Chicago, Illinois Local News – Page 4

Position	White Sox	Brewers
Center Field	Luis Robert Jr.	Jackson Chourio
Shortstop	Colson Montgomery	Willy Adames
Starting Pitcher	Drew Thorpe	Freddy Peralta

'He did what he had to do': Grieving father attacks son’s accused killer inside North Carolina courthouse

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“Any father would’ve did the same thing.”

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David Schuman

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February 21, 2026

Fire vs Dynamo Preseason Prediction Game Today February 21: Can Chicago’s New Pieces Finally Click?

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February 21, 2026 | SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview | 7:30 PM CT | MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)

Preseason soccer is back at SeatGeek Stadium, and Chicago Fire FC fans are cautiously optimistic. After finishing 11–15–8 last year and missing the playoffs again, we need to see something—anything—that suggests this season will be different.

The Houston Dynamo (13–12–9, made the playoffs) are coming to town for our first real test of the offseason. Yeah, it’s just preseason. The result doesn’t count. But for Fire fans who’ve watched this team underperform for years, every game matters. We need to see progress. We need to see our new signings fit the system. We need to believe this won’t be another lost season.

Where the Fire Stand After Another Disappointing Year

2025 Record: 11–15–8 (11th in East)

Last season was frustrating in every way. We couldn’t score consistently. The defense had too many lapses. And despite having Xherdan Shaqiri—one of the most talented playmakers in MLS—we finished 11th in the Eastern Conference and watched the playoffs from home.

The front office made moves this offseason. We brought in a young striker from South America (name still being finalized, but the buzz is good) and added defensive reinforcements to shore up the backline. Brian Gutiérrez, our homegrown talent, is getting more responsibility. The pieces are there. The question is whether they’ll actually fit together.

Shaqiri remains our creative engine, but he can’t do it alone. He needs finishers who can convert the chances he creates. He needs a defense that won’t blow leads. And he needs a midfield that can keep up with his vision.

Houston Dynamo: Playoff Team Looking to Build

2025 Record: 13–12–9 (7th in West, playoff team)

Houston had a solid season. They made the playoffs behind Héctor Herrera’s leadership in midfield and Sebastián Ferreira’s scoring up top. They’re not a powerhouse, but they’re organized, disciplined, and know how to win games.

Herrera controls possession and dictates tempo. Ferreira is clinical in front of goal. Griffin Dorsey provides width and service from the right side. They’ve added midfield depth and a promising academy winger this offseason, so they’re looking to build on last year’s success.

This is exactly the type of team we should be competing with. They’re not Atlanta or LAFC. They’re a well-coached playoff team that maximizes their roster. If we can’t hang with Houston in preseason, that’s a red flag.

Head-to-Head: Where This Game Will Be Won

Position	Chicago Fire FC	Houston Dynamo
Midfield Engine	Xherdan Shaqiri	Héctor Herrera
Striker	New South American signing	Sebastián Ferreira
Defensive Anchor	Carlos Terán	Teenage Hadebe

Shaqiri vs Herrera in Midfield
This is the battle that determines everything. Shaqiri is the more talented player—his vision, passing, and creativity are elite. But Herrera is a winner. He controls games, doesn’t make mistakes, and leads by example. If Shaqiri can impose his will, we dominate. If Herrera dictates tempo, we’re chasing the game.

New Striker vs Sebastián Ferreira
Our new striker is making his debut in front of the Fire faithful. This is his chance to show he can finish the chances Shaqiri creates. Ferreira, meanwhile, is a proven MLS goalscorer. He’s clinical, he’s experienced, and he knows how to put the ball in the net. Advantage: Houston, until our guy proves otherwise.

Carlos Terán vs Houston’s Attack
Terán is our defensive anchor, and he needs to organize the backline and contain Houston’s pace on the wings. If he’s caught out of position or our defense breaks down like it did last season, Ferreira will punish us.

What the Fire Need to Do to Win This Game

New Striker Has to Announce Himself
First impressions matter. If our new signing comes out confident, makes good runs, and finishes a chance or two, the SeatGeek Stadium crowd will buy in immediately. We’ve been starved for a legitimate goalscorer. Show us you’re the guy.

Shaqiri Controls the Midfield
When Shaqiri’s engaged and dictating play, we’re dangerous. He needs to pull the strings, find pockets of space, and create chances for the new striker and Brian Gutiérrez. If he’s isolated or Houston’s midfield shuts him down, we’re in trouble.

Defense Stays Organized
Last year, defensive lapses killed us. Blown assignments, miscommunication, leaving runners unmarked—it cost us so many points. In preseason, coaches are evaluating fundamentals. If we look sloppy defensively against Houston, it’s a bad sign for the regular season.

Brian Gutiérrez Steps Up
Gutiérrez is our homegrown talent with serious potential. This preseason is his opportunity to show he’s ready for a bigger role. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, he needs to impact the game—smart runs, tidy passing, maybe a goal.

Win Set Pieces
Preseason games often get decided on set pieces because defenses are still getting their timing down. If we can win corners and free kicks in dangerous areas, we’ve got a real chance to score.

Why This Preseason Game Actually Matters

I know, I know—it’s preseason. The result doesn’t count. Coaches are rotating rosters and experimenting with lineups.

But for Fire fans who’ve endured years of mediocrity, this game matters because it’s our first chance to see if the offseason moves actually make a difference. Did we address our scoring problems? Can the defense hold up? Will the young guys step up?

Houston made the playoffs last year. We didn’t. If we can’t compete with them—even in a preseason friendly—what does that say about our chances in 2026?

Plus, it’s at SeatGeek Stadium. Our home. In front of our fans. We deserve to see a competitive, organized performance that gives us hope for the season ahead.

Fire Fan Prediction: Competitive, But We Fall Short

Final Score: Dynamo 2, Fire 1

I want to believe our new striker will score on debut. I want to believe Shaqiri will pull the strings and dominate the midfield. I want to believe the defense will look organized and disciplined.

But I’ve been a Fire fan long enough to know better.

Houston’s more cohesive. They’re a playoff team with chemistry and confidence. Héctor Herrera will control the midfield, and Sebastián Ferreira will find space and score. We’ll create chances—Shaqiri will make sure of that—but we’ll struggle to finish, just like last season.

Brian Gutiérrez might grab a goal to make it interesting. Our new striker will show flashes but won’t quite find his rhythm yet. And late in the game, Houston’s experience and fitness will pull them through.

It’s preseason, so the result doesn’t technically matter. But losing at home—even in a friendly—stings. And if we can’t hang with a team like Houston, the 2026 season is going to be a long one.

What We’re Watching For

Forget the final score for a second. Here’s what Fire fans need to see tonight:

✅ New striker looks dangerous – Makes good runs, gets on the end of chances
✅ Shaqiri is engaged – Dictating play, creating chances, looking motivated
✅ Defense communicates well – No blown assignments or silly mistakes
✅ Brian Gutiérrez shows growth – Confident on the ball, smart decisions
✅ Tactical identity is clear – We know what kind of team we’re trying to be

If we check those boxes, I can live with a loss. If we look disorganized, unmotivated, and clueless, it’s going to be a rough season.

Come on you Fire!!!

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David

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February 21, 2026

Bulls vs Pistons: Facing the East’s Best at the United Center

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February 21, 2026 | United Center | 8:00 PM ET | ESPN, NBC Sports Chicago

This one’s going to hurt before it even starts.

The Detroit Pistons (41–13) roll into the United Center riding a four-game winning streak and sitting comfortably at the top of the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, we’re 24–32, sitting in 12th place, and watching the play-in race slip further away with every loss.

Cade Cunningham just dropped 42 points on the Knicks. Jalen Duren is dominating the paint every night. The Pistons are legitimate title contenders, and we’re… well, we’re trying to figure out what we are.

But it’s our house. And if there’s ever a time to pull off a massive upset and remind people that the Bulls still have talent, it’s tonight on ESPN in front of a national audience.

The Detroit Pistons: Everything We’re Not Right Now

Record: 41–13 (1st in East)

Let’s give credit where it’s due—Detroit is legit. Cade Cunningham has turned into an MVP candidate, averaging elite scoring and playmaking numbers. Jalen Duren is a monster in the paint (13.3 points in the paint per game, best in the NBA). Ausar Thompson provides defense and athleticism on the wing.

They score 117.4 points per game while only allowing 111.0. They’re top-10 in defense. They dominate inside with 56.9 points in the paint per game. And they’re 8–3 in division play, which means they don’t take Central Division games lightly.

The Pistons just beat the Knicks 126–111, with Cunningham going nuclear for 42 points. That’s the kind of performance that wins you MVP votes. And now they’re walking into our building with all the confidence in the world.

Where the Bulls Stand (Spoiler: Not Good)

Record: 24–32 (12th in East)

We’ve lost three of our last four games. We’re 3–9 against division opponents, which is embarrassing. And defensively, we’re giving up 120.4 points per game—which is basically a death sentence against a team like Detroit that knows how to score.

What’s Actually Working:

We’re 3rd in the East in three-pointers made per game (14.6)
We’re 3rd in the East in assists per game (29.1)
The ball movement is solid when we’re locked in

What’s Not Working:

Defense. We can’t stop anyone.
Paint protection. We give up too many easy buckets inside.
Consistency. We’ll look competent one night, then fall apart the next.

DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Collin Sexton can all get buckets. But if we’re giving up 120+ points every night, it doesn’t matter how much we score.

The Matchup Numbers (Not Encouraging)

Category	Pistons	Bulls
Points Per Game	117.4	114.8
Points Allowed	111.0	120.4
Assists Per Game	27.5	29.1
3-Pointers Made	12.5	14.6
Paint Points	56.9	44.2

They score more. They defend better. They dominate the paint. We shoot more threes and pass the ball slightly better. That’s about it.

The paint scoring differential is brutal—they average 56.9 points in the paint while we only get 44.2. Jalen Duren is going to eat our frontcourt alive unless someone steps up defensively.

What the Bulls Need to Do (AKA Our Only Hope)

Hit Threes Early and Often

We’re 3rd in the East in three-point shooting. That’s our only real advantage in this game. If DeMar, Zach, and our shooters can knock down 15+ threes at a high percentage, we can stay in this. If we go cold from deep, we’re getting blown out.

Collin Sexton Has to Run the Show

Sexton leads the team in assists, and his playmaking is crucial. He needs to push the pace, create open looks, and get our shooters going early. If he can’t control the tempo, Cade Cunningham will dictate everything and we’re cooked.

Someone—Anyone—Needs to Slow Down Jalen Duren

Duren’s averaging 13.3 points in the paint per game, and he feasts on weak interior defenses like ours. We need physicality, we need help defense, and we need someone to body him up and make him uncomfortable. If he gets easy dunks and putbacks all night, it’s over.

DeMar and Zach Need to Be Elite

No passenger games. No disappearing in the fourth quarter. This is a national TV game against the best team in the East. If our two best players don’t show up with 25+ points each and efficient shooting, we have zero chance.

Limit Cade Cunningham (Good Luck)

Cunningham just dropped 42 on the Knicks. He’s playing at an MVP level. We’re not stopping him. But if we can make him work for every bucket, force him into tough shots, and limit his playmaking, maybe—maybe—we keep this competitive.

The Betting Lines (Vegas Knows What’s Up)

Spread: Pistons -7.5
Over/Under: 232.5
Moneyline: Pistons -310, Bulls +250

Vegas is basically begging you to take Detroit. They’ve covered in 6 of their last 8 games. We’re 2–6 against the spread in our last 8. The over has hit in 4 of the Pistons’ last 5 games, which makes sense given our inability to defend.

A 7.5-point spread at home against the best team in the conference isn’t insulting—it’s realistic. If we keep it within single digits, that’s honestly a moral victory at this point.

Bulls Fan Prediction: We Fight, But Fall Short

Final Score: Pistons 119, Bulls 111

I want to believe we can pull this off. I want to believe DeMar and Zach will both go off, we’ll hit 16 threes, and the United Center crowd will will us to a statement win against the East’s best team.

But I’ve watched this team all season. I know what happens when we face elite competition.

Detroit will control the paint from the jump. Jalen Duren will dominate the glass and get easy buckets. Cade Cunningham will do Cade Cunningham things—probably 28 points, 8 assists, making it look effortless.

We’ll hang around for a half, maybe even into the third quarter, behind hot three-point shooting. Then our defense will break down, we’ll miss a few shots in a row, and Detroit will go on a 12–2 run that puts it out of reach.

We’ll fight. We’ll compete. But ultimately, we’re not on their level right now.

Why This Game Still Matters

We’re 12th in the East. The play-in is slipping away. The season’s basically over in terms of playoff hopes.

So why does tonight matter?

Because pride. Because the United Center faithful deserve to see this team compete against elite competition. Because DeMar’s not getting any younger, and nights like this are opportunities to show he can still go toe-to-toe with the best.

And honestly? Because watching Cade Cunningham play basketball at this level is a privilege. Yeah, he’s torching us. But the kid’s special, and nights like this remind you why we love this game.

Detroit’s the best team in the East. They’re legitimate title contenders. We’re rebuilding on the fly with a weird mix of veterans and young guys trying to find an identity.

But it’s basketball. Anything can happen. And if we somehow pull this off—if DeMar and Zach both catch fire, if our defense miraculously shows up, if the United Center gets loud enough to rattle the Pistons—it would be the signature win we desperately need.

Realistically? We’re getting beaten by a better team. But I’ll be watching anyway.

See Red. Let’s shock the world (or at least keep it close).

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David

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February 21, 2026

Faith leaders honor Rev. Jesse Jackson at 1st Rainbow PUSH Coalition forum since his death

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CHICAGO (WLS) — Faith leaders are paying tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition‘s first Saturday morning forum since his passing.

Jackson died on Tuesday at the age of 84 after a lengthy battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP, a condition similar to Parkinson’s disease.

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The civil rights leader, who founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, was known for his decades of work involving social justice and international affairs.

During Saturday’s forum, blankets will be blessed at Rainbow PUSH headquarters and then delivered to shelters and community centers.

The blankets symbolize a commitment to service, compassion, and care for vulnerable communities, something that Jackson lived by.

Celebration of life services will take place in Chicago, South Carolina, and Washington D.C.

House Speaker Mike Johnson denied a request to allow Jackson to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol.

The Jackson family has thanked the public for the continued outpouring of support.

This comes as a memorial continues to grow outside of Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Kenwood.

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WLS

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February 21, 2026

Are the Bears using Hammond and other places as a bluff to get a better deal in Chicago?

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The day after he proposed a special tax on social-media companies, cutting red tape on Illinois zoning laws and a push toward serious affordability against all and everything coming out of the White House in his $56 billion budget in his State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker prepared to enter back into the Illinois state capitol only to find out that the conversation he was about to hear concerning the Bears and their “next” stadium soap opera had been canceled.

“Scrapped” is how one newspaper put it. “Postponed” is how some people apparently were referring to it on the legislative floor. “Pause to the hearing” was the term used in the statement from the Bears. “Disappointed” was Pritzker’s word choice after hearing the Bears’ statement. “Whatever” seems to be the word being tossed around by everyone else not directly connected to the process of deciding where the Bears’ home games are going to take place in 2033.

So what are they really doing here? What is really going on?

There’s understanding that negotiating eight years out from the end of a residency deal is necessary, but bidding on — excuse me, bargaining between — two places outside of Chicago that have nothing to offer outside of land and opportunity (no historical or cultural connection at all) seems less like a strategy and more like a game is being played with hope that miraculously the lakefront-stadium concept will resurface at the 11:30 p.m. half-hour to keep the Chicago skyline orange and blue.

The Bears’ no-show Thursday on the slowly becoming infamous House Bill 2789 leaves open doors of thought and conspiracy that have the power to backfire in the Bears’ face if they don’t play this game perfectly or things don’t magically work out in this political/business/real estate situation the way things magically did on the field for them all season. Even with their appearance in front of the Illinois House committee being rescheduled for Thursday.

Three-card monte is what they seem to be playing. But this ain’t being played in the back of a CTA bus. These are three municipalities being tossed over and around and beside one another by one of the legacy franchises in sports history, pitting each one against the other to help themselves make a decision. A 55-year, over $2 billion-$4 billion decision.

An arduous mission. In the hands and under the watch of Bears president/CEO Kevin Warren, this is leaning toward making him the fall guy and the one to blame if — when — the Bears no longer reside in Chicago because of a tax-certainty technicality. (And the fact that Chicago has the highest sales-tax rate in the nation at 10.5%, and our tax rate on commercial properties is double the national average vs. Indiana’s set state sales tax of 7%, and a considerably lower tax rate on commercial property doesn’t help.)

The stress, panic and desperation of the “Hammond Bears” all enter the 36 Chambers even as the Bears continue to hold lawmakers hostage in Springfield. Is this just a ploy? A bluff? Are the Bears just using this process to better leverage the situation for them to possibly stay in Chicago? Can’t you see Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. and Arlington Heights Village President Jim Tinaglia huddling up, trying not to argue, as they realize the game the Bears are playing could be on both of them?

Indiana House members of the Ways and Means Committee voted 24-0 to issue bonds to finance, lease and build a stadium that would put the Bears’ name on it. And attached to that unanimous sense of thirst comes a desperate-feeling sense of urgency because the clock is ticking. At least for this year. Indiana’s lawmakers will be in session only until Friday. For Illinois legislators, their general assembly will be in session until the end of May. Again, the Bears won’t technically become homeless until 2033.

Then there’s the “fiscal responsibility” somehow lost in the “megaprojects” deal. The $84 million thrown away by vacating the lease with the Park District early, the almost $200 million ($197.2 million, to keep it exact) they let go to acquire the land in Arlington Heights if they go elsewhere, the remaining $356 million bill on the spaceship renovations done to Soldier Field in 2003. (An amount that has now been debted to us Chicago taxpayers with an added max interest that could hit us up for up to $534 million.)

Math it all up. It’s only hundreds of millions in a multibillion-dollar legislation.

Soon there more than likely will be a third Chicago mayor attached to this. Soon there might be a Super Bowl-contending team attached to this. Not so soon will a decision be made on where exactly the new Bears playpen will be. Because the Bears are playing all sides against one another.

Is this all speculation? Damn right it is. But it’s speculation based on moves that have made “big bank take little bank” a high-end corporate American business normality. The Bears as a franchise are probably worth more than both of the outside cities vying to build a stadium for them to play in. And they haven’t totally given up on leaving this city they call home. So ask yourself: Who’s the mack?

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Scoop Jackson

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February 21, 2026

17-year-old charged in deadly carjacking spree in Chicago

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A teen is facing a slew of charges in connection with two deadly carjackings and other crimes investigators learned unfolded during an hours-long spree earlier this month.

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Courtney Spinelli

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February 20, 2026

Gov. Pritzker seeks $8.6 billion tariff refund after court ruling

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Gov. JB Pritzker has sent a letter and invoice to President Donald Trump, demanding a refund of $8.6 billion in tariffs imposed on Mexican, Canadian and Chinese imports, after the Supreme Court ruled against the tariffs.

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Josh Seabaugh

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February 20, 2026

Trump administration to stand by tough Biden-era mandates to replace lead pipes

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WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said Friday it backs a 10-year deadline for most cities and towns to replace their harmful lead pipes, giving notice that it will support a tough rule approved under the Biden administration to reduce lead in drinking water.

The Environmental Protection Agency told a federal appeals court in Washington that it would defend the strongest overhaul of lead-in-water standards in three decades against a court challenge by a utility industry association.

The Trump administration has typically favored rapid deregulation, including reducing or killing rules on air and water pollution. On Friday, for example, it repealed tight limits on mercury and other toxic emissions from coal plants. But the agency has taken a different approach to drinking water.

“After intensive stakeholder involvement, EPA concluded that the only way to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act’s mandate to prevent anticipated adverse health effects ‘to the extent feasible’ is to require replacement of lead service lines,” the agency’s court filing said.

Doing so by a 10-year deadline is feasible, the agency added, supporting a rule that was based in part of the finding that old rules that relied on chemical treatment and monitoring to reduce lead “failed to prevent system-wide lead contamination and widespread adverse health effects.”

The EPA said in August it planned to defend the Biden administration’s aggressive rule, but added that it would also “develop new tools and information to support practical implementation flexibilities and regulatory clarity.” Some environmental activists worried that that meant the EPA was looking to create loopholes.

Lead, a heavy metal once common in products like pipes and paints, is a neurotoxin that can stunt children’s development, lower IQ scores and increase blood pressure in adults. Lead pipes can corrode and contaminate drinking water. The previous Trump administration’s rule had looser standards and did not mandate the replacement of all pipes.

Standards aimed at protecting kids

The Biden administration finalized its lead-in-water overhaul in 2024. It mandated that utilities act to combat lead in water at lower concentrations, with just 10 parts per billion as a trigger, down from 15. If higher levels were found, water systems had to inform their consumers, take immediate action to reduce lead and work to replace lead pipes that are commonly the main source of lead in drinking water.

The Biden administration at the time estimated the stricter standards would protect up to 900,000 infants from having low birth weight and avoid up to 1,500 premature deaths a year from heart disease.

“People power and years of lead-contaminated communities fighting to clean up tap water have made it a third rail to oppose rules to protect our health from the scourge of toxic lead. Maybe only a hidebound water utility trade group is willing to attack this basic public health measure,” said Erik Olson, senior director at the Natural Resource Defense Council, an environmental nonprofit.

The American Water Works Association, a utility industry association, had challenged the rule in court, arguing the EPA lacks authority to regulate the portion of the pipe that’s on private property and therefore cannot require water systems to replace them.

The agency countered on Friday that utilities can be required to replace the entire lead pipe because they have sufficient control over them.

The AWWA also said the 10-year deadline wasn’t feasible, noting it’s hard to find enough labor to do the work and water utilities face other significant infrastructure challenges simultaneously. Water utilities were given three years to prepare before the 10-year timeframe starts and some cities with a lot of lead were given longer.

The agency said they looked closely at data from dozens of water utilities and concluded that the vast majority could replace their lead pipes in 10 years or less.

Replacing decades-old standards

The original lead and copper rule for drinking water was enacted by the EPA more than 30 years ago. The rules have significantly reduced lead in water but have been criticized for letting cities move too slowly when levels rose too high.

Lead pipes are most commonly found in older, industrial parts of the country, including major cities such as Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee. The rule also revises the way lead amounts are measured, which could significantly expand the number of communities found violating the rules.

The EPA under President Donald Trump has celebrated deregulation. Officials have sought to slash climate change programs and promote fossil fuel development. On drinking water issues, however, their initial actions have been more nuanced.

In March, for example, the EPA announced plans to partially roll back rules to reduce so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water — the other major Biden-era tap water protection. That change sought to keep tough limits for some common PFAS, but also proposed scrapping and reconsidering standards for other types and extending deadlines.

PFAS and lead pipes are both costly threats to safe water. There are some federal funds to help communities.

The Biden administration estimated about 9 million lead pipes provide water to homes and businesses in the United States. The Trump administration updated the analysis and now projects there are roughly 4 million lead pipes. Changes in methodology, including assuming that communities that did not submit data did not have lead pipes, resulted in the significant shift. The new estimate does correct odd results from some states — activists said that the agency’s initial assumptions for Florida, for example, seemed far too high.

The EPA did not immediately return a request for comment. The AWWA pointed to their previous court filing when asked for comment.

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Michael Phillis

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February 20, 2026

Chicago police searching for suspect in attempted sexual assault on Northwest Side

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ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

Saturday, February 21, 2026 1:02AM

CPD searching for suspect in attempted sexual assault on NW Side

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police are seeking to identify a man wanted in connection with an attempted sexual assault on the city’s Northwest Side.

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The crime happened around 3:54 p.m. Feb. 6 in the 2000 block of West North Avenue, CPD said.

Police said the victim was walking into work when a man threw her to the ground and pinned her down.

Chicago police are searching for a suspect in an attempted sexual assault Feb. 6 on West North Avenue on the city's Northwest Side. — Chicago police are searching for a suspect in an attempted sexual assault Feb. 6 on West North Avenue on the city’s Northwest Side.

Two people walking by intervened.

No further information was available as Chicago police continue to investigate.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

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WLS

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February 20, 2026

Chasing history: A look at each Super 25 team’s state finals dreams and history

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Every team at this time of the season is chasing a dream and setting out to finish goals.

The hoop-educated know those dreams and goals come in all shapes and sizes, especially with the regular season coming to an end.

Maybe some of those dreams and goals (state championship, reaching Champaign) are bigger than others (ending long postseason droughts or winning a first-ever sectional title). But it’s crunch time for every team, every program and every coach and player. The dreams and goals are so much more in sight.

The following are the 25 teams ranked in this past week’s Super 25 rankings — all hopeful of making plenty of noise in coming weeks — who are chasing some kind of history. We examine each team’s current status and hopes as it relates and compares to past history.

No. 1 Benet

With the program’s first state championship won last season, Benet has its eyes set on joining a select group of programs and royalty: back-to-back state champions.

Even if this team has everything it needs to win a state championship this year — size, intimidating interior defense, rebounding, shooting and experienced guard play — it’s never, ever easy to do, no matter the circumstances or players returning.

This is far from a sure thing. But if the top-ranked Redwings reach that point of playing for a state championship, it will be their fifth title game appearance since 2014. That would be the most state title game appearances by any program during that time — more than Young, Morgan Park, Simeon and DePaul Prep.

No. 2 DePaul Prep

The move up to Class 4A presents something new — and daunting — after winning 2A and 3A titles the past three seasons. But a state championship next month would give the Rams four straight titles and entry into rare company. Only two teams have accomplished this in state history: Peoria Manual (1994-1997) and Simeon (2010-2013).

No. 3 Curie

Curie is among the city basketball giants. The consistent, high-level of success the Condors have enjoyed probably isn’t appreciated enough. While it did win a state championship in 2016, the other recent giants of the Public League — Simeon, Morgan Park and Young — all have multiple state titles. Curie and coach Mike Oliver have a shot at joining that club.

No. 4 Kankakee

The faithful have waited a long time for this. It was just a little over 11 months ago when Kankakee lost a sectional heartbreaker — a 65-63 loss to Metamora.

Kankakee returned the best player in school history from last season, 6-6 wing

Lincoln Williams, and then welcomed back transfer EJ Hazelett, a Division I prospect headed to Indiana State, this past summer.

Now, as one of the true Class 3A favorites, the hype in Kankakee is palpable, their fervor is felt, as the Kays are searching for their first-ever IHSA State Finals appearance.

No. 5 Warren

Legendary coach Chuck Ramsey won big in his 19 years as head coach at Warren. Now coach Zack Ryan is doing so as well. There are 11 sectional titles and three state runner-up finishes in program history, leaving only one thing left for this program to accomplish.

After falling just short last season, can the Blue Devils get over the hump and claim a state championship?

No. 6 Neuqua Valley

Coach Todd Sutton has won 700-plus games and reached a pair of supersectionals. But the program is still in search of its first trip to state. The road is very difficult but doable with the talent the Wildcats possess and the season they’ve put together.

No. 7 Homewood-Flossmoor

The Vikings broke through two years ago under coach Jamere Dismukes, capturing their first-ever state title. But a trip to state and another state trophy — and under a new coach, Brandin Brown — really would solidify H-F as the preeminent program in the south suburbs.

No. 8 Bolingbrook

Since 2015, Bolingbrook has won four sectional championships and qualified for state three times. While they’ve brought home three trophies, finishing third in 2015 and 2017 and fourth in 2022, the Raiders have never played in a state championship game.

It starts with winning arguably the state’s best sectional, where No. 1 Benet and No. 6 Neuqua Valley are the top two seeds. If it can take those two down? The Raiders could be on their way.

No. 9 Loyola

It’s been 50 years since the last time Loyola reached the IHSA State Finals. They came close in 2006, 2014 and the Covid-interrupted season of 2020.

Can the Ramblers beat Catholic League foe DePaul and neighborhood rivals New Trier and Evanston in the sectional? If so, it’s a legit taking-off-point as it would then enter the supersectional as the favorite.

No. 10 St. Patrick

Last season the Shamrocks and longtime coach Mike Bailey finally broke through, reaching the State Finals and finishing third in Class 3A. Now they take a step up. Can St. Pat’s go on a memorable run in 4A?

No. 11 Marist

The RedHawks won 29 games two years ago and 31 last season. They are knocking on the door of 30 wins again this season. But deep postseason runs at Marist have been lacking.

There was a sectional title 45 years ago — the only sectional championship in program history — but no Marist team has ever reached the IHSA State Finals. This one has a chance.

No. 12 New Trier

There is a long history of high-level success at New Trier, going back decades under multiple coaches. New Trier has qualified for state in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and four times since the turn of the century — 2000, 2002, 2023 and 2024. But an elusive state championship is what’s been missing.

No. 13 Evanston

Just like its biggest rival, New Trier, the Evanston basketball program has also had a huge historical presence in the sport.

In fact, six of the last seven coaches — Jack Burmaster, Herb Williams, Mike Hart, Paul Pryma, Bobby Locke and Mike Ellis — have all taken at least one team to state. Ellis has taken three teams alone, losing in the 2019 state championship game and finishing third in 2018 and again last year.

But it’s been a long, long time, nearly 60 years in fact, since the Wildkits won their only state championship. While it’s not an obvious state title contender, can Evanston, a fun watch with its offensive punch and perimeter shooting, match or surpass last year’s run?

No. 14 Fremd

Fremd basketball has won a ton of games, spanning five decades, under longtime coaches Mo Tharp and Bob Widlowski. Both had a team that finished fourth in the state — Tharp’s 1993 team and Widlowski’s 2017 team.

Something special is afoot again. Now a fresh-faced coach, Mike Brown, has a chance to add his name to the Fremd history books as the Vikings earned a No. 1 sectional seed.

No. 15 St. Ignatius

The program’s relevancy has been raised under coach Matt Monroe, who took over in 2016. There was a third-place finish in 2022 and a fourth-place finish in 2023, the first state trophies won in program history.

As the only team to have beaten top-ranked Benet, there should be a belief the Wolfpack could potentially better those previous finishes this year and play for a state championship.

No. 16 Palatine

The record-breaking season came just two years ago. The Pirates broke the school record for wins (28) and reached its first-ever IHSA State Finals, where it finished fourth in the state in Class 4A.

With a return trip to state this year — Palatine is the No. 2 sectional seed and does own a win over top-seeded Fremd — the Pirates would go to another level when it comes to Mid-Suburban League basketball royalty.

Coach Eric Millstone’s program would become just the second Mid-Suburban League school with two state trophies in the trophy case. Schaumburg was the other in 1999 (fourth in Class AA) and 2001 (Class AA state champs).

No. 17 Mount Carmel

We don’t want to sell the fortunes of this year’s team short. However, the youthful Caravan will be hard pressed to duplicate the program’s very best, both when it comes to the distant past (state champions in 1985) or recent history (state runner-up in 2024).

But what about a third straight sectional championship?

As the No. 4 seed playing on its home floor in the sectional, winning three in a row — and with the bulk of its team coming back next season — would be an unprecedented program achievement and a big-time accomplishment. And it would certainly be a launching point to next season.

No. 18 Kaneland

You have to start with the unbeaten record. Yes, the Knights are a perfect 29-0. When will the first defeat come? Will it come?

There has never been an unbeaten state champion since the arrival of four classes in 2007. There hasn’t been an unbeaten state champion since Seneca’s 35-0 team in 2006. The last big school state champ with a perfect record was King in 1993.

While most won’t know or remember, Kaneland does have a pair of IHSA State Finals appearances. There was the Class A state runner-up finish in 1973 and a state quarterfinal appearance in 1982. But a lot of time has passed since the Knights played on the state’s biggest stage — and even longer for an unbeaten state champ.

No. 19 Glenbard East

As the top seed in the sectional, the Rams, who are 27-3, should surpass the school’s all-time win total of 28 victories next week with a regional championship. Plus, a soft sectional also provides a lot of runway for a postseason push.

But there is a lot of work still to do in order to match the school’s best team and season. The 2010-11 team won 28 games and reached the state semifinals before settling for a third-place finish.

No. 20 Waukegan

With a strong postseason run, this group will return relevancy to Waukegan basketball.

Remember, this is a program many believed was dead and buried after a 3-27 season just four years ago. Coach Ron Ashlaw and this group has pumped life back into Waukegan basketball.

There was a sectional appearance last season and a likely return this season. But if the Bulldogs make the most of a third opportunity playing Warren in the sectional? The postseason ceiling will be determined by how well it can consistently defend.

There hasn’t been a sectional title since the Jereme Richmond days 16 years ago. Taking down Jaxson Davis and Company will be a monumental task. They’ve lost twice to Warren — by three points back in December and by 13 points last month.

No. 21 Lincoln Park

The Lions made their first city title game appearance in over 120 years this season, so there is already a huge sense of accomplishment at the North Side school.

They will soon need to turn the page and be on the quest of winning the first sectional championship in school history. That’s the big picture goal.

But just winning a regional championship won’t be easy to do as the No. 6 seed in a loaded sectional.

No. 22 Hillcrest

All this program has done is win. Since 1990 — first under coach Tom Cappel and then for the past 19 years under Don Houston — the Hawks have been a perennial power.

The highlight was the 2010 state championship. But are Don Houston’s Hawks in the midst of writing a new memorable chapter in Country Club Hills?

With a late-season push and a weakened Class 3A field, suddenly Hillcrest appears to be a significant player this postseason. This would make five IHSA State Finals appearances if the Hawks can return to state for the first time since 2012.

No. 23 Kenwood

This has been a budding program for some time now. And the Broncos have been so close in recent years to reaching the IHSA State Finals, losing in the supersectional in 2023 and again last season.

But those two teams were expected to get there — and beyond. Both of those teams were awarded No. 1 sectional seeds. Last year’s team was 27-1 and the top-ranked team overall heading into the postseason, while the 2023 team was ranked No. 3 in the Super 25 when the regular season ended.

This year’s team is entering the postseason in a completely different mode and fashion. As the No. 7 seed in the tough Mount Carmel Sectional, the Broncos are a sleeper and looking to sneak up on some higher-seeded foes.

With two juniors leading the way, Kenwood looks to play the role of spoiler and build momentum heading into next season.

No. 24 Young

With four state championships and three state runner-up finishes since 1998, Young is already an established state powerhouse. But the Dolphins are also not accustomed to losing in the sectional.

True, it’s only been three years without a sectional championship. However, a sectional loss this season would make it four years without winning one, something unheard of in the Tyrone Slaughter era. It would be the longest stretch for the Dolphins since Slaughter took over as coach in 2005.

No. 25 Hyde Park

The history of playing high-stakes basketball late in the season is short. Very short. It basically starts and ends with the 2008-2009 team, coached by the late Donnie Kirksey with starring roles provided by Malcolm Griffin and Fabyon Harris.

In addition to playing in a city championship game that season, which it lost to North Lawndale, Hyde Park won its only sectional championship. The run ended in a supersectional loss to Young.

Under coach Jerrel Oliver, Hyde Park has been inching its way closer. The Thunderbirds have won three straight regional championships. But they’ve lost in the sectional semifinals all three years.

This year? The road is paved pretty nicely for the Thunderbirds. Now can they take advantage of it?

Seeded first in a very winnable sectional, Hyde Park is in prime position to make program history. The likes of De La Salle, King, Leo, Hillcrest and Thornton are the beatable teams standing in its way of a state semifinal appearance in Champaign.

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Joe Henricksen

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February 20, 2026

Dean's Weekender: Jim Gaffigan, Argyle Lunar New Year Parade, Chicago Travel Show and more

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WGN’s Dean Richards shares a list of shows and events happening in Chicagoland this weekend, including comedy, music, theater, and outdoor activities.

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Dean Richards

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February 20, 2026

Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs, upending central plank of economic agenda

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WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching global tariffs on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda.

The decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs he levied on nearly every other country.

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It’s the first major piece of Trump’s broad agenda to come squarely before the nation’s highest court, which he helped shape with the appointments of three conservative jurists in his first term.

The Republican president has been vocal about the case, calling it one of the most important in U.S. history and saying a ruling against him would be an economic body blow to the country. But legal opposition crossed the political spectrum, including libertarian and pro-business groups that are typically aligned with the GOP. Polling has found tariffs aren’t broadly popular with the public, amid wider voter concern about affordability.

The Supreme Court ruling comes despite a series of short-term wins on the court’s emergency docket that have allowed Trump to push ahead with extraordinary flexes of executive power on issues ranging from high-profile firings to major federal funding cuts.

The tariffs decision doesn’t stop Trump from imposing duties under other laws. While those have more limitations on the speed and severity of Trump’s actions, top administration officials have said they expect to keep the tariff framework in place under other authorities.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to levy tariffs. But the Trump administration argued that a 1977 law allowing the president to regulate importation during emergencies also allows him to set tariffs. Other presidents have used the law dozens of times, often to impose sanctions, but Trump was the first president to invoke it for import taxes.

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Trump set what he called “reciprocal” tariffs on most countries in April 2025 to address trade deficits that he declared a national emergency. Those came after he imposed duties on Canada, China and Mexico, ostensibly to address a drug trafficking emergency.

A series of lawsuits followed, including a case from a dozen largely Democratic-leaning states and others from small businesses selling everything from plumbing supplies to educational toys to women’s cycling apparel.

The challengers argued the emergency powers law doesn’t even mention tariffs and Trump’s use of it fails several legal tests, including one that doomed then-President Joe Biden’s $500 billion student loan forgiveness program.

The economic impact of Trump’s tariffs has been estimated at some $3 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Treasury has collected more than $133 billion from the import taxes the president has imposed under the emergency powers law, federal data from December shows. Many companies, including the big-box warehouse chain Costco, have already lined up in court to demand refunds.

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Lindsay Whitehurst

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February 20, 2026

Why comedian Anthony Robustiano will never take a train again!

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Anthony RobustianoLet’s Have a DayTonight and Tomorrow4 showsZanies – RosemontZanies.comanthonyrobustiano.com Anthony Robustiano is a high-energy and dynamic stand-up comedian and actor known for his infectious energy, millennial relatability, and vibrant storytelling. Originally from New York, Anthony has emerged as a social media star in 2024, amassing nearly two million followers and over 40 million likes across […]

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Jeff Hoover

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February 20, 2026

Woman riding bicycle struck by car, critically injured in Aurora

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ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

Friday, February 20, 2026 10:22AM

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — A woman riding a bicycle was struck by a car and critically injured Thursday afternoon in Aurora, police said.

The crash occurred at about 4:30 p.m. in the area of Montgomery Road and Walcott Street.

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Police said the bicyclist was traveling on the bike path and was struck while crossing Montgomery Road.

The woman was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later transferred to another facility for advanced care due to life-threatening injuries, police said.
Aurora police are investigating the crash.

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WLS

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February 20, 2026

Category: Chicago, Illinois Local News

Where the White Sox Stand (Rock Bottom, Looking Up)

The Milwaukee Brewers: What We’re Trying to Become

Position-by-Position Breakdown

What the White Sox Need to See Today

What the Brewers Will Do (Because They’re Good)

The Reality Check

White Sox Fan Prediction: Competitive Early, Fall Apart Late

Why This Game Matters (Even Though It Doesn’t)

Where the Fire Stand After Another Disappointing Year

Houston Dynamo: Playoff Team Looking to Build

Head-to-Head: Where This Game Will Be Won

What the Fire Need to Do to Win This Game

Why This Preseason Game Actually Matters

Fire Fan Prediction: Competitive, But We Fall Short

What We’re Watching For

The Detroit Pistons: Everything We’re Not Right Now

Where the Bulls Stand (Spoiler: Not Good)

The Matchup Numbers (Not Encouraging)

What the Bulls Need to Do (AKA Our Only Hope)

The Betting Lines (Vegas Knows What’s Up)

Bulls Fan Prediction: We Fight, But Fall Short

Why This Game Still Matters

Standards aimed at protecting kids

Replacing decades-old standards