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 sta te 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. Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles Games | Today in History DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin flanked by Deputy director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Madison Sheahan, left, and Acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons, speaks during a news conference at ICE Headquarters, in Washington, May 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) 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. Carolyn Dunbar, of University Park, is hugged by Ziff Sistrunk as she lays flowers in memory of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., outside Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Chicago on Feb. 17, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) 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. Lori Lightfoot: The Rev. Jesse Jackson challenged me to think bigger Photos: The legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle attends an interfaith breakfast ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) 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. Dusk falls on the Illinois State Capitol, Jan. 7, 2025, in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) 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. Then-Cook County Board Member Jeff Tobolski meets with the County Board on Sept. 11, 2013, in Chicago. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune) 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. Bears President Kevin Warren walks on the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) 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. Athletes compete during the men’s sprint race at the Ski Mountaineering World Cup event in Bormio, Italy, on Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) 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. Slalom is Mikaela Shiffrin’s last shot at an Olympic medal. The good news? It’s her best event. Photos: The best images from Day 11 of the 2026 Winter Olympics Chicago-based composers Kari Watson, left, and Kelley Sheehan sit in a studio in the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University on Feb. 10, 2026. They have composed works that are included in this year's Frequency Festival, a weeklong showcase of avant-garde and experimental music. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) 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. Steve Mosqueda, left, Sean Benjamin and Carolyn Benjamin of The Drinking Writing Theater company gather at the bar, Feb. 16, 2026, at Simon’s Tavern in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) 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. Honey Butter Beach Club lobster roll. (Honey Butter Beach Club) 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. ...read more read less