OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is supporting a proposed US bill that would shield AI developers from liability for mass harm caused by their models, provided they act responsibly. The Illinois law, SB 3444, aims to offer protection for incidents involving significant casualties or property damage.
Troy, a horse rescued by services during floods in Illinois, USA, has returned to its owners after dozens of people fought for its life for many hours, as the animal had been struggling with hypothermia.
Investors are anticipating the first quarter 2026 earnings report from Illinois Tool Works, with analysts providing expectations for the company's financial performance.
An Illinois father, whose daughter Katie was killed in a crash involving a previously deported driver, is urging political leaders to address and confront sanctuary policies.
Former Colgate assistant Cam Crocker is highlighted as an outside-the-box hire instrumental in propelling Illinois basketball towards the Final Four, particularly through international recruiting.
A U.S. regulator has filed a lawsuit against three states, defending the right of predictions markets to operate within their jurisdictions, with the Wall Street Journal and other sources further confirming the legal action.
Court documents reveal Jenna Strouble allegedly planned the Illinois triple murder, admitting she went to meet Jacob Lambert with an intention to harm him, leading to the deaths of her ex-partner and his parents.
A federal judge has rejected Evanston, Illinois's bid to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch against the city's reparations program, allowing the challenge to its race-based $25,000 payments to proceed.
Lilly Bova, a 16-year-old Glenbrook South student, was fatally shot on Saturday morning, March 28, in her Glenview, Illinois home, an incident described as a senseless and cruel taking of life.
Joe Abraham, father of a slain 20-year-old, issued a stark warning that more deaths will follow in Illinois after his daughter and another student were allegedly killed by illegal immigrants.
Former Dolton, Illinois 'super mayor' Tiffany Henyard has urged Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Johnson to accept federal assistance after her father was shot in the neck.
A guide provides details on how to watch the March Madness Sweet 16 game between Houston and Illinois, which is scheduled to tip off at 10:05 p.m. ET, on Sling TV.
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich claims the illegal immigrant accused of killing Sheridan Gorman in Chicago did so as a gang initiation, alleging a political cover-up.
A severe weather warning has been issued for the Midwest, including Central Illinois, with forecasts predicting potential tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds up to 60 mph, urging residents to be prepared.
Illinois Democrats have declined to defend their "no" votes on the Laken Riley Act following the alleged killing of Loyola student Sheridan Gorman by an illegal immigrant.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker broke his silence on a migrant charged in a student's murder, deflecting questions on immigration enforcement and blaming former President Trump for politicizing the case.
Andrej Stojakovic scored 21 points, helping the No. 3 seed Illinois men's basketball team defeat 11th-seeded VCU 76-55 to advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is pushing for the criminal prosecution of Trump administration officials if Democrats win the 2028 election, outlining this as part of his "Project 2029" policy agenda.
Democratic primary elections in Illinois provided insights into the party's base and evolving views on Israel, with progressive candidates backed by 'Squad' members suffering losses to more moderate contenders, highlighting internal party divisions.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have criticized Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker for spending $5 million to boost Julianna Stratton in the Illinois Senate primary race.
The FBI is searching for Indian national Patel, also known as Kenny Patel, approximately 35 years old, who is wanted in connection with a mail and wire fraud conspiracy and is believed to be in Illinois or Pennsylvania.
Progressive candidate Kat Abughazaleh delivered an expletive-filled concession speech after losing the Illinois Democratic primary, targeting former President Donald Trump and ICE.
An analysis of Illinois politics suggests that Democratic voters are not aligning with progressive movements, indicating a potential disconnect between activist noise and voter sentiment.
Democrat Patty García has won her party's nomination for Illinois Congressional District 4 following the controversial last-minute withdrawal of incumbent Rep. Jesús “Chuy" García.
An Illinois man, Zakir Ibrahim, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to slit a commuter's throat at Chicago Union Station in an unprovoked attack, while claiming to be a CIA agent.
An article delves into the internal conflicts among Democrats during the Illinois Primary, with a reporter sharing insights from his Peoria-born perspective.
Democratic and Republican candidates are competing for open seats in the U.S. Senate and House, as well as for governor and other statewide offices in the upcoming 2026 Illinois primary election.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's political brand is reportedly on the line due to his involvement or association with a political race in which he is not a direct candidate, despite not running in it himself.
Costco is suing the government over tariffs, and now Costco is getting sued.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A Costco member in Illinois is suing the wholesale club for a piece of any tariff refunds.
The…
Severe storms and tornadoes have moved across the US Midwest, with officials in Illinois and Indiana assessing damage from up to a dozen potential tornadoes that caused at least two fatalities, following previous tornado-related deaths in the region.
Severe storms have generated tornadoes across northwestern Indiana and Illinois, killing two people, razing buildings in Kankakee, Illinois, and leveling homes in the affected areas.
An Illinois man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a $14 million fraud scheme involving COVID-19 relief loans, described as 'the most stupid fraud in history'.
This is a particularly heinous crime. Four cemetery workers near Chicago dug up more than 100 bodies and moved the remains to another location within the cemetery, so they could again...
The Illinois reparations commission has released a comprehensive report titled 'Taking Account,' documenting racial injustice from colonial enslavement to present inequities in the state.
Evanston, Illinois distributed $25,000 reparations payments to Black residents through nation's first municipal reparations program, with 137 recipients receiving $3.47 million total.
Two daycare workers in Illinois have been arrested following the release of shocking security camera footage allegedly showing them dragging a child on the floor and hitting another in the face with a notebook.
Indiana lawmakers have advanced a bill that could facilitate the Chicago Bears' relocation to a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, sparking a bidding war with Illinois.
Trump aumenta le tariffe di altri cinque punti. L’Illinois già chiede i rimborsi. Merz media: “L’incertezza è veleno, porterò negli Usa una posizione comune Ue”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has indicated that the new Chicago Bears home stadium will likely not be in Chicago, regardless of the outcome of the Indiana vs. Illinois competition for the team.
A Fox News article examines how ICE, initially formed as a counter-terrorism agency after 9/11, has evolved into the primary agency for immigration enforcement without significant congressional guidance.
Readers are debating whether the U.S. should slow AI's growth, alongside discussions on AI data centers, space solar energy, and historical calendar changes.
Analysts are providing varied outlooks on several industrial and technology stocks, including Rockwell Automation, General Dynamics, Illinois Tool Works, and Garmin, assessing their potential to climb or sink.
Pelosi Appears To Have Picked Their Candidate For President In 2028
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) may be retiring from Congress at the end of this term, but she's not done trying to shape presidential races. The 85-year-old former House speaker has turned into what one former aide calls "a Gavin fan-girl," deploying her legendary donor network and political capital to boost California Gov. Gavin Newsom as a 2028 White House contender. The move lands as a calculated slight to Kamala Harris, who polls ahead of Newsom nationally but appears to have lost Pelosi's confidence after the 2024 debacle.
According to a report from Axios, Pelosi has spent months publicly and privately vouching for Newsom.
"From the standpoint of leadership, vision, and values, knowledge of the issues, strategic thinking about how to get things done, he's masterful," she told The New Yorker. She told Vogue earlier this month, “I’ve seen him grow politically, I've also seen him have this beautiful family, and for all of us who love him, seeing him evolve has been wonderful to behold.”
She’s even trying to help Newsom shed the perception of coming from privilege, telling The Atlantic, "Everybody thinks of Gavin and a silver spoon. But that isn't right. He was a very hard worker in everything that he did, whether it was personally, professionally, and then civically."
This week, Pelosi told Politico that Newsom "would make a great president," though she added Democrats have many strong potential candidates.
The hedge shouldn’t fool anyone.
Pelosi isn’t likely to gush unless she's decided. Former aides say she's been eager to publicly vouch for Newsom whenever asked and has privately admired how he's navigated Trump "with a combination of defiance and charm." One former staffer said Pelosi "doesn't crush on many people" and added, "She's hardly ever wrong. When she says she sees something, it's a real thing."
Of course, Pelosi’s connection to Newsom isn’t limited to politics. Her brother-in-law was married to Newsom's aunt, and Pelosi frequently says she knew Newsom before he was born. Politically, they’ve been connected for years, as she's mentored him since his days as San Francisco mayor, watching him rise through California politics like a puppet master or a kingmaker.
While Pelosi is reportedly focused on helping Democrats retake the House in November and making Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaker, she’s clearly looking to the future and sees Newsom as the next leader of the party who will bring Democrats to the White House. This may be a significant vote of confidence for Newsom, but it’s also an undeniable betrayal of another California Democrat, Kamala Harris.
Pelosi endorsed Harris quickly after Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, reportedly frustrating Barack Obama, who wanted a more open process.
“The Obamas were not happy,” a Pelosi confidant told ABC’s Jonathan Karl for his book Retribution. 'This person summed up Obama's message to Pelosi as, essentially, "What the f*** did you just do?"'
Harris lost badly to Trump, spending more than a billion dollars in the process, leaving many major donors deeply disillusioned with her. Pelosi’s support would have gone a long way to repair the damage, but Pelosi appears to have moved on.
Harris leads the 2028 field with a 27.5 percent national polling average, according to Race to the White House, while Newsom trails at 22.7%. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sits at 9%, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 8.7%, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro at 4.9%, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker at 3.4%.
Neither Newsom nor Harris has publicly announced their intent to seek the presidency, but both are reportedly considering, which makes Pelosi's public courtship of Newsom a calculated snub. Pelosi's endorsements carry weight with the donor class and party elites who decide primaries long before voters cast ballots. By elevating Newsom now, she's signaling to those constituencies where the smart money should flow.
Whether Pelosi's bet pays off depends on factors beyond her control. Newsom has baggage from California's struggles with homelessness, crime, and out-migration on his watch. Harris, meanwhile, carries the weight of a failed campaign but has name recognition and institutional support, and isn’t a white male — a huge plus for a party that has gone all in on identity politics.
Tyler Durden
Mon, 02/16/2026 - 19:30
Students in Texas are protesting ICE despite threats from the governor, while Democrats in Illinois debate strategies to combat Trump's ICE. Homeland Security is also demanding social media companies reveal the identities behind anti-ICE posts, and ICE is pushing tech companies to identify protesters.
Asian carp, known for their leaping behavior, are causing significant problems in Midwest lakes, particularly for fishermen. An Illinois resident described extreme precautions, including helmets and nets, to protect his children while tubing.
Retail giant Walmart has announced plans to close one of its fulfillment centers located in Illinois. The closure is part of the company's ongoing operational adjustments.
The Illinois Fighting Illini and the UConn Huskies are set to compete tonight for a coveted spot in the championship game. Fans can find information on how to stream the high-stakes basketball match online.
The United States government has filed lawsuits against Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois, seeking to prevent these states from regulating prediction markets.
Martin Odum and his wife, both 71, have been raising their grandson Noah, who has spina bifida, for five years in central Illinois, describing the experience as financially draining despite their desire to provide him a good life.
Joe Abraham, an 'angel father,' criticizes Illinois Governor Pritzker's sanctuary policies, asserting they led to his daughter Katie's preventable death by an undocumented driver.
Illinois farmers David and Marcia Johnson constructed a unique 31-foot brick tower in Windsor, dubbed the 'Tower of Baa-Goat,' specifically for their goats to express natural climbing instincts, gaining online attention.
An Illinois woman was arrested in Wisconsin following a traffic stop where authorities discovered guns, drugs, and a child sleeping on the floor of her vehicle.
Exelon's stock is projected to reach $58 by the end of 2026, fueled by a 26% load growth in Illinois attributed to increasing demand from AI data centers.
The family of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old shot in Chicago, has rejected the 'senseless tragedy' narrative, calling for accountability from the city's mayor and Illinois governor.
Police allege that Jenna Strouble traveled from Indiana to Illinois to fatally shoot the father of her children, and subsequently killed his parents inside their Illinois home.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has admitted 'real failures' in immigration policy following the alleged murder of college student Sheridan Gorman by an undocumented immigrant, intensifying the debate on immigration policies that previously saw the Chicago mayor questioned.
A grieving parent, whose daughter was killed, warned that Illinois' sanctuary city policies continue to cost lives, following the recent death of an 18-year-old college student in Chicago.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sharply criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) after the pro-Israel group spent heavily in the state's primary elections.
A Croatian player's exceptional move during an NCAA March Madness game between Illinois and VCU Rams has gone viral, leaving opponents embarrassed and his brother in awe.
The Prairie State, home to a trio of Dick Wolf 'Chicago' shows and FX's 'The Bear,' saw production expenditures hit a high of $703 million as other locales see declines in projects.
Juliana Stratton, the winner of the Illinois Senate Democratic primary, has promised a 'fight' against former President Trump, signaling an aggressive campaign strategy.
Indian-origin Raja Krishnamoorthi, an 'immigrant with 29 letters in name,' issued a heartfelt statement about his American identity after losing the Illinois Senate Democratic primary.
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi holds a significant ad spending advantage in the Illinois Senate race, with over two-thirds of media buys coming from his own campaign.
Voters in Illinois will head to the polls Tuesday for statewide primary elections. Among the races is the Democratic primary contest to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Upcoming Democratic primaries in Illinois are expected to serve as a referendum on the party's support for Israel, as polls indicate a growing sympathy among Democratic voters for Palestinians.
Accusations are emerging in an Illinois Democratic primary that allies of a pro-Israel group are attempting to divide progressives, highlighting a broader rift within the party.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is now accepting applications for its annual summer job program, offering employment opportunities to local residents.
The Illinois Democratic primary for Senate faces concerns that two Black female candidates may split the Black vote, with growing anger over well-funded efforts to widen this divide.
The Department of Homeland Security has released video footage showing Illinois woman Sunny Naqvi leaving ICE detention, following controversy surrounding her 'ICE detention' as a US citizen.
Advocates in Illinois are pushing for the implementation of a permanent statewide guaranteed income program, building on the success of a pilot initiative in Cook County that provided monthly cash handouts.
Scandal-plagued former Illinois Mayor Tiffany Henyard, who faced corruption probes and FBI subpoenas, is seeking a political comeback as a Republican in Georgia.
A winning Mega Millions lottery ticket worth $533 million was sold in Illinois, making one lucky individual a new multi-millionaire and prompting discussions on what they could take home.
The intervention of AIPAC supporters in Chicago-area Democratic primaries, including one race with opposing Jewish candidates, has made the pro-Israel lobby a contentious issue on the left.
A wave of dangerous weather phenomena, including potential tornadoes and hurricane-force winds, is forecast for several US states from Texas to Illinois later this week.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois men’s basketball suffered its fifth Big Ten loss of the season on Friday. The Illini suffered defeat against Michigan, 84-70. Illinois started strong, opening up a 16-11 lead in the first seven minutes. However, former Illinois big man Morez Johnson Jr. found a groove in the first half and scored […]
The Indiana House has passed a bill concerning a potential stadium for the Chicago Bears with a 95-4 vote, as Illinois continues negotiations with the team.
A seven-year-old girl from Illinois, Mia, is being hailed as a hero and will receive the keys to her hometown for her incredible bravery in saving her father's life.
Each state has its own signature sandwich, from grilled cheese to a burger known as the Jucy Lucy.
LauriPatterson/Getty Images
Each state has its own signature sandwich, from a grilled cheese to something called a Jucy Lucy.
Indiana claims to have the best pork tenderloin sandwich in the nation.
Illinois is known for the Horseshoe, an open-face sandwich topped with fries and cheese sauce.
Every state, from Alabama to Wyoming, has its own signature sandwich that locals can't get enough of.
F...
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has accused Governor JB Pritzker of 'gubernatorial malpractice' as the Chicago Bears explore moving to Indiana for a new stadium.
A new Illinois bill aims to eliminate the Chicago wagering tax and reduce the price of three stand-alone mobile licenses from $20 million to $15 million.
Lewis University in Illinois moved classes from its Oak Brook campus after discovering ICE rents office space in the same building, citing its Catholic mission.
Meta is reportedly planning its largest election spending, aiming for $65 million to back state-level candidates supporting the AI industry. The social media giant is establishing new political groups to influence emerging AI regulations, with initial efforts focused on Texas and Illinois. This move signals a significant shift in Meta's political engagement strategy.
Illinois faces losing $128M in federal highway funding after USDOT finds one-in-five CDL licenses issued to noncitizens were allegedly illegal under federal law.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is facing accusations of covert campaigning in Illinois, as Democratic support for the organization appears to be wavering.
A cooperative gymnastics team in Illinois, comprising athletes from three high schools, is at the center of a disagreement with the IHSA over a new rule affecting co-op sports.
Which US States Are Seeing Incomes Rise The Fastest (And Slowest)
Since 2019, U.S. household incomes have surged - rising from $68,700 to $83,730 nationally, a 21.9% increase in just five years.
But where you live matters a lot.
While some states tracked close to the national average, others saw incomes climb at nearly double the pace, driven by booming local industries and major investment.
States like Colorado posted outsized gains, while Georgia’s expanding EV industry brought billions in investment and rising paychecks.
The map, via Visual Capitalist's Dorothy Neufeld, shows which states saw the fastest growth in median household income from 2019 to 2024, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Trends in Median Income by State
Below, we show the change in median household income for all 50 U.S. states and D.C. between 2019 and 2024 using nominal figures (not adjusted for inflation):
Rank
State
Change in Median Household Income
Median Household Income 2019
Median Household Income 2024
1
Colorado
46.9%
$72,500
$106,500
2
Georgia
43.4%
$56,630
$81,210
3
Maine
36.3%
$66,550
$90,730
4
Montana
36.1%
$60,190
$81,920
5
Tennessee
34.0%
$56,630
$75,860
6
Rhode Island
31.6%
$70,150
$92,290
7
Massachusetts
29.9%
$87,710
$113,900
8
Florida
29.6%
$58,370
$75,630
9
Iowa
29.4%
$66,050
$85,480
10
Missouri
29.4%
$60,600
$78,390
11
California
28.8%
$78,100
$100,600
12
New Hampshire
28.7%
$86,900
$111,800
13
North Dakota
25.8%
$70,030
$88,080
14
Mississippi
25.0%
$44,790
$55,980
15
Ohio
24.5%
$64,660
$80,520
16
South Dakota
24.3%
$64,260
$79,850
17
Michigan
23.9%
$64,120
$79,460
18
South Carolina
23.8%
$62,030
$76,780
19
Idaho
23.7%
$65,990
$81,650
20
Utah
23.0%
$84,520
$104,000
21
Wisconsin
22.6%
$67,350
$82,560
22
New York
20.8%
$71,850
$86,830
23
Texas
20.8%
$67,440
$81,490
24
Wyoming
20.8%
$65,130
$78,680
25
New Mexico
20.8%
$53,110
$64,140
26
Oregon
20.5%
$74,410
$89,700
27
Virginia
20.2%
$81,310
$97,720
28
Kansas
19.9%
$73,150
$87,690
29
Arizona
19.9%
$70,670
$84,700
30
Arkansas
18.9%
$54,540
$64,840
31
Washington
18.3%
$82,450
$97,500
32
New Jersey
18.0%
$87,730
$103,500
33
Nebraska
17.9%
$73,070
$86,140
34
West Virginia
17.6%
$53,710
$63,150
35
Louisiana
17.5%
$51,710
$60,740
36
Alabama
16.7%
$56,200
$65,560
37
Alaska
16.4%
$78,390
$91,260
38
Kentucky
16.4%
$55,660
$64,790
39
Delaware
15.7%
$74,190
$85,860
40
Indiana
15.0%
$66,690
$76,710
41
Maryland
14.8%
$95,570
$109,700
42
Vermont
14.7%
$74,310
$85,260
43
Connecticut
13.7%
$87,290
$99,240
44
Nevada
13.7%
$70,910
$80,590
45
Pennsylvania
13.4%
$70,580
$80,060
46
Minnesota
13.4%
$81,430
$92,350
47
Illinois
13.2%
$74,400
$84,210
48
District of Columbia
12.6%
$93,110
$104,800
49
Hawaii
11.6%
$88,010
$98,240
50
Oklahoma
9.9%
$59,400
$65,310
51
North Carolina
9.9%
$61,160
$67,220
Colorado’s thriving tech industry helped push median income up 46.9%, the fastest rise across states.
With $165,606 in average earnings across the sector in 2023, Colorado ranked sixth-highest nationally. From software to renewable energy, employment growth has expanded by double- or even triple-digit percentages across various roles since 2018.
Georgia ranks in a close second, with median incomes climbing 43.4%. In particular, the EV and aerospace sectors are playing a key role in job creation. Since 2018, the state has seen $27.3 billion in investment across EV, aerospace, and battery manufacturers including Rivian and SK Battery America.
Maine, meanwhile, saw wages rise 36.3%. In 2024, wages across the tech sector saw the steepest jump of 11.4% while those in the construction sector saw strong gains of 8.5%. Other factors, such as its older population and tight labor market, have further boosted wages.
Falling near the middle of the pack were New York and Texas, each with wage gains of 20.8% between 2019 and 2024.
By contrast, North Carolina and Oklahoma saw only 9.9% cumulative wage growth, the weakest performance nationwide. Median household income in both states remains well below the U.S. average and still trails pre-pandemic levels.
To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on average hourly earnings by state in 2025.
Tyler Durden
Sat, 02/14/2026 - 22:45
Milorad Dodik, leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), is set to be the main guest at the World Leaders Forum 2026 in Elgin, Illinois, where he will receive an award for "leadership and defense of democracy."
A unique and seemingly impossible overlap has been identified, linking figures like Bill Murray and Jon Scheyer with college sports teams UConn, Illinois, and Duke.
Nano Nuclear has submitted a Construction Permit Application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its Kronos microreactor project in Illinois, marking a significant step for the company.
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to support Anthony Bova, the father of 16-year-old Lilly Bova, who was fatally shot in Glenview, Illinois, with her distressed father now sharing an emotional post following her death.
Pope Leo XIV (likely a typo for Pope Francis) met with a delegation from the Illinois Municipal League and urged mayors from his native Illinois to continue their commitment to supporting migrants.
The third wave of 'No Kings' protests against Donald Trump has swept across over three thousand locations in the United States, with celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, Jane Fonda, and Joan Baez joining millions of demonstrators.
Facial recognition technology helped identify a suspect in the alleged murder of Sheridan Gorman, but a retired detective warns that a new Illinois bill could ban the crucial investigative tool.
An Illinois doctor successfully transitioned from $1 million in debt to significant wealth through real estate investments, utilizing her 401(k) to initiate her financial growth.
Illinois Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider condemned fellow Democratic members and candidates for their association with streamer Hasan Piker, whom he labeled an unapologetic antisemite.
Following the brutal murder of Loyola college student Sheridan Gorman, 'Angel Parents' are criticizing Illinois sanctuary laws, reigniting a contentious debate over immigration policies. Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has now shared a shocking theory, suggesting the killing by suspect Jose Medina-Medina may have been part of a 'gang initiation'.
The EEOC found that Planned Parenthood of Illinois violated Title VII by segregating employees by race and discriminating against White employees, leading to a $500,000 settlement.
A new shelter village named 'The Bridge' has recently opened in central Illinois, providing temporary and private accommodations for unhoused individuals as a stepping stone to permanent housing.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is facing increasing criticism and calls for his resignation, including from Katie Abraham's father, for his perceived silence and handling of student murders like that of Sheridan Gorman.
Mar. 22—Ben Humrichous was talking with Jason Jakstys on Friday when the realization hit. Saturday's game against VCU could be his last. His final game with Illinois.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation, which found the organization's DEI practices violated federal civil rights laws concerning the treatment of white employees.
A key loss for AIPAC in Illinois is seen as a signal of growing challenges for the pro-Israel lobby among Democrats, who are increasingly angered by Israel's current government and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A staggering $125 million was spent on the Illinois primary elections, where six Democratic Party candidates were chosen to represent the party in the November elections.
An opinion piece from the Wall Street Journal discusses a perceived 'glimmer of hope' regarding the state of Illinois, suggesting positive developments or outlooks.
The cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence industries experienced a setback in their efforts to influence midterm elections and establish themselves as significant power players in American politics in Illinois.
Gov. JB Pritzker invested capital, both political and the more traditional kind, in the Senate race of his lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton. Her victory could help them both.
Following near-record retirements, Illinois voters have elected a new generation of Democrats to the House and Senate, with results coming in after primary elections held amidst cold weather.
Several groups with ties to the pro-Israel group have spent at least $20 million in four primaries backing candidates who are likely to support their cause in Washington.
An Illinois doctor successfully transitioned from $1 million in debt to significant wealth through real estate investments, leveraging her 401(k) to initiate her financial growth.
A Democratic primary for the Illinois Senate seat is showcasing divisions over crypto regulation and the impact of billionaire influence, with the industry spending millions against Governor Pritzker's preferred candidate.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a vocal critic of Donald Trump, has gained national prominence within the Democratic Party, raising questions about his future political ambitions.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's political brand is reportedly on the line due to his involvement or association with a political race in which he is not a direct candidate.
Kat Abughazaleh, a young Democratic figure of Palestinian descent, is being touted as a rising star and potential successor to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky for Illinois' 9th congressional district.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a novel magnetic material that behaves like graphene, discovering a surprising mathematical link between two areas of condensed matter physics.
A preview of the Illinois at Maryland basketball game, including game time, TV channel, online streaming options, and odds for the regular season finale.
Lawmakers in Illinois and Indiana are holding meetings to discuss proposed bills that would guide state assistance for the Chicago Bears stadium project, as an amendment was filed in Springfield.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has renewed his push to ban cellphones in schools across the state, following a similar effort that failed to pass last year.
Evanston, Illinois' plan to offer $25,000 reparations payments to Black residents is drawing criticism for being misguided, divisive, and potentially unconstitutional.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed surprise and frustration over the Chicago Bears' announcement regarding a new stadium, stating the state was not adequately informed.
How Bhattacharya's NIH Is Rethinking China, DEI, And High‑Risk Labs
Authored by Jeff Louderback, Jan Jekielek via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
For decades, scientists have looked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an agency that publishes papers, according to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, in Washington, on Feb. 8, 2026. Irene Luo/The Epoch Times
Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the emphasis for NIH funding has shifted to “provable, testable hypotheses, not ideological narratives,” he said, which is resulting in widespread reforms to the agency.
Bhattacharya, who obtained both a doctorate in economics and a medical degree from Stanford University within three years of each other, outlined changes that the NIH has implemented in his first year as the agency’s director and talked about his vision for the next three years in an interview with Epoch Times Senior Editor Jan Jekielek.
The NIH has been instrumental in medical advances for decades, Bhattacharya said, but in the 21st century, it became “much more of a staid institution, not willing to take intellectual risks.”
During the same time, the agency “was willing to take risks on dangerous gain-of-function and other social agendas, like DEI, that it had no business really engaging in.”
“I think the NIH now, under my leadership, under President Trump’s leadership, and under what Secretary [Robert F.] Kennedy is looking over … is focused on actually addressing the chronic health problems of this country, reversing the flatlining of life expectancy, and making good on its mission ... research that improves the health and longevity of the American people, and the whole world,” he said.
One of the 13 agencies managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH is the largest supporter of biomedical research globally, providing 85 percent of all biomedical research funding worldwide, according to Bhattacharya.
It funds about $50 billion in scientific research via grants to hundreds of thousands of researchers at academic institutions and hospitals, he said.
The NIH is not an agency that makes decisions or policies about public health directly, Bhattacharya said, noting that he intends to “remove the politicization of science that has existed for decades.”
The National Institutes of Health Gateway Center in Bethesda, Md., on June 8, 2025. During President Donald Trump’s second term, National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said the agency “is focused on actually addressing the chronic health problems of this country.” Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters/File Photo
Political Agendas
Over the past 15 to 20 years, the NIH has incorporated political rather than scientific agendas, Bhattacharya told The Epoch Times.
“Probably the most prominent example of this is DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said.
“If you were a researcher outside the NIH, the ticket to getting sort of extra, relatively easy funds was to promise to do DEI research. Looking into it, much of that research had no real scientific basis at all. I don’t even characterize this as science.”
As an example, Bhattacharya used a project that studied the question: “Is structural racism the root reason why African Americans have worse hypertension results than other races?”
“The problem with that hypothesis is that there’s no way to test it,” he said. “If structural racism is the cause, then what control group can you have to test the idea that that is true? ... None of that actually translated over to better health for anybody, much less for African Americans.
“Scientists of the country understand that if they want NIH support, they need to propose projects that have the chance of improving the health of people rather than achieving some ideology that should not belong at the NIH.”
The NIH has redirected its funding since Trump took office for his second term.
That includes allocating funds for “early career scientists,” Bhattacharya said.
President Donald Trump (C) speaks as National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (2nd L) looks on during a press conference at the White House on May 12, 2025. The NIH redirected its funding priorities after Trump began his second term. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Funding Changes
There should be “fundamental changes” with the way the NIH funds educational institutions, Bhattacharya said, and he intends to work with Congress “to make [this] happen.”
On Jan. 5, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration cannot reduce the amount of money the NIH pays grant recipients for indirect costs, including administration and facility maintenance.
The ruling applies to three lawsuits filed by the attorneys general of Massachusetts and 21 other states, as well as hospitals, schools, and the associations that represent them.
The NIH published a guidance document in February 2025 to limit how much grant funding could flow to research institutions to cover their indirect costs. These are costs that cannot be directly attributed to an individual research project and include expenses related to funding equipment, facilities, and research staff.
The guidance document states that these indirect costs could not exceed 15 percent of funding for direct research costs, regardless of the costs incurred at universities. The NIH stated that Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard charged in excess of 60 percent for indirect costs, even though they had billions of dollars in endowments.
Attorneys for those who filed suit said small universities don’t have such large endowments and that if the guidance took effect, there would be many layoffs, stalled clinical trials, and laboratory closures.
“If you don’t have amazing scientists who can win the grants, you’re not going to get the facility support. But in order to attract excellent scientists to your institution, you have to have excellent facilities. It’s the kind of Catch-22 that guarantees that our funding from the NIH is going to be concentrated in relatively few institutions,” Bhattacharya said.
Scientists at schools such as the University of Alabama, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Kansas deserve access to funding like Stanford and Harvard, he said.
A researcher studies skin wound healing in a lab at the University of Illinois Chicago in Chicago on March 5, 2025. On Jan. 5, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration could not limit the percentage amount the National Institutes of Health pays grant recipients for indirect costs, including administrative expenses and facility maintenance. Scott Olson/Getty Images
Dealing With China
The NIH must be “very careful about how we fund research relationships with China, especially post-pandemic,” Bhattacharya said.
“The U.S. invested in the Chinese biomedical research enterprise. Almost every single top Chinese biomedical research scientist of note was funded in some part by the NIH. Many were trained in the United States, so we invested heavily in that,” he said.
“Post-pandemic, and especially given the geopolitical circumstances we are in now, it looks, in retrospect, like it wasn’t all that wise an investment.”
The NIH must implement more secure measures with foreign research, he said, referencing the collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
“In the case of Wuhan, what happened was that the NIH funded … Eco Health Alliance, which had a sub-award relationship with the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” Bhattacharya said.
“When the pandemic happened, and the NIH had an interest in getting the lab notebooks of what exactly was studied in Wuhan, the Eco Health Alliance essentially delayed reporting at all about what it knew had happened,” Bhattacharya said.
“They ultimately said, ‘Oh, well, we don’t control Wuhan Institute of Virology. We can’t get the lab notebooks.’”
He noted that the NIH “funded research in collaboration with China that was actually quite dangerous and may indeed have led to the pandemic.”
Under Bhattacharya, the NIH now has more stringent auditing processes with domestic and foreign institutions.
“If it is NIH-funded, then [the domestic and the foreign institutions] have to have direct auditing relationships united with the NIH,“ he said. ”Then the NIH can shut off money to the foreign institution, if it’s not cooperating. ... It’s called a sub-project system. It’s one of the first things that I did.”
Read the rest here...
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/19/2026 - 21:45
Teacher Loses Career Over Two-Word Facebook Post Supporting ICE
James Heidorn, who taught at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, found himself at the center of a community firestorm that cost him not just his teaching position but his identity as an educator, all for posting two words on Facebook: "Go ICE."
The incident began in late January when Heidorn, a 14-year physical education teacher, responded to a news story about a local police department pledging cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His personal Facebook post sparked immediate backlash in the heavily Hispanic district, with local activists circulating screenshots and demanding action against him.
School officials quickly notified Heidorn on Jan. 22 about growing social media chatter.
After meeting with HR staff that same day, he resigned briefly, then rescinded his decision hours later.
He was set to return on Monday pending an investigation. The investigation never got that chance.
"This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal," former West Chicago teacher James Heidorn told Fox News Digital.
"I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model. To see it all upended over two simple words, ‘Go ICE,’ where I expressed my personal support for law enforcement felt like a severe blow to my career."
Indeed, the outcry was relentless.
Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa, a Democrat, publicly condemned the post.
"I stand in unwavering solidarity with families upset about the disturbing comments reportedly made by an educator," Villa said.
West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey joined the pile-on before any investigation concluded. In a Saturday Facebook video, he explained why Heidorn's comments were "hurtful" and "offensive" to the community.
"So to have someone cavalierly rooting on—as if it's a football game or something, yeah go—events which have traumatized these children… that is the issue," Bovey said.
Meanwhile, parents organized online, planning a boycott by keeping their kids from school, and the city held a “listening session” on Jan. 26 at Bovey’s request, complete with a Spanish translator. Attendees described the post as "cruel" and said "kids do not feel safe."
Heidorn maintained that his post meant nothing beyond supporting law enforcement.
"This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more," Heidorn said. "It wasn't directed at any student, family or school community."
The distinction made no difference to the community or to the school administrators.
"I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out, with this it led to my resignation," Heidorn said. He resigned a second time rather than face termination after a hearing with school officials.
A West Chicago Elementary School District 33 spokesperson called the post "disruptive" and said it "raised concerns and caused disruption for students, families and staff." The district declined to specify which rule Heidorn violated or whether teachers who publicly disrupt in favor of opposing immigration enforcement would face similar consequences. In fact, teachers across the country have protested President Trump's immigration policies without repercussions. In Chicago specifically, teachers even stormed a Target and harassed employees over the same policies without losing their jobs. But expressing support for law enforcement in Chicago is apparently controversial.
"It does feel like a double standard—due to my viewpoint being different from others within the community that I taught in," Heidorn said. "Fairness should apply equally, regardless of those viewpoints. If personal political speech is grounds for punishment, it should be consistent—not selective based on what side you're on."
The fallout extended beyond his teaching position. Heidorn lost his coaching job at a nearby private school. He must now inform future employers that he resigned and explain why. "I really don't know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do," Heidorn said.
He earned a master's degree in educational leadership to become the best teacher possible. Now he spends time healing. "I lost my career, my income and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes," Heidorn said.
Despite the loud outcry, Heidorn has received some local support, including a GoFundMe being set up for him.
“James Heidorn, a beloved physical education teacher at Gary Elementary School, resigned after a single social media comment ignited outrage and a one-sided account that quickly spiraled beyond control,” the GoFundMe page reads. “What followed was not reflection or fairness, but permanent consequences that have changed the course of his life.”
As for his future, he’s not sure what’s going to happen.
"I really don’t know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do," he said. "It is all I have ever studied for and teaching is what has defined me. Even advancing my education with a master's degree in educational leadership because I wanted to become the best teacher I can be."
Heidorn said he’s exploring other options in education or related fields. “I want people to know I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from those who reached out, donated or shared my story,” he said. “It reminds me that most people value fairness and second chances. I’m determined to move forward positively and keep contributing to kids’ lives in whatever way I can.”
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 - 16:40
The restaurant can keep menu term despite claim product is ‘essentially chicken nuggets’, Illinois ruling says
A customer who sued the US restaurant chain Buffalo Wild Wings after finding out their “boneless wings” were not in fact made of wings has been told by a US judge that his claim has “has no meat on its bones”.
Buffalo Wild Wings can continue using the term “boneless wings” on its menu even though the product is “essentially chicken nuggets”, John Tharp, a district judge, ruled, dismissing a lawsuit that claimed the chain was misleading customers.
Continue reading...
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Dozens met at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Monday, celebrating the life of Dave Downey — including longtime friend and former University of Illinois President Bernard Joseph White. “He brought stability, he brought comfort, he brought common sense and he was the best friend a man could have,” White […]
An Illinois school district is under scrutiny for a controversial DEI plan that allegedly includes racial segregation of students, following faculty celebrations of Charlie Kirk's death.
Eat The Rich: California Democrats Trigger Reverse Gold Rush With Wealth Tax
Authored by Jonathan Turley,
This month, the anniversary of the California Gold Rush came and passed with little mention … for good reason. When James W. Marshall found gold at Sutter’s Mill, millions traveled great distances to seek their fortune in the “Golden State.”
Now, 178 years later, California has engineered an inverse Gold Rush, virtually chasing wealth from the state. Rather than covered wagons going West, there is a line of U-Hauls going anywhere other than California.
From boondoggle projects to reparations, California politicians continue to rack up new spending projects despite a soaring deficit and shrinking tax base.
Rather than exercise a modicum of fiscal restraint, Democrats are pushing through a tax that takes five percent of the wealth of any billionaires left in the state.
I have long criticized the tax as perfectly moronic for a state with the highest tax burden and one of the highest flight rates of top taxpayers.
In my new book, “Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution,” I discuss the reversal of fortunes in California and other blue states as politicians unleash new “eat the rich” campaigns before the midterm elections.
The problem, of course, is that billionaires are mobile, as is their wealth. Liberals expect billionaires to stay put in a type of voluntary canned hunt. They are not. Billionaires are joining the growing exodus from the state, taking their companies, investments, and jobs with them.
The latest billionaire to be chased off may be Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who is reportedly heading for Florida.
The growing departures have triggered outrage among many on the left, who are in disbelief that billionaires will just not stand still to be fleeced.
Former New York Magazine editor Kara Swisher captured that rage in a recent posting, declaring “you made…all your money in California, you ungrateful piece of s***, you could figure out a way to pay more taxes, and we deserve the taxes from you, given you made your wealth here . . . so why don’t we just do shock and awe at this point, because you don’t seem to be availing yourself to thinking that you owe your state something more.”
By some estimates, California has already cost over a trillion dollars in lost investments and business. That is no small achievement.
Here’s a mind teaser: How can you burn a trillion dollars (which would create a stack some 67,866 miles high) without taking years and destroying the environment?
California politicians have a solution: Have people take it out of the state in a reverse gold rush.
In addition to saying that they want to grab 5 percent of the wealth of these billionaires, California Democrats are planning to base wealth calculations on the voting shares of corporate executives. Often, particularly with start-ups, entrepreneurs have greater voting shares than actual ownership. However, they will be taxed as if voting shares amounted to actual wealth.
In other words, California is moving to nuke the entrepreneurs who created the Silicon Valley boom.
Emmanuel Saez, the U.C. Berkeley economist who helped design the tax, insists that they may not want to stay, but they will still be tapped. They are planning to trap the wealthy fleeing the state retroactively: “The tax is based on residence as of Jan. 1, 2026, sharply limiting their ability to flee the state to avoid paying. Despite billionaires’ threats to leave, I think extremely few will have been able to change residence by Jan. 1, given the complexity of doing so.”
The effort to retroactively impose such a tax is legally controversial and will face years of challenges. In my view, this is unconstitutional, but admittedly it is a murky area.
Regardless of the outcome, a wealth tax will affect a wide range of other wealthy taxpayers. If Democrats can get a retroactive wealth tax to be upheld, it is doubtful that they will stop with billionaires. Why should other top taxpayers stick around to find out where the next cull will fall in the tax brackets?
Recently, Gavin Newsom boasted, “California isn’t just keeping pace with the world — we’re setting the pace.” That is undeniably true if the measure is the record number of U-Hauls fleeing the state — more than any other state. Indeed, the only thing harder to find than a wealthy taxpayer in California appears to be a U-Haul.
According to U-Haul’s data, the state is again leading blue states in the exodus. The Washington Post noted recently that “California came in last. Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey rounded out the bottom five. Of the bottom 10, seven voted blue in the last election.” Conversely, “nine of the top 10 growth states voted red in the last presidential election,” with Texas again leading the growth states.
The Post put it succinctly, “People want to live in pro-growth, low-tax states, while the biggest losers tend to be places with big governments and high taxes.”
The problem is that, while the economics are horrific, the politics remain irresistible.
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, who represents part of Silicon Valley, recently mocked billionaires rushing to escape the state. Laughing at his own constituents, Khanna quipped, “I will miss them very much.”
You will not be alone as California becomes known as the La Brea Tar Pit of taxation.
They are on the verge of converting the state motto from “Eureka” to “Welcome to Hotel California, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”
Jonathan Turley is a law professor and the best-selling author of “Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution.”
Tyler Durden
Sat, 02/14/2026 - 20:15