The Trump administration is suing Chicago, Cook County and Illinois over sanctuary laws that prohibit local law enforcement from aiding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in arresting undocumented immigrants.

Why it matters: The lawsuit is likely to increase fear among the state's 425,000 undocumented people as President Trump works to fulfill his campaign promises for mass deportations.

Zoom in: The Justice Department suit claims that local laws are "designed to …interfere with and discriminate against the Federal Government's enforcement of federal immigration law in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution."

Context: Chicago's sanctuary city ordinance dates back to 1985, and the state's Trust Act was signed into law by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017.

What they're saying: "Unlike Donald Trump, Illinois follows the law," a spokesperson for Pritzker said in a statement. "We look forward to seeing them in court."

• "I don't believe this is just simply about sanctuary cities; this is really about our democracy," Johnson said at a Tuesday press conference before the lawsuit was filed.

The other side: Illinois Republicans welcomed the suit as an opportunity for change.

• Pritzker and Johnson "have failed to enforce the laws of our country allowing illegal immigrants to flood our communities," Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, said in a statement.
• "It is unfortunate that it has come to this point, but it also presents an opportunity for us to correct course and prioritize the safety of our citizens," Republican Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison said in a statement.

What's next: Johnson will testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on March 5 about the city's sanctuary city policies.

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Bears owner Virginia McCaskey has died at the age of 102.

The big picture: The longtime matriarch of the Bears' ownership was the daughter and last direct descendant of founder George S. Halas.

• McCaskey was the oldest owner in the NFL and one of the only female owners in the sport.

Zoom out: McCaskey was one of two of George Halas' children. Her brother George "Mugs" Halas Jr. died in 1979.

• In 1983, McCaskey inherited the Bears after her father's death and instead of selling the team, she kept it in the family, naming her husband Ed McCaskey as the chairman and her son Mike McCaskey as the president and CEO.
• Both Ed and Mike have since died.

By the numbers: Virginia represented all of the McCaskeys in ownership, giving the family 80% ownership of the Bears. She also sat on the team's board of directors.

• The Bears are valued at over $6 billion, which is in the top 10 in the NFL.

Between the lines: Fans have been frustrated with McCaskey's ownership, citing problems with losing and the overall management culture.

What's next for ownership

👋 Hi, it's Justin!

The death of Virginia McCaskey is going to be a big part of this year's Super Bowl coverage.

• After all, her dad founded the league!

The intrigue: She will undoubtedly be tied to her only Super Bowl-winning team, the '85 Bears. For that reason (and Matthew McConaughey's Ditka homage in the Uber Eats Super Bowl commercial), it's time to trot out a true '85 Bears quiz!

• Last week's quiz on 10pm news anchors resulted in several winners. Congrats to Andrea D., Kate G., Jill B., Jennifer M., Christine W., Gary C., Matthew A., Denice R., Mark S., Barbara S., Max S., Jackie W., Judee B. and John R.

🏈 OK, shufflin' crew — take the quiz here!

When it comes to legalized sports gambling, there's football, and then there's everything else.

The big picture: Americans tend to wager far more money during the NFL and college football seasons than during other periods of the year, an Axios review of a dozen states' betting data finds.

• In Illinois, 2024 was a record year for sports gambling, generating over $2 billion in tax revenue.

Stunning stat: The American Gaming Association estimates Americans will wager $1.39 billion on the Super Bowl this year.

Between the lines: State leaders are increasingly taking advantage of the sports betting windfall.

• Illinois raised its tax on sportsbooks last year.

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🌱 Discover new local events.

Champagne & Sparkling Wine Fest at Hubbard Inn on Feb 15: Enjoy sparkling sips, delightful company, and a lively atmosphere. This will be an evening of bubbles and bliss you won't want to miss. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance as you share your love for a little bubbly with friends, make new connections, and create lasting memories. $25-$49.

Promoting your event? Email [email protected].

⛽️ Texas-based Buc-ee's, the hugely popular gas station and travel center, is inching closer to opening in Wisconsin, 80 miles from Chicago. (Axios)

🔮 A Lakeview-based psychic pleaded guilty to running a "curse removal" scheme. (CWB)

🏀 The Bulls did not make any more trades before the NBA deadline yesterday. (Tribune)

The popular New York bakery Milk Bar opens its first Chicago location tomorrow in Fulton Market.

Zoom in: Chef Christina Tosi has created two sweet takes (well, sweeter in one case) on some local favorites.

The bite: Portillo's Chocolate Cake Cookie ($3.25)

• Warmed up, it's a gooey piece of chocolate cake in cookie form with a perfect ratio of chips to cookie base. It will fill the craving of Portillo's cake and is a little easier to eat on the go than a slice.

The intrigue: No mayonnaise in this one, Tosi tells Axios.

The bite: The Hot Dog Bomb ($6)

• Carrie's husband Matt is taking this one since she's a vegetarian.

What he's saying: "The relish, mustard and poppy seed bun give it a true Chicago dog taste. There's some kick in the mustard but not sure what it is."

• "I'd pop a six-pack of those in my mouth."

If you go: Milk Bar is at 200 N. Green St. at The Hoxton Hotel.

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