Valentine Vibes, Sports Wins, and City Politics in One Week

Chicago celebrates love with a bright sports highlight. An American skier got engaged after winning gold at the Milan Cortina Games, while ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates earned silver. The U. S. team also saw Lindsey Vonn crash and miss the Games, but Jordan Stolz won gold in speedskating. Chloe Kim snagged silver in women’s halfpipe snowboarding, and Ilia Malinin fell twice, missing a podium spot. Seattle’s Super Bowl victory earned the Lombardi Trophy after Sam Darnold and a tough defense beat New England. Fans, however, cheered more for Bad Bunny’s halftime show. Chicago football fans faced pressure from neighboring states Indiana and Iowa, which offered incentives to lure the Bears. Meanwhile, Illinois officials pushed a bill that could keep the team in-state and protect residents from rising utility costs caused by data centers.The Trump administration cut federal money for Illinois, California, Colorado and Minnesota, pulling $100 million from transportation and $600 million in health care grants. A judge paused these cuts, giving the affected states a brief reprieve. Minnesota ended an immigration operation that sparked protests and arrests, leading to student walkouts in Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson said his office would not forward alleged misconduct by immigration agents to the county attorney, after criticism from the prosecutor’s office. Political endorsements flowed into the midterms. Governor Pritzker backed a candidate for Illinois comptroller, while Cook County President Preckwinkle declined the Chicago Teachers Union’s endorsement. GOP Senate primary candidates avoided attacking the president during their debate. Chicago offers Valentine events and restaurant specials, though reservations may still be tight.