A Cook County judge yesterday rejected a request for a special prosecutor to tackle complaints against federal agents tied to Operation Midway Blitz.

Why it matters: Circuit Court Judge Erica Reddick's ruling is a blow to 415 activists, clergy, media, and elected officials who petitioned for the change, saying Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke "abdicated her statutory duty" by, so far, not prosecuting any agents for misconduct in the immigration operation.

Yes, but: O'Neill Burke says — and Reddick agrees — that the state's attorney can't legally initiate an investigation and must wait for law enforcement to refer a case to her office.

What they're saying: Today's ruling affirms "that the state's attorney's office has not abrogated our duty and the facts that gave rise to this petition are not based on the law," O'Neill Burke said triumphantly outside the courtroom.

The other side: "The path of accountability does not end here," attorney for the petitioners, Locke Bowman, said outside the courtroom. He says he'll be helping Chicagoans bring complaints to the police for investigation, which can then be referred to O'Neill-Burke.

The intrigue: Axios has repeatedly asked Chicago police if and how they are investigating complaints filed against federal agents involved in the operation.

• We've received no response.

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A long-shot movement to split Illinois into two states is finding support beyond rural downstate counties and into parts of the Chicago suburbs.

The latest: Tomorrow morning, New Illinois will hold meetings in Barrington to give updates on the push for a new state.

Context: New Illinois is among the leading groups pushing to split Illinois into two states — separating Chicago and much of Cook County from the rest of the state.

State of play: Advisory referendums supporting some form of separation have passed in 33 of Illinois' 102 counties, largely in rural and downstate areas frustrated by Democratic dominance in Springfield.

Zoom in: The group describes itself as nonpartisan, arguing Illinois policies are largely shaped around the interests of Chicago and Cook County.

What they're saying: "Urban, suburban and rural areas have different needs, interests, cultures, and economies," New Illinois chairman G.H. Merritt said in a news release.

The intrigue: Splitting Illinois would trigger major financial and legal questions, including how to divide tax revenue, infrastructure obligations and billions in public pension liabilities.

Between the lines: Creating a new state would require approval from the Illinois General Assembly and Congress — something Democratic leaders who control Springfield have shown no interest in pursuing.

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🗞️ Tribune Publishing has purchased the Daily Herald for an undisclosed amount. The deal is expected to close on June 22. (Tribune)

⚖️ Federal prosecutors have dropped their case against the "Broadview Six." The group had faced felony conspiracy charges and misdemeanors for protests outside an immigration facility in Broadview. (Block Club)

📻 Today is the sign-off for CBS News Radio, but Chicago listeners won't hear it: WBBM switched to ABC News yesterday. (Tribune)

🥍 The Northwestern women's lacrosse team is in the NCAA Final Four this weekend, searching for its ninth title since 2005. (CBS 2)

🎤 Common, Babyface and Beach Bunny are headlining this summer's Taste of Chicago. (WBEZ)

👋🏻 Hey, it's Carrie!

A new report says Americans — especially younger people — are talking to their neighbors less and less.

• That bums me out.

Why it matters: While we continue to hear about a loneliness epidemic, especially with young people, we're moving further away from real-life connections with people who are, in many cases, directly affected by the same issues as we are.

Only about a quarter of young people in the U.S. regularly engage with their neighbors, according to an AEI report released this month, down from about 50% more than a decade ago.

State of play: In my two decades of living in Chicago, I have relied on my neighbors in many moments — when I've been locked out, to turn on the heat before we returned home from vacation, or even to bring over wine when I ran out during parties. (Thanks, Kristen!)

• During the years when I lived alone, I felt safer knowing I could call or text a neighbor to look out for me if I was coming home late.

Flashback: Remember how isolating the pandemic was? We missed colleagues, gym buddies and the local barista.

• Now imagine being a teen or young adult during this time. You've been stripped of those casual connections that make you more comfortable chatting up a stranger or neighbor.

What to do: Get a dog. Just kidding ... sort of.

• A dog forces you to go out and dogs like to sniff each other, pushing you to chat with the owner. Then, you get the name of their groomer or dog walker, maybe a vet rec.
• Sometimes we go out for a walk with our dog, Zuzu, and return two hours later because we've just been running into neighbors. Who needs to make plans? That's a Friday night right there!

📧 So, do you know your neighbors? Reply and tell us about the best — or weirdest — relationship you've had with someone living nearby.

👋 Hi, it's Justin with another Kaufmann Quiz!

State of play: The Memorial Day weekend is here, which means warm weather baseball, grilling and walking around a blocked off street while watching your favorite cover bands. Glorious!

Today's quiz: Street Festivals.

Last week's quiz on wild stadium moments was a hit. Congrats to Max S., Win W., Timothy A., Jack W., Matt A., Christian R., Rick D., Matt B., Don M., Royal R., Brian H., Jack S., Jerry L., Dan G., Handel T., Lou T., Greg L., Timothy P., Chris N., Jim M., Michael B., Darcy W., Steve R., John W. and Jackie W.! Also, shout out for first-time winner Alex G.

• Screenshot this week's perfect score and I'll shout you out next week!

Take the quiz here