Good morning, Chicago.
Gov. JB Pritzker is scheduled deliver a speech today that could highlight the nation’s political climate as much as the fiscal math affecting Illinois’ future. It will likely present a more optimistic picture of Illinois’ finances than last fall’s estimate that the state would face a $2.2 billion budget gap, and could also feature the governor going after Trump, who has emerged as Pritzker’s political archenemy.
Illinois’ four top legislative leaders briefed on the plan yesterday agreed it will have to hew to the line in a tight fiscal year, with one Democratic leader saying he doesn’t expect the governor to embrace calls by some progressive lawmakers to more aggressively tax Illinois’ highest earners.
Read more on the “maintenance” Illinois budget proposal from the Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner, Olivia Olander and Jack O’Connor. Here’s how to tune in to Pritzker’s annual State of the State and budget address.
And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including more than $1.1 billion in medical debt erased in Illinois, Chicago Bears are raising season ticket prices and restaurant specials for Lent.
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DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin is leaving the agency
Top Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin is leaving the Trump administration after a tumultuous year marked by rancorous public commentary and accusations that she often misled the public.
Rev. Jesse Jackson remembered as one of the ‘last great leaders’ by Chicago friends and neighbors
A Baptist minister born in South Carolina, Jackson was a protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who participated in the Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, marches. He continued the fight for social justice and civil rights through the coalition and campaigned twice unsuccessfully for president. He stepped down as the president of Rainbow/PUSH in 2023.
Cook County leaders say spring property tax bills, revenues will go out on time
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Treasurer Maria Pappas promised that homeowners and other property owners will receive tax bills on time this spring, and that property tax revenues will go out to local governments when they are supposed to.
More than $1.1 billion in medical debt erased in Illinois, with the help of a state program
Illinois residents have seen more than $1.1 billion in medical debt erased, with the help of a state program that launched less than a year-and-a-half ago.
Contractor admits to bribing McCook mayor, acting as bag man for other extortion payments
A suburban contractor swept up in the corruption investigation of then-McCook Mayor Jeff Tobolski admitted in federal court he paid bribes in exchange for contracts with the village and also acted as the mayor’s bag man for other illicit payments.
Chicago Bears are raising season ticket prices by an average of 13.5% for 2026
After a dramatic turnaround and the franchise’s first playoff win in 15 years, the Bears are raising season ticket prices by an average of 13.5% in 2026. Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren announced the increase in a letter to season ticket holders.
Ready for ski mountaineering? What to know about the sport making its Olympic debut.
The newest sport on the Olympic program goes by the name “skimo,” which is short for ski mountaineering. Its basic principles are just as condensed: Race up the slope and back down as fast as possible.
Frequency Festival, Chicago’s experimental music haven, returns to a changed city
This year’s Frequency Festival lineup is characteristically difficult to sum up. Generally speaking, curator and music journalist Peter Margasak says the festival’s programming continues to reflect his interest in thoughtfully structured, long-form work.
Column: Drinking & Writing’s new musical began with a dream about a woman in a leopard print coat
Hearing that Sean Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda, the founders of the Drinking & Writing Theater, were back in business after the pandemic years and opening a new play this week, Rick Kogan was thrown back nearly a quarter of a century ago when these two thought it would be a good idea to walk the length of Western Avenue and stop for a drink in every tavern they encountered.
Lent restaurant specials: Where to enjoy fish fries, seafood dinners, and pepper and egg sandwiches in Chicago
Many Christians spend the 40 days between Fat Tuesday and Easter observing Lent, a period of abstinence that most commonly involves giving up meat on Fridays. The custom has led to a preponderance of Friday fish fries in the Midwest, where families and communities enjoy the bounty of the Great Lakes.
