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Another federal case falls apart in Chicago (Updated)

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Background is here if you need it. Jon Seidel…

#BREAKING: Federal jury finds Chicago man NOT GUILTY of offering $10K for the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino.

The trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez was the first to result from “Operation Midway Blitz”: https://t.co/UhIunNGiP7 https://t.co/gBwREzBuxk

— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) January 22, 2026

…Adding… More background from WTTW…

When he was charged, prosecutors alleged Espinoza Martinez was a “ranking member” of the Latin Kings street gang, while a Homeland Security spokesperson labeled him a “depraved individual” and a “thug.”

Prosecutors later backed off the gang allegations and U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow barred any testimony regarding Espinoza Martinez’s alleged connections to the Latin Kings from trial.

Espinoza Martinez was accused of sending a Snapchat message to his brother and an acquaintance that included a photo of Bovino along with the message “2k on information when you get him” and “10k if u take him down.”

“Make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen, the defendant typed those words and sent that picture with the intent to solicit a murder,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Yonan said in his closing arguments Thursday morning. “They are not innocent and harmless words. They are a call to action.”

While prosecutors claimed this represented a “specific incentive encouraging a specific action taken against a specific individual,” Espinoza Martinez’s defense team said he was simply sharing neighborhood gossip.

They argued the government failed to prove there was any intent behind Espinoza Martinez’s words.

…Adding… Jon Seidel…

Thirty-one known defendants have been charged in Chicago with non-immigration crimes tied to “Operation Midway Blitz.”

With today’s acquittal, 15 of them have been cleared.

No one has been convicted. https://t.co/BiWmhJfZuT

— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) January 22, 2026

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Illinois one of 13 Democratic states on huge federal chopping block (Updated x2)

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* WaPo…

The Trump administration has ordered Cabinet agencies to review federal funding for a group of Democratic-controlled states, according to a White House budget official, as the administration looks to cut off resources for “sanctuary” jurisdictions that refuse to collaborate with immigration enforcement authorities.

The White House Office of Management and Budget ordered all federal agencies except the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments to report every grant, loan, contract, subcontract and “other monetary awards” to a group of 13 states and Washington, D.C.

“We are moving forward with taking fraud seriously,” said an OMB spokesperson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal proceedings.

Illinois is, of course, on the list.

* RCP…

The review comes as Trump vows to cut off all federal funding to sanctuary cities. “They do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens. And it breeds fraud and crime and all of the other problems that come,” the president said last week during remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. “So we’re not making any payment to anybody that supports sanctuary cities.”

The Department of Health and Human Services already froze more than $10 billion in social services and childcare funding for a handful of blue states earlier this month over allegations that funds were fraudulently directed to non-citizens. The latest OMB action will likely dwarf that effort in size and scope. Every government agency, with the exception of the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs, must complete the budget data request and detail all monies sent to a list of blue states.

The Trump administration will not just target grants and contracts for review. According to a budget data request obtained by RCP, the White House also wants comprehensive details on federal loans to the states. The administration is leaning on agencies across the government to answer for every dollar sent to states and localities, institutions of higher learning, and nonprofits.

The total is expected to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars. It will almost certainly draw the attention and ire of Democrats who accuse the president of unfairly targeting his political opponents. The stated purpose, according to documents obtained by RCP: “to better understand the scope of funding in certain states and localities in order to facilitate efforts to reduce the improper and fraudulent use of those funds.”

* CNN…

The request directs agencies to include funding data on the states as well as their localities, institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations operating or performing award activities there.

* Isabel posted this WaPo story earlier today, but here’s a bit more…

The Trump administration is threatening to strip Illinois of federal health dollars over a state law requiring medical providers to refer patients for abortion services, even if the providers oppose abortion.

The 2017 measure violates federal conscience protections, according to a notice to state officials sent Wednesday by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR). […]

Illinois has 30 days to assure the administration it will follow the federal laws or risk losing some federal funding, according to the letter sent by OCR to the state. Stannard said HHS would consider withholding a wide range of funding, including grants or Medicaid dollars. Illinois receives about $20 billion in federal Medicaid money annually. […]

A federal district court upheld most of the Illinois law last year, and an appeals court is set to rule this year.

Illinois argued the law sufficiently balanced conscience protections for providers with a need for patients to be able to get timely, accurate information about medical options.

…Adding… From Gov. Pritzker’s office…

It’s no surprise that the Trump Administration is doubling down on their attacks to strip away healthcare from Americans. Illinois has led the charge to fortify fundamental reproductive rights and access to healthcare, and we will keep working to defend against these attacks. We are reviewing the letter and will respond.

…Adding… Dave Dahl…

The governor’s directive is in response to uncertainty over how much money the federal government will or will not give Illinois. “Those were the right things to do, mainly because this White House is extremely chaotic. It’s extremely unstable, and we don’t know what they are going to do day-to-day,” said State Rep. Kam Buckner (pictured, right) (D-Chicago), “but we have to be a stabilizing force and protect the people of this state. Those measures of today will make tomorrow easier.”

His comments come a day after House Republicans, in a news conference, admonished supermajority Democrats to “stop blaming Trump.”

Buckner, the House Democrats’ point man on the state budget, said, “We’re not blaming anybody. What we are doing is doing what our job is, and that’s being a stabilizing force for the people of Illinois. What the House Republicans should probably start doing is putting forth a plan to also help their constituents instead of just pointing fingers.”

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Illinois to reserve $482M in FY26 spending amid federal uncertainty (Updated)

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget…

Following Governor JB Pritzker’s Executive Order directing state agencies to prepare for federal economic disruptions, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) today released its FY26 budget reserves list, identifying funds within the current FY26 enacted budget that agencies have been directed to reserve to help mitigate fiscal risk, amid ongoing economic uncertainty driven by the Trump Administration.

Last September, Governor Pritzker directed state agencies to identify up to 4% of their FY26 General Funds appropriations to be reserved as a safeguard against potential federal funding changes and broader economic risks. The Governor’s Executive Order also directed agencies to begin limiting non-essential spending, purchases, and travel, prioritizing only essential roles for hiring.

The list released today reflects $481.6 million in FY26 General Funds reserves that state agencies identified to help maintain stability in Illinois’ budget and across multiple areas of state government. Savings were achieved through administrative efficiencies, staffing adjustments, lower-than-expected caseloads, and cost controls, reflecting responsible fiscal management without reducing essential services. No funding for pensions or K–12 education was impacted.

Breakdown of FY26 Reserves:

- Healthcare & Human Services – $361.5M
- Higher Education – $30.5M
- Public Safety – $22.1M
- Economic Development, Environment & Culture – $10.3M
- Government Services – $57.2M

* From the memo sent to the state’s agency directors…

* Capitol News Illinois…

Most of the reserves were earmarked for health care and human services. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services will forgo transferring $200 million to the Healthcare Provider Relief Fund because the fund will have enough to make it through the fiscal year without the additional money, the official said.

Pritzker’s administration also does not plan to release $29.5 million in funding for higher education that was already reserved in the budget. The budget called for increasing spending for higher education by 1%, while giving the governor authority to release an additional 2% should the state’s financial picture become less cloudy.

Advocates have called on the governor to release that funding, citing financial issues some state universities are facing.

[Pritzker’s budget director’s] memo noted another $10.3 million in reserves through grant reductions and other measures at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, as well as environment and culture agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Arts Council.

The state will also reduce operational expenses by limiting overtime and travel expenses and leaving vacancies unfilled at certain agencies. Another $50 million would come from group health insurance savings.

Major spending areas such as K-12 education and pensions were not subject to the September executive order or the recently announced reserves.

Thoughts?

…Adding… Earlier this week, University Professionals of Illinois President John Miller criticized the Illinois Board of Higher Education for recommending a “sham” budget: “Board members claim to be requesting a 3% increase, but that is misleading. In reality, their recommendation is just a 1% increase over what was appropriated – but not released by Governor Pritzker – in the current fiscal year (FY 26).”

Miller, who is also the Membership Secretary for the Illinois Federation of Teachers, released this to us today…

“It is deeply disappointing that the governor is doubling down on his refusal to release the critical funds he has been withholding from our colleges and universities. The best way to Trump-proof education and essential services in Illinois is to invest in our institutions and programs to make them stronger, not continue to starve them of essential funding. The problems caused by state underfunding began long before the current president’s term and harmful cuts, and they will only get worse if the governor does not commit now to making the needs of students and Illinoisans an investment priority.”

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Catching up with the federal candidates (Updated)

Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Last week, the Illinois Future PAC rolled out a pro–Juliana Stratton intro ad, but it had to be tweaked after Raja Krishnamoorthi’s campaign pointed out it didn’t contain the proper disclaimer. The PAC added a disclaimer to the ad, but Raja’s campaign filed an FEC complaint today, claiming the original ad is still running. From the complaint…

As of January 20, 2026, the original illegal ad was still running in the Chicago market, despite a statement by an Illinois Future PAC spokesperson provided to the media on January 16, 2026 which stated that “the disclaimer in the ad has been updated.” As such, Illinois Future PAC both admitted violation while continuing to mislead voters.

A spokesperson for the Illinois Future PAC said the revised ads were sent to the TV stations last week. Official comment…

This is just another sad attempt by Congressman Krishnamoorthi to stop Illinois voters from hearing about a candidate for U.S. Senate that isn’t him. After doing nothing in Congress for the last eight years, Raja finally stood to vote in favor of a resolution expressing appreciation for ICE. Now, Raja claims he wants to abolish the agency one day, only to walk it back the next. It’s a shame that nearly $100,000 in funding from an ICE contractor couldn’t buy Raja some better talking points. Instead of grasping at straws out of fear for an extra day’s worth of press coverage, we’d recommend Raja’s campaign clean up their stance on Kristi Noem and an agency that continues to terrorize Illinois communities.

…Adding… Raja for Illinois spokesperson…

Juliana Stratton’s dark money super PAC admitted it made an illegal ad and is still running it on television five days later. Given Team Stratton’s legal issues, it’s no wonder her campaign has failed to gain momentum, and she is left relying on this shady super PAC to mislead Illinois voters in the hopes of winning support.

* Speaking of the Senate, here’s Politico…

U.S. Senate race: Conservative Republican Jeannie Evans’ campaign says she’s raised $500,000 in eight weeks in the GOP primary for the open U.S. Senate seat. Evans is a corporate attorney from Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood whose message has focused on crime and the economy.

* Republican Don Tracy press release…

U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy today announced endorsements from a broad coalition of sitting Illinois state legislators from across the state, underscoring growing momentum behind Tracy’s campaign and support for his message of strong leadership, common sense solutions, and representing all of Illinois.

The endorsements include:

• State Senate Republican Leader John Curran (Downers Grove)
• State Senate Deputy Republican Leader Sue Rezin (Morris)
• State Senate Assistant Republican Leader Terri Bryant (Murphysboro)
• State Senate Assistant Republican Leader Steve McClure (Springfield)
• State Senate Republican Caucus Whip Jil Tracy (Quincy)
• State Senator Chris Balkema (Channahon)
• State Senator Andrew Chesney (Freeport)
• State Senator Don DeWitte (St. Charles)
• State Senator Dave Syverson (Cherry Valley)
• State Representative and Republican Conference Chairperson Jeff Keicher (Sycamore
• State Representative Michael Coffey, Jr. (Springfield)
• State Representative Amy Elik (Godfrey)
• State Representative Nicole La Ha (Homer Glen)
• State Representative Kyle Moore (Quincy)
• State Representative Wayne Rosenthal (Morrisonville)
• State Representative Kevin Schmidt (Millstadt)
• State Representative Patrick Sheehan (Lockport)

Together, the group represents communities from suburban, rural, and downstate Illinois, which reflects Tracy’s deep statewide roots and his commitment to fighting for everyday Illinoisans.

* Moving on to the 9th Congressional District, Democrat Kat Abughazaleh caught some heat for missing a candidate forum last night. Evanston Now’s Matthew Eadie…

Kat Abughazaleh is responding this evening with a statement after missing a candidate forum hosted by Indivisible Edgewater, citing narcolepsy and her sleeping through the event

Here's a statement from her sent to attendees pic.twitter.com/YNIZIogUB3

— Matthew Eadie (@mattheweadie22) January 21, 2026

She may want to give her campaign manager a key to her apartment. Just saying.

The Daily Mail…

When approached via telephone on Wednesday just before 11am EST the Daily Mail woke Abughazaleh up. The Gen-Z internet star said: ‘How did you get my number?’ then asked us to contact her ‘press team’ for comment.

* Meanwhile, the Illinois Nurses Association has endorsed Abughazaleh…

NEW – The Illinois Nurses Association is endorsing Kat Abughazaleh in #IL09 pic.twitter.com/UBO0zPjKm9

— Matthew Eadie (@mattheweadie22) January 21, 2026

* Bushra Amiwala, who is also running in the 9th CD, says her campaign has raised more than $1 million…

Over $1 Million raised. And I can look every single donor in the eye.

When you sit down with someone, answer their toughest questions, and earn their support without making false promises - that is how you build a movement that lasts. pic.twitter.com/XRa1UNyztn

— Bushra Amiwala (@bushraamiwala) January 20, 2026

* Phil Andrew is out with his campaign’s first TV ad…

NEW – #IL09 candidate Phil Andrew is out with is campaign's first TV ad pic.twitter.com/iqQphsz120

— Matthew Eadie (@mattheweadie22) January 20, 2026

* Sen. Mike Simmons announced some endorsements this morning…

Today, elected leaders from across Illinois’ 9th District announced their support for State Senator Mike Simmons’ Congressional campaign in IL-09. This coalition includes Evanston 8th Ward Councilmember Matt Rodgers, Evanston Township High School Board Member Leah Piekarz, Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega, McHenry County Board Member Gloria Van Hof, and Chicago School Board Member Michilla Blaise. This collection represents a district-wide surge of momentum to elect Mike Simmons: there is a clear hunger for his experience and passion to take on the biggest fights in Congress.

“I’m honored to be supported by a growing movement that reaches across every county in the 9th District: from Crystal Lake to Buffalo Grove to South Evanston to Uptown, voters are tired of business-as-usual Democrats who let Republicans dictate the terms,” said Senator Simmons. “I’m thankful to be supported by so many voters and leaders who know we can do better, and who want the next Representative of the 9th District to meet this moment. With their support, I’m ready to bring the heat and my legislative experience from day one in Congress.”

* The Daily Northwestern published an interesting piece about the Republican candidates in the 9th CD…

As such, this year’s Republican contenders have attracted little institutional support. Cook County Republican Party Chairman Aaron Del Mar said the party will likely concentrate its resources on congressional races in the 7th, 8th and 17th districts instead, where the party thinks it has a better chance of winning.

Del Mar noted the strength of Democratic hopefuls like Mayor Daniel Biss’ endorsements and State Rep. Hoan Huynh’s (D-Chicago) transparency with constituents. […]

At a November candidate forum in Northbrook, Illinois, [Republican Rocío Cleveland] presented Democratic candidate Kat Abughazaleh with a “gift bag” for use in prison following the latter’s federal indictment. Months later, Cleveland defended her actions to The Daily. […]

But Del Mar had sharp words for Cleveland, calling her a “bad actor” and suggesting her “unacceptable antics” have made the race “radioactive.”

“She just doesn’t represent our beliefs and our values and conducts herself in an unbecoming way,” Del Mar said. “And I don’t want our party to be associated with that type of behavior.”

* On to other races. Politico…

In IL-02: Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller has been endorsed by Elect Democratic Women in her bid for Congress. This political action committee is made up of current members of Congress.

In IL-02: State Sen. Robert Peters has been endorsed by JCUA Votes (the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs). Peters is the only Jewish candidate in the race.

In IL-07: Democrat Richard Boykin, the former Cook County commissioner, has been endorsed by the Italian American Police Association in his bid for the 7th District congressional seat.

* More…

Evanston Now | Interview: Phil Andrew for U.S. House:

* Former Evanston Mayor Stephen Hagerty | Head or heart? A voter’s dilemma in Illinois’ 9th District race: In a ranked-choice system, voters could resolve this tension by ranking preferences: voting first with their heart, then with their head. But absent that structure, voters are left to reconcile those instincts internally. The result is not apathy, but anxiety; a sense that every choice carries unintended consequences.

* STLPR | Progressive Democrat Blaha aims to primary Budzinski in Illinois’ 13th: “I can’t win with name recognition,” the Urbana resident said on the latest episode of Politically Speaking. “I’m never going to beat her with money, so I need to beat her by educating people on what we both stand for, what she’s voted for, and then, hopefully, they’ll pick me.” […] “I’m not just running against Nikki,” Blaha said. “I’m running against the Democratic Party.”

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