The Cook County Republican Party has removed Ed Lapinski from his position as Secretary, effective immediately.
Antisemitic rhetoric and Holocaust denial are morally repugnant, historically false, and completely incompatible with the values of the Republican Party. There is zero tolerance for this kind of conduct PERIOD.
The Holocaust is an indisputable historical fact. Any attempt to deny, minimize, or excuse it is an insult to the millions who were murdered and to the principles of truth and human dignity we stand for.
Mr. Lapinski’s comments are indefensible. They do not reflect the values of our party, our voters, or our leadership. He has been stripped of any executive role, and there will be no ambiguity about where we stand.
The Cook County Republican Party will always reject antisemitism, extremism, and hate in all forms. Anyone who promotes it has no place in leadership.
— Aaron Del Mar
Chairman, Cook County Republican Party
Lapinksi is still a Republican township committeeperson, however. They can’t remove him from that post.
A first amendment advocacy group is suing Illinois’ secretary of state over a 40-year-old law that prohibits nonprofits from having the word “Democrat” or “Republican” in their name without the party’s approval.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender, seeks to overturn an Illinois law that dates back to the 1980s, arguing that it violates the organization’s First Amendment rights.
The nonprofit Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE, filed the lawsuit Tuesday against Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender, or DIAG, is a national nonprofit organization formed by current and former Democrats who separate with the national party on the issue of transgender identity.
But the secretary of state’s office denied the group’s application to operate as a nonprofit in Illinois because it had not obtained permission from the Democratic Party of Illinois to use the word “Democrats” in its organization name.
“We haven’t gotten a request from this group,” a spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Illinois said in a statement. “But frankly, whether we did or not, the fact that they’re proudly anti-transgender does not align with the Democratic Party of Illinois’s values. We believe in progress and inclusivity. It does not appear that this group does.”
With fewer than seven weeks until Election Day, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi continues to build support and maintain a significant advantage over the field in the Democratic primary contest for U.S. Senate in Illinois. These findings of Raja’s expanded lead come thirteen days after a super PAC supporting Lieutenant Governor Stratton launched a seven-figure ad buy.
A new survey of likely voters shows Raja rising to 43 percent of the primary vote, far ahead of Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton (17 percent) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (13 percent). With early voting beginning next week, the gap between Raja and his opponents for the nomination continues to widen.
In addition to his overall strength, Raja’s coalition is extremely broad. He is winning inside and outside of the Chicago market and across most demographic groups. His strongest supporters include seniors (58 percent) and suburban Chicago (56 percent) voters.
Perhaps most notably, he is doing extremely well with people who have voted in all three of the most recent Democratic primary elections, also known as super-voters, winning 54 percent of them and holding a 35-point advantage over Stratton among them.
According to this poll of 800 likely voters taken January 25-28 with a margin of error of +/- 3.5 points, 27 percent remain undecided.
* GOP US Senate candidate Don Tracy…
U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy today issued the following statement after the Republicans of Wheeling Township headquarters was vandalized in an act of political intimidation:
“What happened to the Republicans of Wheeling Township is upsetting and completely unacceptable. […]
“Not one of my Democrat opponents has spoken out to disavow this attack. That silence is troubling, especially given that Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi represents much of the surrounding area, including Arlington Heights.
Tracy did not respond yesterday to multiple requests for comment regarding accusations of Holocaust denialism against Ed Lapinski, the 56th House District Republican candidate and executive secretary of the Cook County Republican Party. Krishnamoorthi did respond.
*** Statehouse News ***
* Sun-Times | New state initiative aims for e-bike regulation, safety education: Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias made the announcement during a downtown news conference, flanked by transit stakeholders, state Sen. Ram Villivalem and Rep. Barbara Hernandez, both area Democrats. “The bottom line is that riders, drivers and pedestrians are all trying to navigate the system that was designed for a different era,” Giannoulias said. “Without action, these tragic crashes, injuries and fatalities will continue to rise, like it or not.”
* The Triibe | How are Illinois politicians responding to escalating aggression by immigration agents in Minnesota: The Chicago City Council’s Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Police and Fire committee members voted to advance a proposed amendment that would expand the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) powers to include investigating Chicago police for violations of the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance. Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) is the lead sponsor of the amendment. “This is an ordinance to hold those accountable who collaborate with ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] and violate our Welcoming City Ordinance,” Fuentes said ahead of yesterday’s joint committee vote.
*** Chicago ***
* WTTW | Rahm Ordered to Testify About CPD’s ‘Code of Silence’ During Trial Over Botched Raid: A federal judge has ordered former Mayor Rahm Emanuel to testify next week in an upcoming trial about allegations that a “code of silence” among Chicago Police Department officers led to a botched August 2018 raid of a Back of the Yards apartment that violated the civil rights of a family with four children. […] In a text message to WTTW News, Emanuel erroneously said the raid occurred after he left office. Emanuel, who said he was traveling, did not otherwise respond. Emanuel acknowledged in December 2015 during an emotional speech prompted by the outrage over the police murder of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald before the Chicago City Council that a “code of silence” among officers had prevented officials from holding CPD officers accountable for misconduct.
* Block Club | Meet The Immigrant Seamstress Who Has Made Banners For United Center Legends For 40 Years: Parra has helped create nearly every banner now hanging from the United Center’s rafters, from those honoring the retired numbers of legends like Jordan and Scottie Pippen to the championship banners earned by the Bulls and Blackhawks in dynastic stretches from the ’90s through the 2010s. […] Parra, who is nearing retirement age, has largely rebuffed her own family’s urgings to retire and settle down. She loves her work and intends to continue fulfilling the shop’s orders for the foreseeable future, she said.
* Crain’s | Allbirds closing its U.S. stores, including 2 in Chicago: The San Francisco-based company plans to pour its resources into its e-commerce platforms, wholesale partnerships and international distributorships to improve its reach, flexibility and operating leverage, it said in a news release today. Two outlet stores in the U.S. and two full-price stores in London will remain open.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* WTTW | Cook County’s Chief Judge Announces New Revisions to Electronic Monitoring Program: Under the revised protocols, anyone on EM who is accused of a major violation — like an unauthorized absence or tampering with a monitoring device — will be returned to court within 24 hours, no matter when the violation is reported. Previously, that could only happen from Monday to Friday, but courts will begin handling those violations on weekends now, too, beginning Feb. 7. Under the new protocols, an unauthorized absence of more than three hours on weekdays will also now qualify as a major violation requiring the defendant to appear back in court. That limit had previously been set at 48 hours.
* Aurora Beacon-News | Rezoning for potential data center rejected by Yorkville commission, City Council vote planned for February: Yorkville has become a sort of hub for data center projects, in part due to the area’s proximity to a ComEd substation. But with these proposed developments has come significant resident opposition. “We’re aware of the differing views in the community surrounding the data center development in general on this site, and development in general on this site,” Gilbert said while presenting the rezoning request at the January meeting.
* Crain’s | UChicago expanding OB-GYN care at Ingalls, bucking national trend: Ingalls Memorial Hospital in south suburban Harvey has opened a new women’s health clinic, expanding services in an effort to meet growing demand in nearby communities and expand its capabilities in complex care. The move by UChicago Medicine to reorganize and expand women’s health bucks a trend of community hospitals closing labor units and pulling away from some women’s and pediatric health care.
* Daily Herald | DuPage County Board urges Congress to investigate immigration enforcement efforts; withhold DHS funding: DuPage County Board members are urging congressmen to withhold funding for the Department of Homeland Security until a thorough investigation is conducted into recent immigration enforcement incidents, such as the fatal shootings in Minnesota. […] The county board voted 11-5 to add the resolution to its legislative agenda. All the “no” votes were cast by Republicans.
* Illinois Times | Paula Crouch faces primary opponent: The woman appointed as the new Sangamon County sheriff in the wake of the July 2024 murder of Sonya Massey says her experience, education and determination make her worthy of being elected to a four-year term. “I just feel like we started moving in the right direction for improvements,” Paula Crouch told Illinois Times when explaining her decision to seek a four-year term for a job that pays $175,460 per year. “By choosing to run,” she said, “that just gives me the opportunity to give some of the changes that I put in place time to set. And then, obviously, there are some other things that I’m looking forward to for the future that really need more time than the two years I would have been allotted with just the appointment.”
* WCIA | OSF gives update on service changes in Central Illinois: A Central Illinois hospital said they’re evolving with the changing needs of the population they serve. And of the employees impacted by the move, about half won’t be coming with them. Last year, OSF announced they would be moving certain services from their Urbana location to Danville and change the use of the freed up space.
* WGLT | Bloomington Fire Department to increase social service offerings amid continued fire prevention education: Working smoke alarms, two exits out of a home and closing doors at night are some of the most impactful ways to prevent a fatal house fire, according to Friend. He said none of those were present at the conclusion of what caused a fatal house fire last November that claimed the lives of Tashika Stover, 40, and her 17-year-old son, Hayden. “Those are all real simple things, and they’re taught to us in kindergarten and along the way in elementary school,” Friend said. “We don’t necessarily pick up those messages again unless we read about them, or somebody like myself brings them to somebody’s attention.”
* BND | Increased security, no ICE expected at Belleville naturalization ceremony: “The District has not been contacted by ICE and has had no communications with ICE officials,” Warren told the Belleville News-Democrat in a statement. “The District has no reason to believe that ICE will enter onto District property. The guidance was issued to employees as a preemptive measure to ensure employees were aware of the procedures for interacting with ICE officials. The guidance requires employees to follow the law, nothing more and nothing less.” Belleville Assistant Chief of Police Lt. Col. Mark Heffernan said that while ICE does not need to notify local law enforcement of any activity, the department “(does) not anticipate or have any intelligence that would indicate any problems should be anticipated at the ceremony.”
*** National ***
* AP | Senate Democrats block DHS funding package ahead of shutdown deadline: Thursday’s 45-55 test vote came as Democrats have threatened a partial government shutdown when money runs out on Friday. But Trump said just ahead of the vote that “we don’t want a shutdown” and the two sides were discussing a possible agreement to separate homeland security funding from the rest of the legislation and fund it for a short time.
* Nieman Lab | What a safety expert thinks journalists should know about “less than lethal” rounds and chemical irritants used by ICE: “Back in the day, you’d have [riot police using] beanbag guns, or Nerf or sponge rounds that were moving at 150 to 200 feet per second. The newer “less than lethal” rounds move 450 to 500 feet per second. ANSI Z87.1-rated eyewear, which has for a very long time been the standard if you worked in a machine shop and is the eye protection we wore for non-ballistic threats in Iraq and Afghanistan, doesn’t protect against projectiles moving this quickly. If you catch one of those in the [glasses] frame, it’s not going to do a lot to protect you.”
The chair of a U.S. House education committee has called for Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss to brief the panel about claims the mayor refused to provide city police to help Northwestern University officials clear a pro-Palestinian encampment at the school.
The letter, sent on Wednesday and shared publicly by Biss Thursday morning, outlines what Rep. Tim Walberg describes as “documents [that] revealed that Biss refused to clear Northwestern University’s violent and antisemitic encampment in 2024 in order to ‘shore up’ his ‘progressive credentials.’”
The letter includes text messages between former Northwestern president Michael Schill and Northwestern Trustee and mega donor Michael Sacks, who rails against Biss, saying, “if the wind blows the wrong way, he will throw you under the bus. No hesitation. Same with Jan [Schakowsky].”
Walberg called the protests at Northwestern a “hotbed of antisemitic harassment and hostility,” saying the Evanston Police Department, at Biss’ direction, did not assist NU in clearing the encampment.
Biss held a press conference responding to Walberg’s letter this afternoon. His opening remarks…
My name is Daniel Biss, Mayor of Evanston, and I’m gathering you this morning to speak to what occurred here in Evanston in the spring of 2024 during the encampment, relative to activities in Gaza that occurred on Northwestern’s campus.
On the first night of the encampment, I got a call from [President Michael Schill] at Northwestern indicating that he had concluded it would be unable, it would be impossible, to end the encampment peacefully, and therefore that the only remaining option was to clear the encampment, arrest people who remain there. He explained that the Northwestern Police Department didn’t have enough personnel to do this, and therefore asked the Evanston Police to do this. His explanation for why people ought to be arrested was that he would suspend Northwestern students for violating the no tents rule on campus, and once they’ve been suspended, they wouldn’t be entitled to be on campus and should be arrested for trespassing.
I consulted with Evanston Police and other top staff asking the fundamental questions, is there a public safety threat here? What do our policies dictate that we do when protests occurred and we were all completely aligned, there was no public safety threat. It did not make sense to clear the encampment and to make arrests. In fact, EPD cautioned that bringing them in could further inflame the situation.
And so after meticulously assessing the situation through the lens of public safety and the right to peaceful protest, we came to that conclusion. We believed at the time it was the right decision. I believe today it was the right decision. This was about protecting free speech. It was about protecting the right to protest. It was about keeping people safe, and it was about not needlessly putting our own police officers in harm’s way.
I was in close coordination with Evanston Police throughout this process. At no time do they indicate a need for public safety purposes to clear the encampment. By the way, a few days later, a deal was struck to end the encampment peacefully, without violence, without arrests.
So, why are we here today? We are here today because of a dishonest political attack. We are here today because that attack is an effort to go after the right to peacefully protest. This is an effort to use the very real danger of anti-semitism to advance a political agenda.
I will say that personally, as a Jewish person, as a grandson of Holocaust survivors, I find it deeply, deeply offensive. I will also say it’s part of a broader effort to criminalize free speech and crack down on protests. We’re seeing this going on with ICE right now, there is an effort to pressure local officials to crack down on protest. Federal agents are attacking and in some cases assassinating dissenters on our streets. The President and his allies are engaged in a coordinated campaign to push anyone they can, whether it’s municipal governments, public safety entities, universities, corporations to silence dissent. It’s unacceptable. I’m not going to allow it to happen here.
I have to say, in light of what was in the letter from Chairman Walberg, the specific reason that we’re here is because Republicans are trying to create a media circus. We are here because they chose to make this public, because they are trying to draw attention to this. My actions on this issue have, at every single moment, been driven by the question of public safety and the right to free speech, and unfortunately, it is Republicans who are trying to turn it into a media event.
Now, by the way, there’s an election in less than 50 days, a high profile election. It’s almost two years after this decision was made, many months after the decision was made public, this is an effort to launch a frivolous political attack, and I will not stand for it, so I’m going to work with city staff, with Corporation Counsel and other advisors to design the appropriate response to Chairman Walberg’s absurd letter. But I’ll end where I began. I am proud of the way that we made, the decision that we made at the time, given the information that we had, it was the right decision, and looking back with almost two years of hindsight, it is even more clear today that it was the right decision, and I stand by it.
Reporter: You kind of alluded to this in your remarks. You said it’s a politically motivated and the timing of it also draws the question, why do you think that? Can you kind of clarify why you think this is something that you’re making an issue with? Now, you also mentioned, of course, your election. But if you could kind of expand on that.
Biss: I don’t know. I would reiterate that the decision was made almost two years ago, that information about the decision was shared with House Republicans in particular, a very long time ago, and then made public a number of months ago, and they’re choosing to do this under 50 days before an election. It’s obviously not a coincidence. We’re not going to pretend otherwise. I can’t speculate if any organization wants to publicize good decisions I’ve made that I’m proud of. I would welcome that and encourage them to do so, but I can’t help but notice that Chairman Walberg’s biggest campaign supporter is AIPAC, and there’s widespread rumors that AIPAC is preparing multi million dollar ad offensive against me, and I don’t know what conclusion to be drawn from that, but it seems noteworthy to me. […]
Reporter: In the text messages that are attached to the letter, Schill wrote that you were talking to members of the council and potentially Congresswoman Schakowsky. I was wondering, in the process of making that decision, were there conversations between you and those parties?
Biss: I don’t remember every call that I made-I heard from President Schill, as I recall, I believe I heard from [Schill] or at least that we connected at 10 o’clock that night. So only some people that I call at that hour. So I don’t remember whether or not I spoke with members of city council, and I just don’t remember I did call Congressman Schakowsky for her advice on this, because I thought her insights would be very helpful, and they were. She was totally in alignment with the instinct that I had that it did not make sense to make arrests and clear the encampment as there was peaceful protest going on, and I value that conversation.
Reporter: Actually, Michael Sacks was in those text messages as well, communicating back and forth with former president Schill and he said that-and Schill said in another message that it seemed as though you were trying to bolster your political ambitions. What’s your response to that?
Biss: My response is very simple. How did you find out about this? Right? The press found out about all of this through sources other than myself. I made the decision that I thought was right based on the considerations that were most important, which is again, public safety and the right to protest, and then I went about my business, trying not to politicize it. Others have chosen to politicize it. I regret that decision, but now that they’ve done it, I feel compelled to share the truth.
Former U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-New York) endorsed Kat Abughazaleh in the 9th Congressional District race Thursday morning, adding to the list of out-of-state congresspeople and caucuses now weighing in on the high-profile Democratic primary.
Bowman represented New York’s 16th District from 2021 to 2025 and was a member of “the Squad,” a small group of the Democratic Party’s most progressive congresspeople. He wrote in a message announcing his endorsement that Abughazaleh “represents the kind of leadership this moment demands and our country desperately needs.”
The [7th Congressional District] has been a deep and historically African American one. Its current occupant, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, has been reelected to 15 terms, serving nearly 30 years. He was preceded by Cardiss Collins, who reigned over the district for 23 years. […]
Nearly all of the 13 running are African American, with plenty of prominent names in the crowd: Chicago city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford, union leader Anthony Driver and community organizer Kina Collins.
Also running are Thomas Fisher, David Ehrlich, Anabel Mendoza, Jazmin Robinson, Reed Showalter and Felix Tello.
Then there is Jason Friedman, who could change the racial equation, as the only white candidate who brings significant money and clout. […]
“The 7th Congressional District is an historically Black seat,” Emanuel “Chris” Welch, the African American speaker of the Illinois House, noted in a recent interview on Black talk radio WVON-AM 1690. “And we need to make sure the seat stays a Black seat. That is a voice at the table for Black people.”
* 7th CD candidate Reed Showalter is out with his first campaign ad. The press release…
Today, Reed Showalter, former federal attorney and candidate for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, released his first campaign ad ahead of the March 17th Democratic Primary election. The 30-second ad, titled “Don’t Take,” is running across digital and streaming platforms.
“Don’t Take” reflects Showalter’s commitment to taking on establishment politicians who are failing to deliver solutions to the serious problems facing Americans today, from lawless ICE raids to the corporate takeover of our democracy. Showalter highlights that he refuses AIPAC money and corporate PAC money, because unlike many politicians, he “can’t be bought.”
Showalter: “Right now we’re facing overlapping crises. And we know we can’t fix it with outdated thinking and establishment politicians bought by corporate interests. I’m Reed Showalter, progressive Democrat running for Congress, and I’ve spent my career fighting against the corporate establishment. I don’t take AIPAC money. I don’t take corporate PAC money. Because I can’t be bought. In Congress, the only person I’ll fight for is you.”
*
* 2nd CD candidate Donna Miller announced an endorsement from US Rep. Jan Schakowsky this morning. Press release…
The campaign of Donna Miller for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District proudly announces the endorsement of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a longtime champion for working families, healthcare access and social justice.
Congresswoman Schakowsky and Cook County Commissioner Miller share a deep and longstanding relationship built on mutual respect, trust and shared values. Over the years, Commissioner Miller has frequently sought Congresswoman Schakowsky’s advice and guidance on key issues, drawing upon her experience and leadership to better serve Cook County residents.
* Miller appears to have flipped on her position on Medicare for All. From Miller’s Independent Voters of Illinois - IPO questionnaire…
Q: Do you support Universal Healthcare (such as “Single Payer” or “Medicare for All”)?
A: I support access to care for every American however that is achieved, that allows a continued marketplace for medical services where everyone has access to the healthcare they need. I do not necessarily support a single payer system where the government is the single payer; however, having 40 million people uninsured is not acceptable in the United States.
I also support expanding pre-tax accounts, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), as they can provide significant support for individuals managing healthcare costs. By increasing contribution limits and broadening eligible expenses, employees can better offset rising medical costs while reducing their taxable income. This approach not only encourages proactive healthcare planning but also helps alleviate the financial burden of unforeseen medical events. Expanding these accounts could also incentivize preventive care, as participants may be more likely to seek services if they know they can cover expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Everyone deserves affordable, accessible health care no matter their income or ZIP code. I’ll fight to lower prescription drug costs, cap insulin prices, expand access to generic drugs and restore funding for rural and suburban hospitals. Health care is a human right and I support a Medicare for All framework.
[From Rich: “Medicare for All” must be polling well with Democrats because Sen. Laura Fine has done basically the same thing as Commissioner Miller on this topic.]
* More…
* Tribune | Top candidates for the US House in Illinois’ 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th and 9th districts for the 2026 election: Three incumbents announced plans to leave Congress, while two others are running for U.S. Senate, opening four seats outright. A fifth contest was thrown into turmoil after U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García announced late in the election cycle that he would not seek reelection, a move that cleared the way for his chosen successor while complicating efforts by potential write-in candidates. All five districts are held by Democrats, making the Democratic primary races the ones to watch. Republicans are also fielding candidates in several races as the GOP nationally hopes to maintain its thin majority in the House.
* Sun-Times | ‘Broadview Six’ conspiracy case involving congressional candidate could go to trial in spring: Attorneys in the case sought a trial date Wednesday during a status hearing before U.S. District Judge April Perry. They did so less than a week after a separate case tied to the feds’ aggressive immigration campaign ended with a high-profile jury acquittal. A trial in Perry’s courtroom likely wouldn’t move forward until after the March 17 primary, when Abughazaleh is seeking the Democratic nomination in Illinois’ 9th District. She is one of four Democratic politicians charged in the conspiracy case. The trial is more likely to take place in late May or June.
* Sun-Times | Duckworth, Illinois Democrats blast Vice President JD Vance for likening senator to ‘Forrest Gump’: Duckworth responded to the comment by calling it a “petty” insult “at the expense of people with disabilities.” “Forrest Gump ran toward danger in Vietnam. Your boss ran to his podiatrist crying bone spurs,” Duckworth wrote on X. “Petty insults at the expense of people with disabilities won’t change the fact that you’re risking troops’ lives to boost Chevron’s stock price. It’s my job to hold you accountable.”
* WTTW | Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez Announces Independent Bid for Congress: “We’re not strangers to being outspent by big corporate PACs,” Sigcho-Lopez said. “I think that there is a desire to elect independent leadership that is unbought.” Sigcho-Lopez is the third candidate to throw a proverbial hat in the ring, joining Patty Garcia and political organizer Mayra Macías, who is running as an independent.
* The Illinois Future PAC is launching two new broadcast and digital pro-Stratton ads. Press release…
Today, Illinois Future PAC announced the launch of two new broadcast and digital ads called “Protect” and “Abolish ICE,” highlighting Juliana Stratton’s clear and unapologetic stance against the terror inflicted by ICE on Illinois communities. Juliana has separated herself in the race, making it clear she would fight to abolish ICE in the U.S. Senate and protect Illinois communities.
The ads deliver a clear message: the fear and violence associated with ICE will not stop until the agency is abolished. They underscore Juliana’s firm position that ICE must be completely ended and highlight her record of standing up to Donald Trump’s immigration agenda in Illinois alongside Governor JB Pritzker.
The spots position Juliana as a proven leader who has already confronted Trump-era extremism at home and will continue doing so in the U.S. Senate, standing up for Illinois communities and pushing to end policies rooted in fear and intimidation.
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) will begin airing TV ads next week as part of a $2 million blitz in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ open Senate seat.
Kelly is locked in a three-way contest for the March 17 primary with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
Kelly’s campaign has booked $1 million in broadcast TV ads in the Chicago market for the final four weeks of the campaign. Kelly will begin airing cable and streaming ads next week and maintain a presence through the Winter Olympics, bringing the total planned spending to $2 million.
ABC7 Chicago, Chicago’s most-watched television station, will present live and without commercials the 2026 Democratic U.S. Senate Primary Forum on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 7:00 p.m.
ABC7’s anchor Judy Hsu will lead the 60-minute forum, with questions also asked by the station’s political reporter Craig Wall and WGBO/Univision Chicago anchor/reporter Enrique Rodriguez.
Three of the Democratic candidates running for U.S. Senate in Illinois will participate in the forum:
-U.S. Representative Robin Kelly
-U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi
-Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton
The 2026 Democratic U.S. Senate Primary Forum will stream live on ABC7Chicago.com, on ABC7 Chicago’s news app and Facebook page, and on ABC7’s 24/7 streaming channels.
* Raja for Illinois…
Today, four more Democratic County Chairs from downstate Illinois announced their endorsements of Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate, adding to a powerful and growing wave of statewide momentum. With these endorsements, Raja now has the support of 19 Illinois Democratic County Chairs — a clear signal that downstate leaders are backing a son of downstate and uniting behind his vision, record, and leadership. […]
NEW Illinois Democratic County Chairs Supporting Raja Include:
Jim Eaton, Chair, Franklin County Democrats
Shawn Rider, Chair, Gallatin County Democrats
Betty Murphy, Chair, Henry County Democrats
Dick Bigger Jr., Chair, Henderson County Democrats
You might remember the name Dick Bigger Jr. from his appearance in a Susana Mendoza political ad back in 2022.
* Press release…
Yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker joined Juliana Stratton and hundreds of supporters of her campaign for two campaign events in Chicago.
First, Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Stratton, State Senator Mattie Hunter, State Senator Elgie Sims, and Alderman Michelle Harris brought together over 150 voters in Calumet Heights.
Then, they stopped by Back of the Yards Coffeehouse for a “Latinos con Juliana” meet and greet. The event brought together Latinos con Juliana Co-Chair Berto Aguayo, State Senator Celina Villanueva, State Senator Javier Cervantes, Commissioner Beth Kirkwood, and 10th Police District Councillor Elianne Bahena, all of whom recently endorsed Juliana’s campaign.
“We created an economy that works for working people, we raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour, we created thousands of good paying jobs, and we’ve invested in small businesses,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “We also protected women’s reproductive freedom and made sure that we have expanded access to healthcare – paying off medical debt, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and doing so much more to better people’s lives.”
“When I first met Juliana, I was looking for somebody who would be a fighter for the people of Illinois as my partner in governance. Juliana shows up, she cares, and she fights for the people of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We have to stand as one force against what they’re trying to do to the American people from Washington, D.C.”
* More…
* 25News Now | Congressman and U.S. Senate contender Raja Krishnamoorthi visits elementary school in Normal: “The fact that the federal government is now freezing, arbitrarily, various grants that help Fairview and other similar schools,” said Krishnamoorthi, who sees the freezing of federal funds as a consequence that will harm school children under the program. Harm, he explained, include children facing food insecurity or may have domestic issues at home. During his visit, Krishnamoorthi said schools like Fairview could be especially vulnerable when federal funding for after-school and community-based programs are reduced.
* Press release | Congressman Krishnamoorthi Advances Affordability Agenda with Housing Roundtable in Quad Cities, Food Bank Visit in Rockford: In Moline, Congressman Krishnamoorthi convened a roundtable with local leaders, housing advocates, and community stakeholders to discuss the housing affordability crisis and his newly introduced First Home Affordability Act, legislation designed to help first-time buyers overcome steep upfront costs that are increasingly locking families out of homeownership. “With housing prices surging and more than 75 percent of homes out of reach for a typical buyer, too many Illinois families are locked out of homeownership before they ever get a fair shot,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “My bill, the First Home Affordability Act, provides a refundable tax credit of up to $25,000 to help first-time buyers cover upfront costs like down payments and closing costs. At a moment when rising costs are pushing families out of the market, this legislation keeps homeownership within reach—and protects one of the clearest paths to stability and a middle-class life.”
* While doing my occasional skim of Politico Illinois today, I noticed this amazing scoop about an Illinois House candidate accused of Holocaust denialism. I sure wish I had written this story first…
HOUSE RACE OUTRAGE: Republican Ed Lapinski, a candidate for the Illinois House in the 56th District, is facing backlash over text messages in which he questioned the Holocaust by referring to “supposed gas chambers.”
Blunt reproach: The Illinois Republican Party issued a sharp rebuke, saying it “unequivocally condemns Ed Lapinski’s offensive and unacceptable comments regarding the Holocaust. The ILGOP was not involved in his recruitment for House District 56. Holocaust deniers and those who trivialize its atrocities have no place in elected office,” according to a statement.
Illinois Policy, a group that had included Lapinski in its bipartisan ballot access program, said it removed him after learning of the language used in the texts.
What’s next: A person familiar with the situation said the GOP asked Lapinski to drop out. Playbook was unable to reach him for comment.
How it came to light: The messages were flagged by Republican activist Julie Cho, who posted them on Facebook and urged Lapinski to withdraw. Cho did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Anyway, I got a good chuckle out of the whole thing. It’s about what I’d expect. And, I brightened my day by listening to one of my favorite Jane’s Addiction songs. So, I should be thankful.
* However, Isabel asked the House Democratic political operation for a response to our story yesterday. They did not respond at all. They also did not respond to my inquiries, but I eventually noticed that they did post something online. Odd. Unlike the Politico thing, I did not laugh about that.
Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Illinois American Water is more than just a utility. We’re your neighbor, committed to the long-term health and vitality of the communities we serve. Our employees live and work locally, investing their expertise right where it matters most, to modernize water systems and strengthen water quality, reliability, and public health for the long term.
Environmental stewardship is also central to who we are. Illinois American Water is committed to protecting the environment and using our most precious resource wisely. Across our footprint, our state-of-the-art treatment facilities and team of water quality experts help ensure we go beyond compliance, holding ourselves to standards that not only fulfill expectations but set new benchmarks for our industry.
Community partnership and clean water go hand in hand. We’re dedicated to safeguarding both the resources and the places our customers call home, today and for generations to come. Our community is one worth investing in, and we are proud to spend every day working to help ensure the water we deliver is of the highest quality. Learn more about us.
A white former sheriff’s deputy convicted of murdering an unarmed Black woman in her Springfield area home was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison, marking a capstone in a racially charged case of police brutality that drew national headlines.
A jury in October found Sean Grayson, 31, guilty of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, 36, in the face in July 2024. The mother of two had called the police to report a potential prowler outside her house.
That was a lesser charge than the first-degree murder conviction Sangamon County prosecutors were originally seeking.
A cheer went up in the courtroom and Donna Massey, Sonya’s mother, said, “Thank you God, thank you God,” as the hearing concluded.
But after the decision by Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin, Sean Grayson could end up serving less than half of that time in prison. That’s because a Peoria County jury on Oct. 29 found the 31-year-old Riverton resident, originally charged with first-degree murder after the shooting death of Massey, 36, in her Woodside Township home, guilty of the lesser offense of second-degree murder. […]
Cadagin denied Grayson’s request for a new trial after Grayson’s lawyers, Dan Fultz and Mark Wykoff, argued, among other things, that the judge erred in allowing the jury of nine women and three men to hear Grayson’s disparaging remarks about Massey after the shooting.
Grayson’s lawyers have the option of filing an appeal with a higher court in the coming weeks.
* Sonya Massey’s mother, father, son, and daughter addressed the court with victim impact statements. WAND…
Donna, [Sonya’s mother], started her statement by telling the court she hasn’t stopped crying. She also told the court she fears calling the police.
Donna detailed nightmares she’s had since Grayson killed her daughter.
Her mother detailed her daughter’s chronic illness and health battles.
“Sonya would give you the shirt off her back,” Donna said.
As she fought back tears, Donna detailed the compassion her daughter had. She talked about the love she had for her family and children.
Donna then looked directly at Grayson and said, “Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
The ex-deputy appeared at his hearing in an inmate jumpsuit and full beard.
“I wish there was something I could do to bring her back,” he told the courtroom before the sentence was imposed. He admitted mistakes were made. “I wish this didn’t happen. I wish (Massey’s family) didn’t have to go through this experience. I am very sorry.”
* Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield)…
“Nothing will bring Sonya back. Today’s sentencing does not change the fact Sean Grayson took an innocent life,” said Turner. “I stand with the Massey family and my community as we continue to mourn the unjust loss of Sonya. Since Sonya’s murder, I’ve been committed to making the necessary changes to ensure our community has trust in those who protect and serve, and I’m dedicated to continuing this work now more than ever.”
* More…
* Tribune | Ex-Sangamon County deputy sentenced to 20 years in prison for Sonya Massey second-degree murder conviction: “I was very unprofessional that night,” Grayson said somberly. In the courtroom, he was shackled and clad in white-and-black-stripped jail garb. “Your honor, I made a lot of mistakes that night…I made terrible decisions that night…I wish there was something I could do to bring her back.” Mark Wykoff, one of Grayson’s lawyers, tried to argue for a six-year prison sentence, saying in part that Grayson has colon cancer that has spread.
An Illinois House Democrat has filed a bill to tackle medical misinformation in Illinois. The legislation would give more authority to the state’s public health department and community leaders. […]
His bill could create a healthcare misinformation response unit within the Illinois Department of Public Health. This unit would be responsible for monitoring health misinformation trends on social media, community forums and other web or news sources. They would also have the ability to issue public health advisories to counter misinformation with facts.
The plan calls for public health literacy grants to help community-based organizations, schools and libraries establish health literacy programs to teach residents how to evaluate medical claims, spot misinformation and access trusted care. […]
[Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Morton)], an emergency medicine doctor by trade, said the state should have no role in deciding what medical information people should believe.
However, [Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford)] said his bill would require IDPH to recruit and train local health professionals and community leaders to serve as trusted messengers for health information.
Illinois lawmakers plan to introduce a climate change superfund bill in the state legislature this session, the latest in a growing number of states seeking to make fossil fuel companies pay up for the fast-growing financial fallout of climate change.
As the costs of global warming rise—in the form of home insurance premiums, utility bills, health expenses and record-breaking damages from extreme weather—local advocates are increasingly pushing states to require that fossil fuel companies contribute to climate “superfunds” that would support mitigation and adaptation.
Illinois state Rep. Robyn Gabel, who will introduce the bill in the House, said she is motivated by the growing threat of flooding and heat waves in the state. […]
Climate superfund bills are based on the premise that the companies most heavily contributing to the climate crisis should be on the hook to pay for its growing costs. The strategy pulls from the 1980 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act—known as Superfund—which forces companies responsible for toxic contamination to pay for cleanup.
* Rep. Stephanie Kifowit…
State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, has filed new legislation to reform Illinois’ Tier 2 pension system, addressing long-standing inequities that threaten retirement security for public employees and risk violating federal pension standards. Since becoming the chair of the Pensions committee three years ago, she has been a tireless advocate for state employees and a fair and equitable pension plan.
Illinois’ Tier 2 system applies to state and public safety employees hired on or after January 1, 2011, and currently is in violation of the Safe Harbor Provision of the Federal Government. Employees do not pay into social security and rely solely on the state of Illinois pension plan. While workers pay into the system every paycheck, and the state has continued to short change it’s obligation leading to a significant pension liability. This creates uncertainty for employees and long-term risk for the state.
“For Tier 2 workers, the pension promise has been eroded by the Tier 2 ‘fix’ in 2011,” Kifowit said. “People are working full careers, paying in every month, and still being told to retire later, live on less, and hope the math works out. That is not acceptable and it’s not sustainable and it is solely the State of Illinois fault”.
Kifowit’s bill complements reforms outlined in Senate Bill 1937 and adds a funding component for the states and local governments for the adjustments in benefits. The targeted changes seek to restore balance, fairness, and federal compliance within the pension system.
* Illinois Primary Health Care Association…
Patients, community advocates, and health care leaders will gather on February 1 at 3401 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago for the 340B Saves Lives Action Day, calling on policymakers to protect and strengthen the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a critical lifeline that helps save lives and allows community health centers and safety net hospitals serve patients most in need.
The 340B program allows eligible hospitals and community health centers to stretch limited resources, providing affordable medications and essential health care services to low-income, urban and rural uninsured patients. Ongoing attacks to the discount drug program threaten patients’ access to care and could force providers to cut critical programs and services.
Speakers will include patients and health care leaders who rely on 340B to deliver care in underserved communities. Media will have opportunities for interviews and visuals throughout the event.
WHY IT MATTERS:
The future of 340B is at risk. This Action Day sends a clear message: 340B saves lives. Without 340B patients lose access to affordable, lifesaving medications and safety net providers will be forced to close their doors.
Amends the Election Code. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2028, the State Board of Elections shall develop or cause to be developed an additional option within the online voter registration system that permits a person who is eligible to register to vote and has a social security number but does not have an Illinois driver’s license or State identification card to apply to register to vote or to update an existing voter registration by uploading a completed voter registration form. Sets forth procedures for the processing of online registration forms by a county clerk or board of election commissioners.
The Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act, introduced by State Senator Robert Peters and State Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr., would establish the first enforceable extreme temperature standards for Illinois workers.
Supporters say the bill is urgently needed after this week’s arctic blast, when schools closed, transit shut down, and cities opened warming centers while thousands of workers still had to show up to load baggage on frozen tarmacs, deliver packages, and work in warehouses that felt like refrigerators. […]
Right now, Illinois has no state law setting temperature limits or requiring employers to protect workers from extreme cold or heat. That leaves gaps for workers who aren’t covered by union contracts or company policies, advocates say, and puts the burden on individual workers to speak up or walk off the job at the risk of retaliation. […]
The bill would require employers to provide protective equipment like gloves, access to warming stations or cooling areas, rest breaks, and emergency protocols when temperatures hit certain levels.
Creates the Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act. Provides that in order to commence an autonomous vehicle pilot project, a person must provide to the Department of Transportation a statement that sets forth the operational design domain for an autonomous vehicle pilot project. Provides that the operational design domain for an autonomous vehicle pilot project must be confined to counties having or exceeding a population of 1,000,000 individuals, as determined by the most recent federal decennial census, Sangamon County, or the counties of Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe. Allows the Department to authorize the statewide deployment of autonomous vehicles beyond the operational design domain after a period of 3 years following the effective date of the Act, as long as the Department determines the pilot projects conducted have demonstrated safety and operational readiness. Sets forth the conditions a person must meet to operate an autonomous vehicle on the public roads of the State with the automated driving system engaged. Requires a person to obtain authorization from the Department to operate an autonomous vehicle on the public roads of the State. Includes provisions regarding licensing, duties following crashes involving autonomous vehicles, registration and title, operation of a motor vehicle with an automated driving system by a human driver, vehicle equipment standards, evaluation data, the controlling authority, and home rule. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2029. Makes conforming changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Effective immediately.
Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that there shall be no fee for one Deer Hunting Permit to take one deer in one season with either bow and arrow or gun for a resident of the State who receives assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
* Illinois Primary Health Care Association…
Patients, community advocates, and health care leaders will gather on February 1 at 3401 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago for the 340B Saves Lives Action Day, calling on policymakers to protect and strengthen the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a critical lifeline that helps save lives and allows community health centers and safety net hospitals serve patients most in need.
The 340B program allows eligible hospitals and community health centers to stretch limited resources, providing affordable medications and essential health care services to low-income, urban and rural uninsured patients. Ongoing attacks to the discount drug program threaten patients’ access to care and could force providers to cut critical programs and services.
Speakers will include patients and health care leaders who rely on 340B to deliver care in underserved communities. Media will have opportunities for interviews and visuals throughout the event.
The future of 340B is at risk. This Action Day sends a clear message: 340B saves lives. Without 340B patients lose access to affordable, lifesaving medications and safety net providers will be forced to close their doors.
A newly introduced bill in the Illinois Senate would add new child-safety education, warning labels and storage requirements for cannabis products, prompting cautious support, and questions, from the state’s cannabis industry.
Senate Bill 2866, sponsored by Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Frankfort, would expand child-safety requirements for cannabis dispensaries.
Tiffany Ingram, executive director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, said the industry supports protecting children but wants clarity on how the proposal would be implemented and what issue it is intended to address. […]
While the bill focuses on regulated cannabis, Ingram said many incidents involving children and cannabis exposure stem from unregulated intoxicating hemp products, such as delta-8 THC.
Amends the Personal Information Protection Act. Provides that a data collector shall not own, maintain, license, store, or disclose records that contain immigration or citizenship status information concerning an Illinois resident. Provides that the provision shall not apply to government agencies, public and private universities, or financial institutions. Provides that the definition of “personal information” includes immigration or citizenship status information. Defines “immigration or citizenship status information”.
Amends the Time Standardization Act. Exempts the State from daylight saving time requirements under the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966.
* More…
*Center Square | Remote marriage license bill faces skepticism from former clerk: House Bill 4508 would allow people with disabilities or serious health conditions to apply for a marriage license through a real-time video call and, in limited cases, permit a county clerk or designee to complete the application at an applicant’s location. Supporters say the bill removes barriers for those with mobility challenges, while critics, like state Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, argue it would add administrative burdens and raises concerns about verifying eligibility remotely.
* Press release | Briel Bill to Expand Support, Funds for Local Fire Protection Services: State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is introducing a measure that seeks to utilize the funds already collected by cities for open burn permits and permit violations to support fire protection services in local governments. Briel’s House Bill 4459 would create the Local Government Open Burn Permit Act. The measure allows any county or municipality to establish permit requirements for anyone seeking to perform an open burn. The permit may not be more than $5, which will be used to support local fire protection services. Those found in violation of the act face monetary penalties, which will also be allocated to the municipality’s fire department or local first responder services.
* Press release | Ness Bill Targets Tracking Data, Protecting Consumers From Price Increases: With the growing consumer preference for mobile shopping, retailers are increasingly collecting data from online shoppers. Ness is sponsoring House Bill 4248 to create the Algorithmic Pricing Transparency Act, which would create standards for businesses engaged with surveillance pricing. The measure would require online businesses to provide a clear disclosure when they are using the consumer’s personal information to price the cost of a good or service, while allowing consumers to opt-out and pay a baseline price. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of sensitive personal information, like race, religion and immigration status, to determine pricing.
* ICYMI: Hawthorne Race Course officials again say they’re working on casino deal, despite debts that caused state to suspend its harness license. Tribune…
- Assistant General Manager John Walsh told the Illinois Racing Board that Hawthorne President and General Manager Tim Carey was in Chicago working on the deal, though the track has had six years of failed promises to open a combination racetrack and casino, or “racino.”
- His announcement came after the board suspended the harness racing license at Hawthorne due to its financial difficulties.
- The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association has been contacted by 66 people regarding more than $582,000 in bounced checks, said Tony Somone, executive director of the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association.
Sponsored by the Association of Safety-Net Community Hospitals:
Our Healthcare Backbone At Risk.
Safety-net hospitals are the backbone of Chicago’s Black and Brown communities. They provide emergency and lifesaving care for families who rely on them. They also support thousands of good, local healthcare jobs, serving as economic anchors in neighborhoods that have faced decades of disinvestment.
With federal support being reduced, safetynet hospitals need more resources – not less – to avoid further strain that could irreversibly damage local health systems and weaken the essential services our communities rely on.
Now, these hospitals are under threat.
The so-called Safety Net Moonshot would close or shrink hospitals in Black and Brown communities, cutting access to care and putting thousands of healthcare workers at risk. Fewer hospitals means longer wait times, overcrowded emergency rooms, reduced services, and worse health outcomes for vulnerable patients.
This is not reform. It is a sell-off of community healthcare, driven by outsiders – not by the needs of patients, workers, or neighborhoods.
Save safety-net hospitals. Protect our care, our jobs, and our communities.
************************************************
*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***
* Capitol News Illinois | Illinois vs. Trump: One lawsuit a week: Capitol News Illinois has compiled a list of the suits Illinois has filed or joined against the Trump administration. The vast majority are ongoing, though Raoul has notched some wins. In more than a dozen cases, permanent injunctions or summary judgement were issued in favor of the plaintiffs — or the Trump administration backed down by restoring funding or dropping policy demands. Only two cases have been dismissed outright. Eighteen preliminary injunctions or temporary restraining orders remain in place. In all, Raoul’s office has received some form of relief in more than half the suits filed or joined.
* WBEZ | Pritzker still deciding if Illinois will join federal program that funds private school scholarships: At least four Democratic governors have said they will not participate, and Pritzker’s continued indecision frustrates a group of advocates who are urging him to reject it. “We think this should be an easy decision for Governor Pritzker,” said Huu Nguyen, vice president for the advocacy group Illinois Families for Public Schools, at a press conference Tuesday. Nguyen warned that opting into the federal program would “hollow out” public schools and eventually reduce funding for them.
* BND | East St. Louis schools turn to international teachers to fill staff vacancies: The district brought on a dozen teachers at the start of the 2025-26 school year and plans to add 12 more for the next school year. The teachers represent a small portion of the approximately 570 teachers across the district. […] The teachers are required to secure a J-1 cultural exchange visa, which allows them to legally stay in the U.S. for three years. Then they are required to return to their home countries for two years.
*** Statehouse News ***
* Press Release | New Poll Shows Darren Bailey/Aaron Del Mar ticket with commanding lead in GOP Primary: Bailey holds a commanding 49-point lead and enjoys a massive name identification advantage with a 59% favorable image. Bailey’s support spans the Republican electorate, reflecting broad alignment with voter priorities on affordability, public safety, education, and government accountability. Even at this early stage, he continues to garner significant enthusiasm and loyalty, positioning him well ahead of the rest of the field. […] Osage Research conducted a survey of 412 likely Republican primary voters in Illinois using live phone calls and text-to-web interviews. The margin of error for the Republican oversample is ±5.66%. Quotas were set for age, gender, and geography to reflect the anticipated 2026 Republican primary electorate.
* Crain’s | Fund seeks to shore up Illinois as nation’s abortion ’safety net’: The Michael Reese Health Trust is working to raise $5 million in 2026 to strengthen the infrastructure of reproductive health in Illinois as it increasingly serves as a national destination for women seeking abortions. The trust, in partnership with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s office, launched the Prairie State Access Fund yesterday to connect donor money with reproductive health clinics. The Prairie State fund is the result of a phone call the health care charity received from Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services Grace Hou “the day after the presidential election,” Ameya Pawar, president and CEO of Michael Reese Health Trust said in an interview with Crain’s.
* Daily Southtown | Two Republican candidates aim to unseat Democratic Rep. Mary Gill: Dewar is endorsed by Chicago Flips Red, a grassroots movement dedicated to electing more Republican officials in the Chicago area, and Trump Illinois MAGA Official, according to his website. Dewar reported in his campaign finance filings that he has not raised or spent any funds. He said he held a fundraiser Jan. 16, which would show up in the next quarterly filing due April 15. Lay has not filed any campaign finance reports.
* Capitol News Illinois | Interview with Illinois Comptroller Candidate Karina Villa: As a part of a series of interviews focusing on contested races for major-party nominations in the March 17 primary elections, Capitol News Illinois reporters Peter Hancock and Ben Szalinski talk with state Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) about her campaign for Illinois Comptroller.
*** Chicago ***
* WTTW | National Guard Deployment to Chicago Cost $21M, Congressional Budget Office Says: The decision by the Trump administration to send 375 members of the Texas and Illinois National Guard to Chicago cost taxpayers $21 million, according to a new report by the Congressional Budget Office. In all, President Donald Trump’s decision to send federalized National Guard troops to Chicago; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Memphis; Portland, Oregon; and New Orleans cost approximately $496 million through the end of December, according to the report prepared for U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee.
* Block Club | Fugitive Ex-Loretto Leader At Center Of $300 Million COVID Scandal Arrested In Serbia: Ahmed had been living abroad — with federal prosecutors calling him a “fugitive” — since shortly before prosecutors brought charges against him in the Loretto Hospital case. Prosecutors have said Ahmed and Sameer Suhail worked together to embezzle $15 million from Loretto, a taxpayer-funded hospital, and steered another $19 million worth of hospital contracts to Suhail through “corrupt” means, including bribery. Suhail was Ahmed’s friend, business partner and next-door neighbor in Chicago’s Trump Tower.
* WGN | Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza hints at possible mayoral run in 2027: Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza joined “The Point” with WGN Political Editor Tahman Bradley on Wednesday. Medoza is not seeking re-election for her statewide office next year. Lately, she’s been making a name for herself by posting videos around Chicago, highlighting neighborhoods and offering critiques of how the city is run.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Daily Herald | Elk Grove Village extends deadline to build data centers at WGN transmitter site: The deadline to begin construction of a data center campus on the WGN radio transmitter site in Elk Grove Village has been extended to September 2027, the radio station’s owner and village officials agreed this week. “The problem is the same problem they’ve had since day one: getting the power to that location,” Mayor Craig Johnson said of delays since the redevelopment at 720 Rohlwing Road was proposed in 2022.
* Daily Southtown | Harvey City Council meeting canceled on short notice; FOIA lawsuit settlement was on agenda: One item on the agenda was a settlement agreement for a lawsuit brought by local activist Ryan Sinwelski, who runs the Harvey Historical Society. Sinwelski sued the city last May over failures to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests he made in 2024, according to court records. “A lot of times, the only way we can get any answers is through FOIA,” Sinwelski said in a livestream Monday night. “And a lot of times, Harvey still doesn’t answer the FOIAs, so you have to try to sue or get the public access counselors through the attorney general to help. So this one had to come to a lawsuit.”
* Daily Herald | Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg finds eager buyer at a discounted price: More than four years after a first attempt to sell the Streets of Woodfield shopping center, New York-based private equity firm Blackstone has found an eager buyer in Hutensky Capital Partners of Hartford, Connecticut. However, Blackstone is getting only $69 million for the 692,000-square-foot property it paid $168.5 million for in 2015. The company explained why they were taking the financial hit. “This is a rare instance in our over $600 billion portfolio comprising nearly 13,000 assets,” a Blackstone spokesperson said in a statement. “We aim to invest in sectors with strong fundamentals propelled by macro demand trends, which is why nearly 75% of the real estate we own is in sectors like logistics, rental housing and data centers.”
* Aurora Beacon-News | Aurora City Council OKs loan program for sustainable building upgrades: The city is now participating in the Illinois Finance Authority’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy financing program, commonly called C-PACE. This type of lending has been available statewide since 2017, but individual local governments still need to approve its use within their boundaries. Alison Lindburg, the city’s director of sustainability, has said the program will support both economic development and sustainability within Aurora. Loans given through the program can fund certain upgrades to commercial, industrial, non-residential agricultural, nonprofit and multifamily properties, up to 100% of the project’s total cost, but with a maximum amount no more than 25% of the property’s total value.
*** Downstate ***
* WCIA | Family of Sonya Massey prepare for Grayson sentencing: Sonya’s cousin, Sontae Massey, said anything less than the maximum of 20 years wouldn’t be justice for Sonya. But, there is a chance the sentencing could turn to a new trial if the judge rules in Grayson’s favor. […] On Thursday they will be in the courtroom with their mother’s killer. Both are expected to read statements to the judge, sharing the impact Sonya’s murder has had on them. Sontae said finding those words hasn’t been easy. “It hurts them and they want to put the best foot forward in regards to their mother. So they’re doing everything they can to be strong, but we’re all just shattered,” said Sontae.
* KFVS | Southern Illinois Healthcare reports four heart attack patients were shoveling snow: Dr. Rizwan Khan, an interventional cardiologist with the SIH Prairie Heart Institute, says patients with heart conditions need to know the risks. “Your heart is going to go up very quickly while shoveling. It’s a very exertional task. As soon as you start feeling like you’re exceeding your limits, you should take a break, and that’s the problem. Most people say, ‘let me just take a deeper breath and shovel a few more times.’ That’s where we get in trouble. Especially folks that are not very active,” says Khan. All four of the patients who were admitted to the hospital in Carbondale had pre-existing heart conditions that a few of them did not even know they had. Luckily, they are all expected to make a full recovery.
* WCIA | 10-year enrollment projection paints bleak picture for Decatur Public Schools: A new enrollment forecast for Decatur Public Schools indicates that the student body could shrink anywhere from 7 to 10 percent in the next decade. The forecast was presented to the DPS Board of Education during its meeting on Tuesday. Prepared by Preston Smith, President and CEO of Business Information Services, it examined DPS enrollment numbers alongside demographical facts and statistics in the community.
*** National ***
* NYT | What We Learned After Tracking Every Lawsuit Challenging Trump’s Policies: The volume and stakes of the litigation have put an unusually bright spotlight on the often unheralded work of district court judges. Normally, the 677 active-status judges toil at the bottom rung of the federal judiciary. Today, they are on the front lines of a clash between two branches of government. They have faced harsh criticism from the White House and rising threats to their safety, and have complained about the Supreme Court’s penchant for overriding their rulings on its emergency docket.
* AP | Democrats threaten to trigger government shutdown over ICE reform: Senate Democrats are threatening to block legislation that would fund the Department of Homeland Security and several other agencies Thursday, potentially bringing the government a step closer to a partial shutdown if Republicans and the White House do not agree to new restrictions on President Donald Trump’s surge of immigration enforcement.
