The average tariff rate throughout 2025 increased from 2.6 percent to 13 percent with few dips and spikes midway through the year, according to the report. * NYT | Trump Administration Erases the Government’s Power to Fight Climate Change: Mr. Zeldin called it “the single largest deregulatory action in the history of the United States.” He accused Democrats of having launched an “ideological crusade” on climate change that “strangled entire sectors of the United States economy,” particularly the auto industry. The administration claimed it would save auto manufacturers and other businesses an estimated $1 trillion, although it has declined to explain how it arrived at that estimate. * ProPublica | “Not Ready for Prime Time.” A Federal Tool to Check Voter Citizenship Keeps Making Mistakes: In Missouri, state officials acted on SAVE’s findings before attempting to confirm them, directing county election administrators to make voters flagged as potential noncitizens temporarily unable to vote. But in hundreds of cases, the tool’s determinations were wrong, our review found. Lennon was among dozens of clerks statewide who raised alarms about the system’s errors.
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Secretary of State calls federal grant cancellation ‘vindictive’ and ‘illegal’
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * Last week…
The other four states were New York, California, Colorado and Minnesota. * Yesterday…
Same five states. * Also, same five states earlier this week…
* The Tribune reports today that the IEPA cut wasn’t the full story. The feds also cut a $3.6 million grant to the Secretary of State’s office…
* More from Burnham…
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Some updates to today’s edition
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Catching up with the federal candidates
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Starting off in the 9th Congressional District, where Daniel Biss released a new poll yesterday. Press release…
From the polling memo…
* The poll also tested AIPAC’s approval rating among likely Democratic primary voters in the 9th Congressional District. 49 percent unfavorable (35 percent very unfavorable) and just 11 percent favorable (4 percent very favorable). 40 percent couldn’t rate.…
* Meanwhile, the AIPAC-backed super PAC just spent another $600,000 on ad buys for Laura Fine…
* Evanston Now’s Matthew Eadie interviewed Fine yesterday and asked her about AIPAC’s involvement in the race…
The AIPAC email Fine is referring to called Daniel Biss and Kat Abughazaleh “dangerous detractors.” * Back to the interview…
* It’s been widely reported that the PAC supporting Fine is backed by AIPAC. The Biss campaign called today for Fine to denounce AIPAC support. Press release…
* WGN’s Tahman Bradley on the 2nd Congressional District race… * WBEZ…
* US Senate Candidate Robin Kelly…
* More endorsements via Playbook…
* More… * Press release | Senator Tammy Duckworth Endorses Daniel Biss for Congress in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District: “We need fighters in Washington who will push back against Donald Trump and his harmful agenda, and that’s just what Daniel Biss will do,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. “Whether it was facing down Greg Bovino in the street, working to lower housing costs in Evanston or championing abortion protections in the statehouse, Daniel has consistently shown the courage and conviction to fight for our values and deliver real results. I’m proud to support Daniel Biss and encourage Democrats across the 9th District to join me.” * Press release | Sierra Club endorses Daniel Biss for congress: “Daniel Biss has been fighting for our environment for over fifteen years in local and state government, taking on powerful special interests to advance bold solutions to the climate crisis,” said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. “With Donald Trump actively dismantling environmental protections and blocking clean energy projects, Daniel Biss is the fighter for our future we need now more than ever.” * Press release | U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren Endorses Junaid Ahmed for Congress in Illinois’ 8th District: U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren announced her endorsement of Progressive Congressional candidate Junaid Ahmed today, marking a major show of national progressive support for his campaign to represent Illinois’ 8th Congressional District. “Junaid Ahmed is exactly the kind of progressive fighter we need in Congress right now,” said Senator Warren. “He understands that the economy should work for working families and not just those at the top, and he’s willing to take on the wealthy and the powerful to make that a reality. Junaid is committed to lowering costs, expanding healthcare, and standing up to Donald Trump. I’m proud to support his campaign.” * Bloomberg | AI Kingpins Adopt Crypto’s Playbook in Bid to Get Allies Elected to Congress: Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz and OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman are among tech leaders who’ve poured $50 million into a new super political action committee to help AI-friendly candidates prevail in November’s congressional races. Known as Leading the Future, the super PAC has taken center stage as voters grow increasingly concerned that AI risks driving up energy costs and taking away jobs. […] Leading the Future’s Democratic arm also plans to spend seven figures to support Democrats in two Illinois congressional races: former Illinois Representatives Jesse Jackson Jr. and Melissa Bean. * The Triibe | Illinois’ 7th Congressional District race is one you need to pay attention to: On Jan. 27, Terry moderated the Westside NAACP’s candidate’s forum at The Collins Academy High School. Democratic candidates Friedman, Ehrlich and Collins did not attend. Collins had a prior engagement. Friedman’s team asked for follow-up details in early January about the forum, according to Terry, but she said she didn’t hear from them again after following up. Ehrlich couldn’t be reached. * Daily Herald | GOP candidate wins appeal and slot on 11th Congressional District ballots: An Illinois appellate court on Friday reversed lower decisions and ordered Republican congressional candidate Tedora M. Brown’s name to be added to 11th District ballots. The order from the three-member 1st District appellate court ordered Brown’s name “be placed on the ballot immediately.” It also ordered the Illinois State Board of Elections to “take all steps necessary” to enforce the order. * CBS Chicago | 2026 U.S. Senate candidate profile: Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly: If elected, Kelly would have to work with Chicago’s City Hall for the next six years. Can Mayor Brandon Johnson count on her support if he runs for a second term in 2027? “Right now, I would say I’ll be neutral. I think he’s, as I’ve said before, I think he did a good job with ICE. I think he did, when we had the DNC here and Chicago was on display, you know, he did a really good job. I think he is a caring person. He’s in a tough, tough, tough seat,” she said. * HuffPost | The Money Line Dividing The Democratic Party: A similar fight has played out in Illinois where Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has highlighted her refusal to take corporate PAC money in contrast to Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a relative moderate and the front-runner in the race. In turn, Krishnamoorthi has criticized Stratton for benefiting from donations from both the DLGA and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire who has endorsed her and spent millions on super PAC ads supporting her. * Sun-Times | Underdog U.S. Senate candidates call for new voices in Washington at UChicago debate: The lesser-known candidates mostly recognized the long-shot chance at winning the primary election, with the exception of the lone Republican candidate in attendance who will likely face one other contender in that primary. Instead, they largely shared their campaign priorities and laid bare the reasoning why they were relegated to a separate debate. “I think it’s telling that there are multiple aspects of our democratic process that are broken because… we only look to money as the only metric of viability. This debate is a great example,” said Democratic primary challenger Kevin Ryan, a Chicago Public Schools teacher and U.S. Marine veteran. * Daily Herald | Many — but not all — 9th Congressional District Democratic candidates say abolish ICE: The Vietnam-born Huynh recounted being stopped by armed and masked federal agents while following agents in Chicago last fall. But he doesn’t support abolishing the agency. Instead, Huynh said ICE agents need to be held accountable for their actions. He also voiced support for unspecified reforms. * Daily Herald | GOP candidates in 11th District differ on Trump’s efforts to dismantle Education Dept: The cabinet-level department should remain, candidate Jeff Walter said, because national educational standards are needed. But GOP rival Michael Pierce of Naperville supports Trump’s plan to scrap the department, which long has been a target of conservatives. * Tribune | Illinois Republicans weigh fealty to Trump as president’s agenda faces backlash and shutdown threat: The day after Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria called for a “comprehensive and transparent investigation” into the death. LaHood, a former prosecutor, said the investigation should involve federal, state and local law enforcement. He issued a similar statement after an ICE agent shot Renee Good in her car in early January. […] In an interview with the Tribune, LaHood said his concern was less about who did the investigations and more about how they were done. […] But LaHood said he didn’t think federal agents automatically had immunity from state and local prosecution. * WGLT | LaHood sticks with president despite concerns about tariffs: U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood stayed loyal to President Trump in Wednesday’s largely symbolic House vote over tariffs, despite LaHood’s concerns about the protectionist trade measures. The Peoria area Republican voted against ending a national emergency declared by Trump that allowed the administration to impose tariffs on Canada. In a recent WGLT interview, LaHood said the issue of tariffs was among his top priorities this year.
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Policy wonk or policy guru? You decide
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * Redfin…
* Crain’s explains what’s going on. It’s actually pretty simple stuff when you think about it…
* Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski has been referred to as a “policy wonk” by one news outlet and as a “policy guru” by another. The wonk/guru blames the real estate trend on undocumented residents. From a press release…
* While they do marginally drive up prices for rental units, the real cause is something else…
* And, don’t forget, housing construction is reliant on immigrant workers. Without them, stuff doesn’t get built, which will drive up prices. The industry is having huge problems on the Texas border right now…
* Dabrowski’s release goes on to make a few good points about how our housing stock is inadequate. But, as “proof” for his illegal immigrant theory, he points to an LA Times piece about rents decreasing in that city. Except, there are lots of other factors mentioned in that story, including these…
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Big Tax-Exempt Hospitals Are Turning Patient Discounts Into Corporate Profits
Friday, Feb 13, 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.
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It’s just a bill
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Sun-Times…
* Tribune…
* Sun-Times…
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association…
* The High Speed Rail Alliance…
* WTVO…
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Keep Insurance Affordable
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] The Illinois General Assembly is considering legislation (HB 3799, SA 2 &3) that could make homeowners insurance unaffordable for many Illinoisans. The proposal would destabilize a healthy, competitive market, creating a regulatory framework that is more extreme than what exists in any other state. This will increase premiums and reduce competition. Our robust insurance market has kept homeowners’ rates middle-of-the-pack nationally, even though Illinois has more hail damage claims than any other state except Texas. To protect affordability and consumer choice, lawmakers should VOTE NO. For more information, visit www.KeepInsuranceAffordable.org
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Pritzker spokesperson says AIPAC has become ‘a pro-Trump organization’
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * From a really well-researched Mother Jones article on Gov. JB Pritzker…
* Since the American Israel Public Affairs Committee is in the news a lot here lately in Illinois, I reached out to the governor’s campaign about that Mother Jones profile…
This could add an interesting twist.
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340B Invests In Patient Care – Support HB 2371 To Support Lifesaving Healthcare
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller Sinai Chicago, one of Illinois’ largest safety net providers, can invest in services like specialty clinics and medication management because of drug cost savings from the federal 340B program. Yet pharmaceutical manufacturers have been restricting provider participation in the program, undermining the program’s purpose and restricting patient access to drugs and healthcare services. Dr. Wesley Gibbert with Erie Family Health Centers said helping low-income patients access affordable medications where they live is one of 340B’s most important roles. Two of his patients, a mother and son who both have diabetes, travel an hour from their Mundelein home to Chicago, and an hour back, because drugmakers arbitrarily restricted the FQHC to dispensing prescriptions at a single Chicago pharmacy. HB 2371 will prevent drugmakers from dictating which pharmacies healthcare providers can work with or forcing them into arrangements that undermine provider operations. Hospitals and FQHCs are urging House legislators to protect 340B. At a Feb. 1 rally, Sinai Chicago President and CEO Dr. Ngozi Ezike said, “We are standing up for those who are too often left behind, who are too often forgotten about. It’s time for our legislators to vote YES for HB 2371.” Patients across Illinois are counting on you. Learn more. 
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump cuts to HIV, lead poisoning prevention funds. Sun-Times…
- U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah, who issued the order, said the attorneys general were “likely to succeed” in their argument because President Donald Trump administration’s cuts were based on “arbitrary, capricious or unconstitutional” reasons. - In total, at least $29 million in Illinois grants are on the “hit list” being held up by the judge’s order, which include city, state and other health centers’ family planning and HIV prevention programs, according to a list of grants obtained by the Sun-Times. * Related stories… * Crain’s | Springfield reignites fight over who pays for Illinois’ data center boom: Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, has introduced sweeping legislation that would cause data center operators to pay millions to support energy assistance programs, submit to extensive regulations around their water and energy use and fund renewable energy and storage. The proposal resurrects a fight that lawmakers shelved last year: whether to charge large electricity users — especially data centers — significantly higher rates. It was left out of the final energy package. Now it’s back. * The Hill | Judge rules ICE must let religious leaders into Illinois facility for Ash Wednesday : “Broadview allowed plaintiffs’ religious visitation to Broadview for years before reversing course relatively recently,” Gettleman wrote. “With reasonable notice and communication, addressing legitimate security and safety concerns, allowing plaintiffs to provide pastoral care to migrants and detainees does not pose any undue hardship on the government,” he continued. * Tribune | Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas held stock in company that has county technology deal: Pappas has been one of the most vociferous critics of Tyler Technologies, the company that has been in charge of the rocky upgrade of the county’s property tax system, for more than a decade. Tyler has been embedded in the treasurer’s office, which calculates and mails out property tax bills, for years. The problematic rollout of Tyler’s tax system revamp within county offices led to late property tax bills last year and problems distributing property tax revenues in recent months to local agencies like schools and libraries. * Capitol News Illinois | Rick Heidner casts himself as ‘Trump Republican’ in bid to unseat Pritzker: Heidner also denied any association with organized crime. He blamed the news media for wanting “to play their own narratives.” “Nobody ever wants to be wrong,” Heidner said. “Even when you’re 100% vindicated of something, they still want to keep regurgitating and regurgitating the same stuff that’s just ridiculous. I have no ties to the mob, I could tell you that for sure.” * WCIA | Illinois Secretary of State announces switch to electronic vehicle titles: According to Giannoulias’ Office, Illinois motorists, lenders and dealers will soon experience faster title processing, fewer delays and stronger fraud protections as a result of the office transitioning to mandatory participation in its statewide Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) program. * Tribune | CPS board members accuse Mayor Brandon Johnson of ‘sabotage’ in CEO search: “We are extremely disappointed that the mayor and his appointees on the Board have chosen to sabotage the process to find a permanent leader for CPS,” the statement read. “This blatant political interference is harmful to the entire District — to schools, staff, families, and most importantly, the students. Every problem becomes more difficult to solve when there is leadership instability.” In the statement, the six board members urged their colleagues to “retain Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King until a fully-elected board can restart the search in 2027.” * CBS Chicago | CTA planning to expand AI gun detection technology: Ryan would only say the expansion of the gun detection system is happening “real soon,” and comes when CTA is already seeing a decline in crime. From Jan. 1 through Feb. 8, police said there have been 134 reported crimes on the CTA compared to 144 reported crimes in same time of 2025, a drop of 6.9%. In the same time frame, robberies have dropped 18%, and larceny thefts have dropped 11%, but criminal sexual assaults and aggravated battery are up in 2026. * Block Club | Black, Hispanic Drivers Get Majority Of Chicago’s Traffic Tickets — Including In Mostly White Areas: Black drivers received 45 percent of traffic tickets and Hispanic drivers received 36 percent of tickets given out January 2023-October 2025, according to an analysis of Police Department data by policy groups Free2Move Coalition and Impact for Equity. That’s despite Black and Hispanic residents each representing less than 30 percent of the city’s population. In all, Black drivers received 30,751 tickets during the study’s time period — over 21,000 more tickets than white drivers, who received only 14 percent of tickets across Chicago while making up 36 percent of its population. * Crain’s | It’s crunch time for Cook County tax sales — and so far, Springfield isn’t helping: Cook County is quickly running out of time to hit the brakes on the annual tax sale for past-due properties, a process that has been found by the U.S. Supreme Court to violate homeowners’ constitutional rights. The 2025 tax sale was moved from August to March of this year. But without fast action by Springfield legislators in the next week to delay it again, the sale will resume and County Treasurer Maria Pappas may have no choice but to pile on thousands more violations. * Tribune | Toni Preckwinkle calls for charges against federal immigration agents in local shootings: “We support thorough law enforcement investigations wherever federal agents have violated the law,” the group statement from Preckwinkle and board members said. All 11 signatories are Democrats. “We urge the Cook County State’s Attorney to act swiftly, proactively and transparently to ensure accountability and deliver justice for the families and communities who have been harmed.” Debates about filing charges in the shootings and other instances of alleged criminal behavior by federal agents have been front and center in recent weeks, as Mayor Brandon Johnson and Burke have publicly disagreed about his executive order directing Chicago police to investigate federal immigration agents for possible felony charges. * The Record | ‘His Heart is as Big as His Whole Body’: Homeless-shelter client turned employee celebrated as key to program’s success: Gaiter is now a peer liaison at the shelter, where he helps people facing many of the same hardships he experienced feel comfortable and understood and get connected to the resources they need to get back on their feet. Charlie Biggins, the respite center’s manager, described Gaiter as one of the center’s most valuable employees and so dedicated to supporting others that he travels at least four hours by bus and train every day from south Chicago to serve their clients. * Daily Herald | Kane state’s attorney to conduct review of Aurora police actions during student walkout: The Kane County state’s attorney’s office said that it will conduct an independent review of actions by the Aurora Police Department following claims of excessive force used against students during a coordinated walkout on Monday, Feb. 9. The review comes following accusations of “police brutality” by state Sen. Karina Villa during an altercation between officers and teens that ended with the arrest of three East Aurora High School students during a walkout protesting federal immigration tactics. * Daily Herald | Kane County Democratic hopefuls field questions about treasurer’s office: The three Democratic hopefuls in the March 17 primary election for Kane County treasurer fielded questions at a recent League of Women Voters forum at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. Penny Wegman, Scott Johansen and Candida “Connie” Cain are vying for the party’s nomination. The primary winner would run against incumbent Treasurer Chris Lauzen, a Republican, who is seeking a second term. Wegman is the Kane County auditor. Cain is a CPA who had worked for current the treasurer for about 18 months. Scott Johansen is a businessman who had an unsuccessful run for a county board seat in 2022. * WGN | Aurora residents express concerns over more data centers possibly being built: At a Town Hall held Thursday evening, residents who live in the Stonebridge subdivision near Eola and Diehl Road near the four existing data centers said their utility bills are about 30% to 40% higher over the last year, but they’re more upset about the noise. “We have constant noise, vibrations. My wife can’t sleep at night. We feel our property values are going to be tanking,” Richard Kersch, who lives near the data center, said. * WCIA | ‘It takes a long time for those problems to be fixed’: Drought persists in Central Illinois, Sullivan declares ‘water emergency’: “The number one priority right now is to supply drinking water to our customers,” said Public Health and Safety Commissioner Chuck Woodworth. “Anything other than that is going to be restricted.” One month ago, Woodworth told WCIA that since the start of the drought, the level of the aquifer they pump from had already fallen 15 feet. It was so low their pumps started taking in air. “We’ve continued to monitor the aquifer, and it has dropped another six inches,” Woodworth said. * WGLT | Mayor Brady hopes Bloomington can avoid mandatory water conservation measures: * WCIA | Central Illinois county pushing for Narcan kit sites: Ford County has a population of just over 13,000 people. Last year, the department added a Narcan kit near downtown Gibson City. “I’ve had to put in four dozen boxes of Narcan in a month and a half in that small little town,” Benningfield said. Currently, people in Ford County can find the spray at Gibson City Laundry, which is open all day. She proposed other locations for the kits, but was shut down by the city. That’s when community members stepped up to help. One local business owner is even offering up her property as an option. * Illinois Times | Union president asked for leniency for Grayson: Sangamon County Deputy Travis Koester was ultimately unsuccessful but told Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin in a letter that Grayson, 31, deserved mercy because of a history of subpar professional training in the sheriff’s office and Grayson’s ongoing treatment for cancer. “Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how inadequate or inconsistent training, insufficient remedial instruction and a lack of meaningful mentorship can leave deputies ill-equipped to manage high-pressure situations appropriately,” wrote Koester, a deputy with more than 20 years of service. * Daily Egyptian | 2 SIU alumni met in physics class. 47 years later, they had chemistry: In May of 2011, McCann’s wife of 40 years died of cancer. Four months later, Allen’s husband of 43 years who had also battled cancer died unexpectedly. Allen and McCann rekindled their friendship through their grief. They both attended the funerals for the other’s spouse and said they offered support to each other as they learned their new normal. Eventually, they said, they talked on the phone at least twice a week. * The Hill | Gallup will no longer measure presidential approval after 88 years: The company said starting this year it would stop publishing approval and favorability ratings of individual political figures, saying in a statement it “reflects an evolution in how Gallup focuses its public research and thought leadership.” […] When asked by The Hill if Gallup had received any feedback from the White House or anyone in the current administration before making the decision, the spokesperson said, “this is a strategic shift solely based on Gallup’s research goals and priorities.” * CNBC | Realtors report a ‘new housing crisis’ as January home sales tank more than 8%: Sales of previously owned homes in January dropped a much wider-than-expected 8.4% from December to a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate of 3.91 million, according to the NAR. Sales were 4.4% lower than January 2025. That is the slowest pace since December 2023 and the biggest monthly drop since February 2022. * NYT | Prosecutor Says Federal Officials Gave Wrong Information About ICE Shooting: The prosecutor, Daniel N. Rosen, asked a judge to dismiss charges against a man who was wounded in that shooting, as well as another man who had been accused of attacking the agent. Mr. Rosen wrote that “newly discovered evidence in this matter is materially inconsistent with the allegations” that federal officials made in a charging document and in courtroom testimony. * Ken Klippenstein | ICE Masks Up in More Ways Than One: The new program, called “masked engagement,” allows homeland security officers to assume false identities and interact with users—friending them, joining closed groups, and gaining access to otherwise private postings, photographs, friend lists and more. A senior Department of Homeland Security official tells me that over 6,500 field agents and intelligence operatives can use the new tool, a significant increase explicitly linked to more intense monitoring of American citizens.
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Good morning!
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * I will never forget this performance as long as I live… Peter Tosh with Mick Jagger - "(You Got To Walk And) Don't Look Back" Live on Saturday Night Live 1978！ If it’s love that you’re running from This is an open thread.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and a campaign update
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Live coverage
Friday, Feb 13, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Click here and/or here to follow breaking news on the website formally known as Twitter. Our Bluesky feed…
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Reader comments closed for Lincoln’s birthday
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * We’ll be back Friday. In the meantime, turn it up… Illinois raised him, justice shaped him
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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * AP…
* Crain’s…
* Tribune | Arlington Heights rallies to bring Bears to the suburbs — and fight off a bid from Indiana: Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia said he thinks Illinois lawmakers are making progress to counter Indiana’s offer. “This is no longer Arlington Heights versus Chicago,” he said. “This is about doing what we need to keep the Bears here in Illinois.” Local school leaders, who would be most affected by any property tax deal, support the Illinois legislation. They would be able to broker their own deal, as they did in a short-term deal that sets the Bears tax at $3.6 million annually — more than the former Arlington International Racecourse site ever paid. * STLPR | Bailey says Illinois GOP should give him a 2nd chance to take on Gov. Pritzker: To make Illinois safer, Bailey and fellow Republicans argue the SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail, should be abolished. “That is the only answer,” Bailey said. “There are no parts and pieces that need worked on.” * Sun-Times | U. of I. purchases Wacker Drive office building for tech and research hub: The purchase comes after the university nixed plans to build the Discovery Partners Institute at The 78 in the South Loop. Instead, it chose to divide the tech hub between two Chicago locations. * Block Club | Derrick Rose Will Partner On 1901 Project, $7 Billion Development Near United Center: “It’s probably the biggest project there since the World’s Fair,” Rose said in the interview, which released Jan. 29. “We’ll be working on the project. … We’re hoping to get in on the second phase, but I can’t say too much about that.” Rose also said he is taking real estate classes on the West Side to learn more about development and related industries. * Sun-Times | Chicago police officer involved in Dexter Reed shooting accused of threatening detective at bar: Thomas Spanos, who fired 34 rounds and reloaded his weapon during the deadly gunfight with Reed, approached a group of men early Saturday at Tommy’s on Higgins and tried to pick a fight, according to a police report. Spanos was flanked by another officer, Nicholas Prozanski, and two other people. Police said the threats stemmed from a previous incident at the bar about a week earlier, and the detective who was accosted was listed as the victim in the report. * Tribune | Another Operation Midway Blitz protest case evaporates in federal court: A judge has dismissed yet another set of Operation Midway Blitz-related charges, this time against a man who had been accused of resisting or impeding federal agents during the Trump administration’s expansive immigration raids in and around Chicago late last year. […] Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez’s Tuesday order to dismiss the misdemeanor case against Meier without prejudice makes him at least the 17th defendant swept up and charged in protests around Operation Midway Blitz last fall to later be cleared. Meier’s attorney didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. * Crain’s | Elon Musk’s brother, with ties to Chicago’s dining scene, appears in Epstein files: Kimbal Musk has ties to Chicago’s restaurant community, mainly through his co-ownership of The Kitchen American Bistro, which appears to have quietly closed in recent days. Mentions of the Chicago location have been wiped from the mini-chain’s website. The company did not respond to requests for comment. It appears to still operate restaurants in Colorado and Texas. * Chicago Mag | The Restaurant That Started a Revolution : The shabby-genteel restaurant quickly became a hard-to-get reservation and was frequented by celebrities. Chef Louis himself became Chicago’s first modern celebrity chef, through his newspaper columns, the books he authored (notably, 1971’s The Chef’s Secret Cook Book), and TV appearances with talk show hosts from Mike Douglas and Dinah Shore to Phil Donahue and Oprah Winfrey. Within a couple of decades of the Bakery’s opening, Lincoln Park would become Chicago’s most popular neighborhood among yuppies, and Chef Louis was the man who taught them how to eat. In this adapted excerpt from the new book The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining, those who knew the restaurant well tell the story of Chef Louis and the Bakery in their own words.
* Crain’s | Dolton claims Fifth Third Bank let disgraced mayor steal $1.9M: The suit, which was filed in Cook County Circuit Court, claims Fifth Third did not require signatures from both Henyard and Clerk Alison Key on checks drawn from Dolton accounts. “Fifth Third Bank acted in bad faith because it knowingly and intentionally paid checks on behalf of the village of Dolton that it knew should not have been paid,” the complaint alleges. * Shaw Local | Aurora police actions questioned after 3 students were arrested during anti-ICE school protest: State Sen. Karina Villa has accused the Aurora Police Department of “police brutality” in a clash Monday between officers and teens that led to the arrest of three East Aurora High School students during a walkout protesting federal immigration tactics. Videos of a skirmish between officers and protesters have some residents questioning the police’s tactics, though a department spokesman said intervention became necessary after the initially peaceful protest escalated. Aurora police say three East Aurora High School students were taken into custody Monday. All three were charged with improper walking in the roadway, obstructing, and resisting a peace officer. One was also charged with aggravated battery to a police officer, according to a news release from the Aurora Police Department. * Crain’s | Neil Bluhm gifts Northwestern Medicine $50M to keep it at forefront of cardiac care: Dr. Patrick McCarthy, director of the institute, said the idea behind this latest donation started last year, when Bluhm and the health system celebrated the 20th anniversary of his foundational $10 million gift. McCarthy said last year’s gathering of institute employees left Bluhm feeling both proud and motivated to ensure the cardiovascular institute would continue in the future. * WCIA | Jacksonville City Council passes ordinance banning public camping: The ordinance was first read at the Jan. 26 city council meeting, but it was was tabled for further discussion. During the council meeting on Feb. 9, the council voted to pass the ordinance. Aldermen Heape, Henry, Oldenettel, Pollock, Rubin de Celis and Scott were all in favor, while Alderman Speed was the sole “no” vote. Aldermen Lockman and Williams were both absent from the meeting. WCIA obtained a copy of the ordinance, which explains that the council found it appropriate, necessary and in the best interests of the city and its residents that they implement a public camping prohibition and related enforcement mechanisms to address the “myriad” of public concerns they said public camping creates. * Muddy River News | Man charged with sending threatening electronic communications resigns from IT job with the City of Quincy: Pugh is charged with sending threatening and harassing electronic communications to Benjamin Inman, 28, of Quincy. Communications included phrases, “I could have shanked you,” and “you’re going to suffer like the F****** bitch you are,” according to charging documents. Inman was on probation after admitting to threatening a city councilman when he was arrested for alleged possession of child porn. Inman said in open court during earlier detention hearings that he believes he was framed. * WCIA | Clinton police officer fired after ‘unprofessional conduct’ with minor: “On October 11, 2025, an allegation of unprofessional conduct was brought to the department’s attention, specifically involving an unprofessional interaction and inappropriate communication between the officer and a 17-year-old individual,” Lowers said. “Deputy Chief Ropp and I immediately gathered the facts of that encounter, and our investigation was completed promptly. The officer’s employment was terminated without delay.” Roman’s letter of termination is dated Oct. 11, indicating he was fired the same day the allegations were made. * WCIA | DACC receives grant to add mental health services: Danville Area Community College (DACC) is putting a new grant to good use. After being awarded $78,000 from the Illinois Community College Board, DACC said it plans to improve mental health services campus-wide. The school is partnering with online therapy apps for students and CrossPoint Human Services, which is a crisis hotline. * Reuters | Trump to direct Pentagon to buy coal to revive industry, Bloomberg News says: The Bloomberg report said the move will come via an executive order on Wednesday, with Trump directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter agreements to buy electricity from coal plants for military operations. Trump is also set to unveil a plan by the Department of Energy to provide $175 million for upgrades at six coal-fired plants in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia, the report added. * 404 Media | With Ring, American Consumers Built a Surveillance Dragnet: Chris Gilliard, a privacy expert and author of the upcoming book Luxury Surveillance, told 404 Media these features and its Super Bowl ad are “a clumsy attempt by Ring to put a cuddly face on a rather dystopian reality: widespread networked surveillance by a company that has cozy relationships with law enforcement and other equally invasive surveillance companies.”
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Budget-related issue
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Video, text messages released in Border Patrol agent’s shooting of Chicago woman
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * NBC Chicago…
* CNN…
Click here for the body camera footage. * Tribune…
* Sun-Times…
* WTTW…
* More…
* Tribune | Marimar Martínez lawyers say officials ‘created a culture of violence’ among agents: That process would begin Wednesday with the filing of a federal torts claim with the Department of Justice. If there’s no response, Martínez’s attorneys will file a federal civil rights lawsuit in U.S. District Court. Attorney Michael Gallagher said they would be asking for “tens of millions of dollars” in damages. * Mother Jones | DHS Shot Her and Called Her a “Terrorist.” New Videos Show Something Different: Martinez’s shooting caused nationwide outrage, particularly after it was revealed that Exum had bragged about shooting Martinez. “Read it,” he wrote in one message after being sent an article about the incident. “5 shots, 7 holes.” He continued: “I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.” * NYT | Top border official praised agent who shot Chicago woman: On the day of the shooting, Mr. Exum wrote in a text message that “she was trying to run me over.” “I did what I had to do to save my life,” he later testified, also telling the court that “the group of agents that I’m friends with” texted as a part of “relieving stress.” The newly released texts show Mr. Exum’s messages quickly became filled with backslapping and boasts after the shooting. In one text, a colleague called him “a legend among agents.” “Damn!!” wrote another. “I leave for a few weeks and it turns into Iraq.”
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HB 3799 Raises Premiums And Destabilizes A Stable Insurance Market
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Illinois’ competitive system protects consumers and keeps carriers investing here—let’s not break what works. Independent research shows slow, uncertain rate reviews push insurers out and costs up. HB 3799 was already defeated in Veto Session—keep it that way. Vote NO. Protect affordability. Vote NO on HB 3799.
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Question of the day (Updated)
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * NRDC…
* More on water from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition…
* More on pollution from the ICJC…
* The Question: Do you oppose any of these proposals? Please explain your answer. If you support them all, then tell us what your favorite idea is and why. …Adding… IMA…
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Catching up with the federal candidates
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Raja Krishnamoorthi’s US Senate campaign has released a new Spanish-language digital ad. Press release…
The video…
* More super PAC money is on its way. Fox News…
* The Daily Northwestern’s data editor Ryan Ottignon…
* Yesterday, 9th Congressional District candidate Laura Fine updated her redboxing page to include attacks on opponent Daniel Biss…
The page also includes video showing Biss juggling flaming clubs. He used that video when he ran for governor. * Evanston Now’s Matthew Eadie told us last week that attack ads are coming soon in the 9th. 8th CD candidate Neil Khot is out with a new TV and digital ad…
* US Sen. Elizabeth Warren has endorsed 2nd CD candidate Robert Peters…
* More… * Press release | Bushra Amiwala Announces Indian American Impact Fund Endorsement and Support from Prominent Community Leaders: “I’m honored to partner with these local leaders as we continue building a coalition focused on making life better for families across our district,” said Amiwala, the nation’s first Gen Z elected official. “Over the next five weeks, we will work together to deliver accountable, equitable representation that the 9th District deserves.” * Chicago Mag | Prime Time for the Primaries: Election Day in Illinois is March 17. Yup, St. Patrick’s Day. So for the love of God, Chicago: Vote early. Here’s what to know about the congressional races. * Daily Herald | Out-of-state donors propel Donna Miller to fundraising lead: Casten, who is seeking a fifth term in Congress, had $1.3 million in his campaign coffers as of Dec. 31, Federal Election Commission documents indicate. Democratic challenger Joey Ruzevich, a Chicagoan who’s coming at Casten from the left, lagged far behind with $73,824 in the bank. Across the political aisle, three-time Republican hopeful Niki Conforti of Glen Ellyn had $40,379 saved for her primary battle against Shorewood resident Skylar Duensing as of Dec. 31. Duensing’s campaign, on the other hand, finished the year $118 in the red, records show. * CBS Chicago | 2026 U.S. Senate candidate profile: Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi: Krishnamoorthi voted in line with President Biden 100% of the time during his four years in office. CBS News Chicago Political reporter Chris Tye asked Krishnamoorthi which areas he does not toe the Democratic Party line. “Banning the trading of individual stocks by members of Congress, and that’s not something that really veterans on either side like,” he said. “I also believe in term limits. I believe in age limits. I believe also in term limits for the Supreme Court.” * CBS | Trump administration withholding public health funding for Illinois and other Democratic-led states: U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL * American Prospect | A Fourth Candidate in Illinois Gets the AIPAC Boost: Conyears-Ervin, who has a history of local corruption scandals, is benefiting from what sources describe as a $2.8 million ad buy from United Democracy Project (UDP), which is AIPAC’s designated super PAC. The ad expenditure will cost approximately $500,000 a week through the duration of the campaign. Other races in Illinois have seen AIPAC use so-called “shell PACs” with neutral-sounding names like Elect Chicago Women or Affordable Chicago Now. UDP is coming off an embarrassing loss in New Jersey in the race to replace Gov. Mikie Sherrill in Congress. UDP ran attack ads against former Rep. Tom Malinowski, who previously received AIPAC support. This threw the election to Analilia Mejia, who has called the war in Gaza a genocide; she maintains an 889-vote lead with just a handful of ballots left to count, and Malinowski, who sits in second place, has conceded. * Evanston Roundtable | ETHS student aims to forecast 9th District Congressional race using betting market data: Sophomore Ryan McComb created IL9.org, an aggregator and forecast platform that compiles data from a variety of sources to predict the March 17 primary’s outcome, from its overall winner down to vote margins for each and every precinct. He told the RoundTable he’s always had an interest in politics, and decided to create the website after volunteering for candidate and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss. […] As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the projected odds of winning the primary stood at 53% for Biss, 32% for state Sen. Laura Fine and 16% for content creator Kat Abughazaleh.
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, who is currently running for Senate, decried the move in a statement writing in part, “Donald Trump’s administration is ripping $600 million in congressionally approved public health funding away from states he doesn’t like, and Illinois is squarely in the crosshairs.” Krishnamoorthi said in Chicago more than $5 million is being taken away from Lurie Children’s Hospital, which he said is primarily used for HIV prevention, community outreach and continuity of care.|
Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Retail provides one out of every five Illinois jobs, generates the second largest amount of tax revenue for the state, and is the largest source of revenue for local governments. But retail is also so much more, with retailers serving as the trusted contributors to life’s moments, big and small. We Are Retail and IRMA are dedicated to sharing the stories of retailers like Roseann in Tinley Park who serve their communities with dedication and pride.
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It’s just a bill
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * WTVO…
* InGame…
* WTTW…
* WAND…
* ABC Chicago…
* WICS…
* Meanwhile, in Iowa. KWQC…
* More… * Press release | TODAY: Sen. Villivalam & Advocates to Introduce Nation-Leading Legislation to Protect Illinois’ Water, Energy, and Ratepayers from Data Center Harms: At 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, February 11, State Senator Ram Villivalam will join advocates with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition to introduce the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) – legislation that establishes nation-leading guardrails to protect our water, energy, and ratepayers from the significant threats posed by data centers. Energy- and water-intensive data centers are increasing utility bills for all consumers, threatening Illinois’ climate goals, polluting our air, and wasting massive amounts of water. The POWER Act ensures Big Tech is held accountable for their outsized impact on consumers and our environment while driving a competitive race to the top for responsible data center development. Click here to watch. * Rep. Kimberly DuBuclet | IL State Rep. DuBuclet Introduces Legislation to Honor Emmett Till with a Commemorative Holiday in Illinois: IL State Rep. Kimberly DuBuclet, D-Chicago, has introduced legislation to designate July 25, the birthday of Emmett Till, as a commemorative holiday in Illinois, ensuring his life and legacy remain part of the state’s public memory. “The murder of Emmett Till and the extraordinary courage of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, forever changed the course of American history,” DuBuclet said. “By allowing the world to see the brutality inflicted on her son, Mamie Till-Mobley forced the nation to confront the reality of racial violence and helped spark the modern Civil Rights Movement. As Congressman John Lewis once said, ‘Emmett Till was my George Floyd.’” House Bill 4323 would add July 25 to Illinois’ list of commemorative holidays. While the designation would not close state offices, it would encourage schools, municipalities, elected officials, and community organizations to mark the day through education, reflection, and public programming. * Center Square | Illinois lawmakers push uniform election reporting to enhance voter confidence: Senate Bill 3057, sponsored by Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, would standardize how local election authorities format and submit election data already required by law. The proposal does not expand what data is reported but aims to resolve long-standing inconsistencies among Illinois’ 108 election authorities in how that information is submitted to the state. […] Turner dismissed concerns that standardizing election data could centralize control or limit local flexibility, emphasizing that the bill deals only with how data is formatted, not how elections are run or policies are set. * Patch | Hastings announces autonomous vehicle pilot legislation to advance safety and innovation: If passed, initial pilot programs will focus on large urban centers, Sangamon County and the Metro East region, with expansion based on pilot results. Senate Bill 3392 would require autonomous vehicle operators to submit an Operational Design Domain plan to the Illinois Department of Transportation, detailing where and how vehicles will operate. * WCIA | New package of energy bills would impose moratorium on data centers built on Mahomet Aquifer: Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) is pushing a new legislative package aimed at addressing energy concerns in Central Illinois. The lawmaker filed the series of three bills on Friday, which he said are designed to protect consumers and natural resources. SB 4003 aims to prevent Illinoisans from electric bill increases with the addition of consumer rate caps. It would also repeal the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in January that would deploy three gigawatts of battery storage by 2030.
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340B: A Lifeline For Patients
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] The Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act is a “bill that we all agree upon,” said James Brooks, CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center, about the health centers and hospitals urging passage of HB 2371 SA 2. “We are in this fight together,” Brooks said during a Feb. 1 rally for the bill, which cleared the Illinois Senate 55-0 and a House committee 12-0 last May. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and hospitals work together to support Illinois’ healthcare system. FQHCs provide essential primary care in low-income communities, referring patients to hospitals for specialized care. While hospitals and FQHCs are doing their part to care for vulnerable residents, pharmaceutical companies only care about their bottom line and are failing to do their part to support the healthcare safety net. “340B is a lifeline for not only our patients that have to make a life and death decision every day of choosing to pay for drugs or other necessities of life,” said Mahomed Ouedraogo, CEO of Access Community Health Network. It’s also a “lifeline for every single community health center, every safety net hospital and our hospital partners.” The rally’s impassioned speeches spoke to the legislation’s urgency, as Illinois expects to lose up to $57 billion in federal Medicaid funding over 10 years. “We are standing up for those who are too often left behind, who are too often forgotten about,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Sinai Chicago President and CEO. “It’s time to act and protect 340B. It’s time for our legislators to vote YES for HB 2371.” Learn more. 
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: Judge upholds controversial Illinois law limiting credit card swipe fees. Crain’s…
- The ruling is a blow to bankers, credit card companies and airlines such as United, who rely heavily on the profits they make from credit card partnerships and have opposed the law from the outset. Compliance costs to develop systems to meet the law, which is the first in the nation to restrict the fees, could run into the tens of millions for some credit card issuers. - The bankers said they would appeal the decision, claiming federal law regarding financial transactions overrides the Illinois legislation. * Related stories… * Sun-Times | Trump administration cutting millions in Illinois HIV prevention grants, citing ‘agency priorities’: In total, at least $29 million in Illinois grants are on the chopping block, including city, state and other health centers’ HIV prevention programs, according to a list of grants obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. The list represents a first wave of cuts, which is anticipated to total around $600 million, and it specifically targets family planning and HIV prevention programs. Click here to watch a new trailer for WTTW’s upcoming documentary series, Firsthand. The website launches Monday and will explore the personal, firsthand perspectives of people whose lives have been upended by crises such as the coronavirus pandemic and gun violence in Chicago. * Tribune | Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino praised agent after shooting Marimar Martínez in Chicago, evidence shows: Exum, meanwhile, exchanged a series of texts with his wife as well as a group of fellow agents under the name “Posse Chat.” In one of them, someone Exum identified as “the guy from Vermont” wrote, “Good job brother, glad you are unharmed and get to live to tell the story.” “You are a legend among agents you better (expletive) know that. Beers on me when I see you at training,” the agent texted Exum, the records show. * Press release | New Report: Youth joblessness’ silent emergency for nearly 80 years: A new report released by the UIC Great Cities Institute on out-of-school and jobless youth highlights how for nearly 80 years, youth unemployment in the United States has remained at levels that would trigger a federal emergency response if experienced by prime-age workers — yet no sustained response has followed. The report commissioned by the Alternative Schools Network will be released Wed. Feb. 11, finds that teenage unemployment and youth joblessness exceeded 10 percent in 74 of the last 78 years, while the same threshold was crossed only once for prime-age workers. […] The findings are being released as Illinois lawmakers consider a proposal to invest $80 million in year-round youth employment programs. * Daily Herald | Should U.S. nationalize elections? GOP governor candidates speak up: “I do support change at the national level,” Dabrowski said during a Daily Herald editorial board interview last week with Bailey and Heidner. “If it’s super clear and super transparent at the national level, then we wouldn’t be debating election results, we’d be debating policy.” * Chalkbeat Chicago | Several Illinois counties will vote on Trump tax-credit scholarship program in bid to sway Pritzker: A libertarian-leaning advocacy group has persuaded more than two dozen Illinois counties and townships to place a nonbinding question on next month’s primary ballot supporting a new federal tax-credit scholarship program championed by the Trump administration. […] The draft ballot question circulated by the Illinois Policy Institute’s advocacy arm asks voters to support using privately-donated funds for tutoring, test preparation, and other academic needs – omitting that donors receive federal tax credits for donating to the program. * Tribune | Gov. JB Pritzker urges Democratic governors to confront Trump, seek accountability for immigration actions: “I’m an optimist, and I do feel like, in the end, Americans, the majority of Americans, will make sure that we preserve the future of this constitutional republic,” he said in a livestreamed conversation with Stephen Schmidt, once a GOP strategist and the co-founder of the Save America Movement. * Crain’s | Johnson defends exec order directing CPD to investigate federal agents: In a memo sent to the mayor’s office last week, Yvette Loizon, chief assistant state’s attorney for policy and external affairs, warned that Johnson’s order, as written, could complicate efforts to secure convictions against federal officers because of the potential involvement of the mayor’s office. O’Neill Burke’s office “will not conduct felony review on cases that have been referred to us at the direction of any non-law enforcement or non-investigative entity,” the memo said. * Sun-Times | Border Patrol agents say ‘time to get aggressive’ in footage that contradicts claims against Marimar Martinez: Christopher Parente, Martinez’s attorney, said he found it “ironic that after months of fighting the release of this evidence … the U.S. attorney’s office releases it at the 11th hour in a misguided attempt to take the sting out of just how damaging it is for the government.” In text messages after the shooting, Exum wrote that his superiors had been supportive, making references to U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino, Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. * ABC Chicago | Newly released video captures Border Patrol shooting of Chicago woman in Brighton Park: And earlier this month, Martinez testified about this incident on Capitol Hill. She said her testimony is evidence of a pattern of lies told by the federal government. According to previous court testimony in this case, federal prosecutors revealed that there is an “ongoing and pending criminal investigation” into the Martinez shooting, with an outside U.S. attorney’s office still retaining possession of Martinez’s car. * Sun-Times | Ald. Beale is convinced Johnson is buying time to repeal video gambling, moves to force licensing process: Anthony Beale, who represents the 9th Ward, is sending a letter to the Illinois Gaming Board meant to serve as official notification that City Hall has lifted the video gambling ban, and that acceptance of license applications can begin. * WTTW | Johnson Vows to ‘Push Back’ After Trump Administration Denies Disaster Relief Request: “We’re going to push back,” Johnson said at a City Hall news conference. “It’s unfortunate that this administration has shown so much animus towards working people. But I’m going to use every single tool that’s available to me, to protect our people in our city, to ensure that we receive our fair share in the federal government, particularly when these families desperately need relief as quickly as possible.” * Tribune | ‘Free the kids’: Why more Chicago families are turning to homeschooling: Illinois is among a handful of states with virtually no data on homeschooling. But among the 30 states that track participation, the numbers are booming. Last school year, homeschooling rose by about 5%, nearly triple the pre-pandemic growth rate, according to the Homeschool Research Lab at Johns Hopkins University. * Block Club | Chicago Tourism Saw A Boost In 2025 Even As Trump Tried To Paint City As A ‘Hellhole’: Choose Chicago reported record-breaking demand for accommodations, citing 11.9 million hotel bookings in 2025 compared to 11.6 million in 2024. Annual visitation numbers will be released in the spring, but the organization expects to surpass last year’s 55.3 million visitors in Chicago. * Chicago Reader | Two Piece Fest returns to Chicago after a decade with a huge lineup of the smallest bands: I expected Woods to level up with Two Piece Fest Chicago, as the local version is now called, and he still surprised me: He booked 40 bands across four days and five events, anchored by a daylong Valentine’s Day blowout at United Church of Rogers Park. The fest kicks off Thursday, February 12, with live late-night radio performances on WZRD from a couple heavy locals, the Human Trials and Heet Deth. * Daily Herald | Arlington Heights trustees want penalties in new license-plate camera contracts: Arlington Heights village trustees are willing to extend contracts with Flock Safety for automated license-plate reader cameras, but want a penalty inserted in case the company breaks the rules. “I know that this is a powerful tool that we want to have for our town, but in our contract we should have a pretty significant penalty if the data is breached so that Flock is really standing behind their commitment that the data’s not going to go into the wrong hands,” said Trustee Wendy Dunnington. * Crain’s | Amazon drone delivery coming to south suburbs: The Seattle-based company confirmed it plans to begin offering its Prime Air drone delivery service this summer near its two massive fulfillment centers in south suburban Markham and Matteson. Customers within a 7.5-mile radius of each property will be able to get certain packages delivered by drone to their yards or driveways within two hours, according to Amazon. * WGN | Train derailment in southwest suburbs halts Metra trains ahead of rush hour: A train derailment in the southwest suburbs is causing some serious delays for commuters on Wednesday morning. The derailment occurred between Ridgeland Avenue and Central Avenue in Chicago Ridge, near the border into Oak Lawn. […] Officials have not provided updates on what may have caused the derailment. * WTVO | Rockford Board of Elections introduces electronic poll pads for faster check-in: More than 200 early voters have used the new poll pads. The board installed 130 poll pads in 35 of their polling locations. The switch came after their previous vendor expired. “It has a receipt printer right underneath. So, it’s basically one cord that powers it all at the same time. It’s paperless and it allows the voter to sign on the screen. It just takes a lot less time where everything’s right in front of the voter,” explained Paredes. * WAND | Springfield working to expand cannabis, home grant program access: Springfield City Council voted Tuesday night to expand eligibility for the program and allow the city to cut checks directly to vendors. Tax revenue from cannabis sales is funneled to historically disenfranchised communities to promote redevelopment. “Cannabis grants should be aimed at supporting social equity applicants and communities affected by the war on drugs- that was their purpose. This resource should connect individuals and communities historically impacted by cannabis arrests,” said Springfield ACLU President Ken Page. * WGLT | The long thirst for a Lake Bloomington: To reduce water use in an ongoing severe drought, the City of Bloomington has asked residents to conserve water by a goal of 10%. Water shortages are not unheard of for the city. Even at its start, water was scarce in Bloomington. “Bloomington was notorious for having one of the more unpalatable and harder municipal water sources in the entire state,” said Bill Kemp, a librarian at the McLean County Museum of History. * Paulick Report | ‘Flagrant Disregard’ For HISA Rules: Illinois Vet Suspended 24 Years, Fined $300,000: The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) has issued its most severe sanction to date: a 24-year suspension and a $300,000 fine against Illinois equine veterinarian Dr. Donald J. McCrosky. HIWU, charged with enforcing the rules of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) Anti-Doping Medication and Control Program, posted the ruling on the public notifications section of its website on Feb. 9. * 25News Now | New charges for Peoria High basketball coach after 2nd victim comes forward: The new charges stem from alleged sexual conduct with a second student at the school. That student reported the incident to police a week after Ruffin was charged in a separate case involving another student. Police were informed on Feb. 5 that Ruffin had sexual conduct with a student while he was a coach at Peoria High School. The victim, who is now 18 years old but was 17 at the time, told officers that Ruffin engaged in sexual acts with her, many of the acts happening in his school office. * WCIA | First Ford Co. judge never got a gravestone; historical society aims to change that: The Ford County Historical Society’s Vice President, Patrick Tavenner, said Patton was the first judge in Ford County in the mid-1800s. He said the judge had a major influence on the area, even having Patton Township named in his honor. Now, the society is raising money to get a headstone for Patton next to his son’s obelisk in Glen Cemetery. * WaPo | FDA won’t review Moderna application for first mRNA-based flu vaccine: Moderna President Stephen Hoge said that the company had previously engaged with the FDA on the trial design and that the agency earlier indicated it would be acceptable “We’re trying right now to reach out to the FDA and understand what would be necessary for them to start reviewing the submission,” Hoge said in an interview. * NYT | Grand Jury Rebuffs Justice Dept. Attempt to Indict 6 Democrats in Congress: Federal prosecutors in Washington sought and failed on Tuesday to secure an indictment against six Democratic lawmakers who posted a video this fall that enraged President Trump by reminding active-duty members of the military and intelligence community that they were obligated to refuse illegal orders, four people familiar with the matter said. It was remarkable that the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington — led by Jeanine Pirro, a longtime ally of Mr. Trump’s — authorized prosecutors to go into a grand jury and ask for an indictment of the six members of Congress, all of whom had served in the military or the nation’s spy agencies. * CNBC | Disappointing holiday season: December retail sales were flat, falling well short of estimate: Consumer activity slowed sharply for the December holiday shopping season amid a spate of rough weather, tariff impact and persistently higher inflation, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. Retail sales were flat on the month following a 0.6% increase in November, according to numbers adjusted for seasonality but not inflation. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had expected an increase of 0.4%. Excluding autos, sales also were unchanged, against the estimate for a 0.3% increase.
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Good morning!
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Click here and/or here to follow breaking news on the website formally known as Twitter. Our Bluesky feed…
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