Good morning, Chicago.
Anticipating a lack of federal funding under the new presidential administration, Illinois has postponed construction in a long-awaited $1.15 billion project to stop the movement of invasive carp up Illinois waterways and into Lake Michigan. A groundbreaking ceremony had originally been scheduled for today.
Should the fish reach the Great Lakes, they would pose a significant threat to the region’s native species and aquatic ecosystems, as well as its billion-dollar fishing and boating industries. The project at Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet is part of a decadeslong infrastructure effort between Illinois, Michigan and the federal government to deter the upstream movement of silver and bighead carp.
As President Donald Trump’s administration continues to withhold $117 million worth of federal grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, grinding 70 infrastructure projects across the state to a halt, IDNR director Natalie Phelps Finnie and Gov. JB Pritzker expressed concerns about starting construction at Brandon Road if funds critical for the next two phases are held back.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Adriana Pérez.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
President Donald Trump pardons ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich nearly 5 years after commuting his sentence
Nearly five years after commuting former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s federal prison sentence, President Donald Trump on Monday granted a full pardon to the disgraced former governor who was convicted more than 13 years ago on an array of corruption charges, including fundraising schemes and attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat for his personal benefit.
Blagojevich, outside his Ravenswood Manor home late Monday hours after the president officially signed the pardon, told reporters he learned personally from Trump a few weeks ago that the move was imminent. He said he had the “deepest and most profound and everlasting gratitude for President Trump for what he’s done today for the full presidential pardon.”
Trump says ceasefire deal should be canceled if Hamas doesn’t release all hostages by Saturday
President Donald Trump said that a precarious ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas should be canceled if Hamas doesn’t release all the remaining hostages it is holding in Gaza by midday on Saturday — though he also said that such a decision would be up to Israel.
Donald Trump signs off on 25% steel and aluminum tariffs
President Donald Trump removed the exceptions and exemptions from his 2018 tariffs on steel, meaning that all steel imports will be taxed at a minimum of 25%. Trump also hiked his 2018 aluminum tariffs to 25% from 10%.
Illinois and 21 other states file lawsuit challenging ‘devastating’ cuts to federal health research funding
Illinois is co-leading a lawsuit filed by 22 states yesterday challenging a Trump administration plan to limit certain types of federal grant payments for health research — an action the states say could be “devastating” but that the federal government says will ensure money goes toward research and not administrative costs.
Gov. JB Pritzker signs ‘Karina’s Bill,’ aimed at getting guns away from alleged domestic abusers
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a measure yesterday aimed at shoring up protections for domestic violence victims by spelling out when law enforcement is required to take guns from alleged abusers with orders of protection against them.
What was popularly known as “Karina’s bill” was named after a woman who was shot and killed in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood about two years ago after she had filed a restraining order against her husband. That action should have required him to give up his gun as the case went through the court system.
As Bally’s Chicago navigates challenges, south suburban newcomer Wind Creek becoming big player among state’s casinos
As Bally’s Chicago navigates a demolition delay, a lawsuit over its initial public offering and stagnant revenues, the new Wind Creek Chicago Southland is becoming a big player, catapulting to second place among the state’s 16 casinos in revenue and admissions for January.
Launched in November, the south suburban casino has already established itself as a top gambling destination, generating nearly $13.3 million in adjusted gross receipts and drawing more than 171,000 visitors last month, according to data from the Illinois Gaming Board.
Shota Imanaga will get a Tokyo Series start for the Chicago Cubs as he builds upon his stellar rookie year
Shota Imanaga‘s rookie season could not have played out much better than how he pitched for the Chicago Cubs.
“He’s passed and excelled at really every challenge that’s been put in front of him,” manager Craig Counsell said Monday. “That’s what he did last year — the nature of competitive sports is you’ve got to go do it again. And he looks forward to that, as all these guys do.”
Milwaukee Brewers unveil patch they will wear on their uniforms to honor Bob Uecker
The Milwaukee Brewers have unveiled a patch they will wear on their uniform this season to honor longtime broadcaster Bob Uecker, who died last month.
Column: Worst Super Bowl ever? From awful ads to a divisive halftime show to a boring game, 10 things to forget.
Just how bad was Super Bowl LIX?
Try 2024 Chicago White Sox bad, writes Paul Sullivan. Will Smith Oscars punch bad. Pauly Shore movie catalogue bad.
Baked with love: Recipe for a light, airy pavlova that will woo your Valentine
This meringue-based dessert was named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova over a century ago. It’s enchantingly messy, with a shattering, melting outer crust yielding to a soft, marshmallow-like center. To complement the lean, sweet meringue, add a pile of whipped cream, a dribble of tangy lemon curd, a shower of fresh, juicy fruit and maybe some chopped nuts to sink your teeth into. (Oh, and it happens to be gluten-free.)
‘SNL50’ anniversary special will feature Dave Chappelle, Steve Martin, Bad Bunny, Paul McCartney and more
The “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary special will include guest appearances by Steve Martin, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, John Mulaney, Dave Chappelle and numerous other stars who’ve been associated with the show over the years — in addition to a host of alumni, including from the show’s very first cast.
