Matthew Eadie
@mattheweadie.bsky.social
I cover local politics, government and other things for EvanstonNow.com 📸✍🏼 // send tips to [email protected] or mattheweadie.02 on Signal
Reposted by Matthew Eadie
Full statement from Biss campaign here:
Jayapal and Frost say Biss will be a "strong partner in moving forward critical legislation" in Washington
Jayapal and Frost say Biss will be a "strong partner in moving forward critical legislation" in Washington
November 25, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Full statement from Biss campaign here:
Jayapal and Frost say Biss will be a "strong partner in moving forward critical legislation" in Washington
Jayapal and Frost say Biss will be a "strong partner in moving forward critical legislation" in Washington
@danielbiss.bsky.social will be a critical partner in advancing bold progressive priorities in Congress. Because of his deep roots in the district and decades of service to Illinois, we are confident he will continue to build a broad coalition of local support. We are proud to endorse him.
November 25, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Trump, talking about crime in Chicago today at the garden previously known as the Rose Garden, calls JB Pritzker a "big fat slob" before saying he won't joke about people's weight
"I refuse to talk about the fact that he's a fat slob, I don't mention it."
"I refuse to talk about the fact that he's a fat slob, I don't mention it."
November 25, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Trump, talking about crime in Chicago today at the garden previously known as the Rose Garden, calls JB Pritzker a "big fat slob" before saying he won't joke about people's weight
"I refuse to talk about the fact that he's a fat slob, I don't mention it."
"I refuse to talk about the fact that he's a fat slob, I don't mention it."
NEW: The Evanston City Council approved the city's $404 million budget tonight in a quick vote, separately approving a net 7.6% property tax levy increase, the first significant increase in several years, costing median homeowners ~$162 a year, although much less than initially proposed
November 25, 2025 at 3:21 AM
NEW: The Evanston City Council approved the city's $404 million budget tonight in a quick vote, separately approving a net 7.6% property tax levy increase, the first significant increase in several years, costing median homeowners ~$162 a year, although much less than initially proposed
NEW: Sunrise Movement, one of the nation's leading climate activist organizations, will endorse Kat Abughazaleh's campaign for #IL09, adding to their recent endorsement of Robert Peters in #IL02, I'm told this morning
The group says it plans to use its local Chicago-area volunteers in both races
The group says it plans to use its local Chicago-area volunteers in both races
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Another interesting thing in the #IL09 poll is that JB Pritzker is *very* popular in the 9th
For reference: Schakowsky has won 68+% in the past three elections
Pritzker hasn't endorsed anyone yet (not sure if he will) but he did endorse Biss in his mayoral reelection
For reference: Schakowsky has won 68+% in the past three elections
Pritzker hasn't endorsed anyone yet (not sure if he will) but he did endorse Biss in his mayoral reelection
November 21, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Another interesting thing in the #IL09 poll is that JB Pritzker is *very* popular in the 9th
For reference: Schakowsky has won 68+% in the past three elections
Pritzker hasn't endorsed anyone yet (not sure if he will) but he did endorse Biss in his mayoral reelection
For reference: Schakowsky has won 68+% in the past three elections
Pritzker hasn't endorsed anyone yet (not sure if he will) but he did endorse Biss in his mayoral reelection
The new #IL09 poll is interesting and shows that everyone is pretty much in the exact same spot besides Biss, who bounced back from his internal (31 to 18)
But important context: A co-sponsor for the poll is holding a meeting tonight and will endorse a candidate in this race
But important context: A co-sponsor for the poll is holding a meeting tonight and will endorse a candidate in this race
November 21, 2025 at 12:52 AM
The new #IL09 poll is interesting and shows that everyone is pretty much in the exact same spot besides Biss, who bounced back from his internal (31 to 18)
But important context: A co-sponsor for the poll is holding a meeting tonight and will endorse a candidate in this race
But important context: A co-sponsor for the poll is holding a meeting tonight and will endorse a candidate in this race
NEW #IL09 poll alert!
NEW IL-09 poll with the Justice Coalition Action: Daniel Biss and Kat Abughazaleh are tied for first in the Democratic primary with 18% of the vote.
Laura Fine trails in third with 10%, and all other candidates receive 6% or less of the vote.
Laura Fine trails in third with 10%, and all other candidates receive 6% or less of the vote.
November 20, 2025 at 9:58 PM
NEW #IL09 poll alert!
NEW: #IL09 candidate State Sen. Mike Simmons is announcing he's been endorsed by fellow State Sen. Lakesia Collins, who represents the 5th district
November 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM
NEW: #IL09 candidate State Sen. Mike Simmons is announcing he's been endorsed by fellow State Sen. Lakesia Collins, who represents the 5th district
This is the fourth party-like event that Kat Abughazaleh's campaign has held. All four were outside the 9th District
Punk rock concert at Gman on Aug. 28
Comedy show at the Laugh Factory on June 3
Karaoke at My Buddy's on Nov. 11
Holiday party at Bookclub (which is the furthest so far)
Punk rock concert at Gman on Aug. 28
Comedy show at the Laugh Factory on June 3
Karaoke at My Buddy's on Nov. 11
Holiday party at Bookclub (which is the furthest so far)
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 AM
This is the fourth party-like event that Kat Abughazaleh's campaign has held. All four were outside the 9th District
Punk rock concert at Gman on Aug. 28
Comedy show at the Laugh Factory on June 3
Karaoke at My Buddy's on Nov. 11
Holiday party at Bookclub (which is the furthest so far)
Punk rock concert at Gman on Aug. 28
Comedy show at the Laugh Factory on June 3
Karaoke at My Buddy's on Nov. 11
Holiday party at Bookclub (which is the furthest so far)
NEW: I spoke with Evanston pastor Luke Harris-Ferree, one of three Evanston residents and two pastors facing misdemeanor charges from the Cook County Sheriff's office after a protest on Nov. 14 in Broadview.
Harris-Ferree told me they have bruises all over their body from being thrown to the ground
Harris-Ferree told me they have bruises all over their body from being thrown to the ground
November 19, 2025 at 6:21 PM
NEW: I spoke with Evanston pastor Luke Harris-Ferree, one of three Evanston residents and two pastors facing misdemeanor charges from the Cook County Sheriff's office after a protest on Nov. 14 in Broadview.
Harris-Ferree told me they have bruises all over their body from being thrown to the ground
Harris-Ferree told me they have bruises all over their body from being thrown to the ground
Just noticed this today, not sure when this happened, but JAC PAC has removed Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss from its website under the "2026 primary candidates"
Two other #IL09 Democrats remain, but Biss has been removed from the list of primary Dems
www.jacpac.org/jac-candidates
Two other #IL09 Democrats remain, but Biss has been removed from the list of primary Dems
www.jacpac.org/jac-candidates
November 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Just noticed this today, not sure when this happened, but JAC PAC has removed Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss from its website under the "2026 primary candidates"
Two other #IL09 Democrats remain, but Biss has been removed from the list of primary Dems
www.jacpac.org/jac-candidates
Two other #IL09 Democrats remain, but Biss has been removed from the list of primary Dems
www.jacpac.org/jac-candidates
Reposted by Matthew Eadie
Here's a video of the incident:
"You are a jihadist," Cleveland said to Abughazaleh before offering her "prison food, which you'll need." (The pickle)
She also told Abughazaleh she thinks she needs to be "rebaptized or reborn"
She also offered a Trump theme perfume
bsky.app/profile/katm...
"You are a jihadist," Cleveland said to Abughazaleh before offering her "prison food, which you'll need." (The pickle)
She also told Abughazaleh she thinks she needs to be "rebaptized or reborn"
She also offered a Trump theme perfume
bsky.app/profile/katm...
Yesterday, a Republican tried to give me holy water and Trump perfume because I’m “demonic.”
Extremely normal stuff coming from an extremely normal party.
Extremely normal stuff coming from an extremely normal party.
November 17, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Here's a video of the incident:
"You are a jihadist," Cleveland said to Abughazaleh before offering her "prison food, which you'll need." (The pickle)
She also told Abughazaleh she thinks she needs to be "rebaptized or reborn"
She also offered a Trump theme perfume
bsky.app/profile/katm...
"You are a jihadist," Cleveland said to Abughazaleh before offering her "prison food, which you'll need." (The pickle)
She also told Abughazaleh she thinks she needs to be "rebaptized or reborn"
She also offered a Trump theme perfume
bsky.app/profile/katm...
Rocio Cleveland, an Island Lake Republican running in #IL09, tried giving Kat Abughazaleh a "gift bag" which the Daily Northwestern said had a:
- tooth brush
- pickle
- cat food
- holy water
The tooth brush "to protect (her)self" with if she goes to prison?
Abughazaleh didn't accept the bag
- tooth brush
- pickle
- cat food
- holy water
The tooth brush "to protect (her)self" with if she goes to prison?
Abughazaleh didn't accept the bag
November 17, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Rocio Cleveland, an Island Lake Republican running in #IL09, tried giving Kat Abughazaleh a "gift bag" which the Daily Northwestern said had a:
- tooth brush
- pickle
- cat food
- holy water
The tooth brush "to protect (her)self" with if she goes to prison?
Abughazaleh didn't accept the bag
- tooth brush
- pickle
- cat food
- holy water
The tooth brush "to protect (her)self" with if she goes to prison?
Abughazaleh didn't accept the bag
With reports of border patrol descending on Charlotte, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss had a message for the North Carolina city:
“My plea to Charlotte and the rest of the country is simple: get ready”
www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/arti...
“My plea to Charlotte and the rest of the country is simple: get ready”
www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/arti...
Chicago-area mayor says Border Patrol terrorized city. Here’s how to fight back, Charlotte | Opinion
Chicago area mayor: There’s a lot Charlotte can do to assert values, enforce ordinances, and protect residents within the law. | Op-ed
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:05 PM
With reports of border patrol descending on Charlotte, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss had a message for the North Carolina city:
“My plea to Charlotte and the rest of the country is simple: get ready”
www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/arti...
“My plea to Charlotte and the rest of the country is simple: get ready”
www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/arti...
NEW: State Sen. Laura Fine's #IL09 campaign told the Loyola University student paper last month that she "has not received and is not seeking [an] endorsement" from AIPAC, despite fundraising emails from the group supporting her and a December fundraiser planned with AIPAC's president
Fine denies AIPAC support despite planned fundraiser with group’s president - Evanston Now
Congressional candidate told columnist that she "whole heartedly disagree[s]" with group's fundraising emails.
evanstonnow.com
November 15, 2025 at 2:01 AM
NEW: State Sen. Laura Fine's #IL09 campaign told the Loyola University student paper last month that she "has not received and is not seeking [an] endorsement" from AIPAC, despite fundraising emails from the group supporting her and a December fundraiser planned with AIPAC's president
Why is the NYT's angle on a story about a college student and president of a young Republicans club calling ICE on legal car wash employees and then bragging about it, angled "Boston University Student Attacked Online Over Claim He Called ICE on Workers"
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/u...
Boston University Student Faces Backlash After He Called ICE on Workers
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Why is the NYT's angle on a story about a college student and president of a young Republicans club calling ICE on legal car wash employees and then bragging about it, angled "Boston University Student Attacked Online Over Claim He Called ICE on Workers"
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/u...
From last night's candidate forum at Northwestern
"Also, yes, Chuck Schumer should resign"
"Also, yes, Chuck Schumer should resign"
In case my position on this wasn’t clear, you can add me to the list.
UPDATE — With Rep. Pramila Jayapal (Chair Emerita of the Congressional Progressive Caucus), there are now at least 12 congressional Democrats, 15 Democratic-aligned organizations, and 8 Democratic candidates calling for Chuck Schumer to resign as leader:
November 14, 2025 at 8:21 PM
From last night's candidate forum at Northwestern
"Also, yes, Chuck Schumer should resign"
"Also, yes, Chuck Schumer should resign"
Reposted by Matthew Eadie
Full story here:
evanstonnow.com/police-refer...
evanstonnow.com/police-refer...
Police referred clash with feds to U.S. Attorney's office - Evanston Now
Emails show EPD response to violent encounter with federal agents.
evanstonnow.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Full story here:
evanstonnow.com/police-refer...
evanstonnow.com/police-refer...
NEW: I've obtained emails from Evanston police on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 that show the Evanston Police chief said she would refer footage of the violent Halloween clash between federal border patrol agents and Evanston residents to the U.S. Attorney's Office Civil Rights Division for review
Thread 👇🏼
Thread 👇🏼
November 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
NEW: I've obtained emails from Evanston police on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 that show the Evanston Police chief said she would refer footage of the violent Halloween clash between federal border patrol agents and Evanston residents to the U.S. Attorney's Office Civil Rights Division for review
Thread 👇🏼
Thread 👇🏼
NEW: An Evanston police case report detailing the Oct. 31 clash with border patrol agents reveals the agents told police that the three individuals were "under arrest."
All three people were released without charges later that day, and at least one said they were never told they were being arrested
All three people were released without charges later that day, and at least one said they were never told they were being arrested
November 14, 2025 at 3:39 PM
NEW: An Evanston police case report detailing the Oct. 31 clash with border patrol agents reveals the agents told police that the three individuals were "under arrest."
All three people were released without charges later that day, and at least one said they were never told they were being arrested
All three people were released without charges later that day, and at least one said they were never told they were being arrested
Reposted by Matthew Eadie
ON SUPPORTING HAKEEM JEFFRIES AS SPEAKER:
Pyati: No
Amiwala: No
Biss: Would support the best candidate, right now "haven’t seen any evidence of who that would be"
Abughazaleh: No, willing to accept change, but "at this moment, that’s not Hakeem Jeffries"
See: evanstonnow.com/top-il9-cand...
Pyati: No
Amiwala: No
Biss: Would support the best candidate, right now "haven’t seen any evidence of who that would be"
Abughazaleh: No, willing to accept change, but "at this moment, that’s not Hakeem Jeffries"
See: evanstonnow.com/top-il9-cand...
Top IL9 candidates wary on leader Jeffries - Evanston Now
Only one vows support for Jeffries as party leader or speaker if elected.
evanstonnow.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:42 AM
ON SUPPORTING HAKEEM JEFFRIES AS SPEAKER:
Pyati: No
Amiwala: No
Biss: Would support the best candidate, right now "haven’t seen any evidence of who that would be"
Abughazaleh: No, willing to accept change, but "at this moment, that’s not Hakeem Jeffries"
See: evanstonnow.com/top-il9-cand...
Pyati: No
Amiwala: No
Biss: Would support the best candidate, right now "haven’t seen any evidence of who that would be"
Abughazaleh: No, willing to accept change, but "at this moment, that’s not Hakeem Jeffries"
See: evanstonnow.com/top-il9-cand...