Category: News
Average Tax Refunds Jump By Nearly 11%, Early IRS Data Show
Average Tax Refunds Jump By Nearly 11%, Early IRS Data Show
Authored by Rob Sabo via The Epoch Times,
The Internal Revenue Service is taking longer to process tax refunds than it did a year ago, but the average size of refund checks that have already been issued to taxpayers is up by nearly 11 percent from those received through the same period in 2025.
Early individual taxpayer refunds are moving sluggishly because of the PATH Act, which required the IRS to hold tax returns from filers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until Feb. 15, the federal tax agency said in a statement on Feb. 13.
Through Feb. 7, the IRS had received 22,351,000 tax returns, a 5.2 percent decline from 2025, when it had received 23,589,000. However, the IRS noted, that number does not include refunds that it has already received but were held back due to the PATH Act provisions.
“It’s important to note this week’s refund numbers do not include millions of EITC and ACTC refunds to these taxpayers,” the IRS stated.
Millions of taxpayers are expected to see an increase in their refunds in the 2026 tax season due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which brought widespread changes in the tax code. Chief among the major provisions expected to benefit taxpayers is an increase to the standard deduction to $16,100 for individual filers and $32,200 for married couples who file a joint return.
In addition, a new exemption of up to $12,500 ($25,000 if married and filing jointly) for qualified overtime pay, along with a deduction of up to $25,000 for income derived from tips, and a new $6,000 deduction for seniors ages 65 and older, could lead to significantly higher tax returns.
Andrew Lautz, director of tax policy for the Bipartisan Policy Center, said in late January that the new provisions could complicate individual returns because companies may not have updated their reporting systems to help employees clearly understand and claim the new deductions.
“In contrast, many changes in [the One Big Beautiful Bill] are relatively straightforward: The larger standard deduction is simple, and will be claimed by tens of millions of taxpayers,” Lautz said.
“The larger [Child Tax Credit] will also benefit tens of millions of families, although new restrictions on some families may complicate tax filing and credit claiming. The new deduction for seniors will cut taxes for millions and is easily verified by the taxpayer’s age.”
The IRS said it has already issued more than 7.4 million refund payments, with the average refund payment totaling $2,990—a $925 increase from the average refund payment for the same time frame a year earlier.
Electronic filings by certified tax professionals of 7.86 million are down by 9.6 percent from 2025. The IRS said it has seen a 35.2 percent spike in visits to its website, with nearly 127 million visits versus nearly 94 million visits in the same period last year.
However, the agency said numbers tend to come in line with previous years as the tax season progresses.
“Large percentage changes in filing season numbers are usually seen at the beginning of each tax season. Historically, these numbers even out in future weeks as more tax returns come in,” the IRS stated.
The IRS will publish updated tax refund statistics on Feb. 27 for returns processed through Feb. 20 that will include returns from taxpayers who claimed the EITC and ACTC.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 06:30
https://www.zerohedge.com/personal-finance/average-tax-refunds-jump-nearly-11-early-irs-data-show
Editorial: Michael Scott Jr. for Cook County Board 2nd District Democratic primary
Like many Democratic candidates for the Cook County Board, incumbent Michael Scott Jr. says his priorities are expanding access to affordable housing and health care. Scott, appointed to fill the vacancy after the untimely death of incumbent Dennis Deer in 2024, has a long record of public service, including on the Chicago City Council and Chicago Board of Education. “I know how to navigate government, collaborate across agencies and deliver results,” he says. When he resigned his City Council post in 2022 for a private-sector job, we were dismayed when the seat was summarily passed along to his sister, Monique Scott, who now serves as 24th Ward alderman after subsequently winning a full term. But he is engaged and connected and sets logical priorities. His opponent in the primary is Andre Smith, community activist and frequent candidate for various offices.
Scott is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois primary election here.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Doce muertos en la explosión de una tienda de fuegos artificiales en China, la segunda en pocos días
Associated Press
BEIJING (AP) — Una explosión en una tienda de fuegos artificiales en la provincia china de Hubei mató a 12 personas el miércoles, informó la prensa estatal. Era la segunda explosión de ese tipo durante las celebraciones en el país del Año Nuevo Lunar.
Los equipos de emergencia apagaron el incendio en la tienda de fuegos artificiales en la ciudad de Xiangyang, en el centro de la provincia de Hubei, el miércoles por la tarde, según la agencia oficial de noticias Xinhua. Los investigadores investigaban ahora la causa de la explosión, señaló el reporte sin ofrecer más detalles.
Los fuegos artificiales son una parte importante de la celebración del Año Nuevo Lunar en China, pero su uso también ha provocado múltiples accidentes.
Otro accidente ocurrido el domingo en una tienda de fuegos artificiales en la provincia oriental de Jiangsu dejó ocho muertos y dos heridos. Las autoridades habían indicado que un residente había encendido fuegos artificiales cerca de la tienda.
El gobierno central advirtió sobre los peligros en un comunicado emitido el martes, al señalar que “los fuegos artificiales siguen siendo los mayores riesgos durante el periodo del Festival de Primavera”, según el Ministerio de Gestión de Emergencias.
___
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Column: Drinking & Writing’s new musical began with a dream about a woman in a leopard print coat
Hearing that Sean Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda, the founders of the Drinking & Writing Theater, were back in business after the pandemic years and opening a new play this week, I was thrown back nearly a quarter of a century ago when these two thought it would be a good idea to walk the length of Western Avenue and stop for a drink in every tavern they encountered.
Western Avenue, if you didn’t know, is the city’s longest street, 24.7 miles from 119th Street on the south to Howard Street on the north. It is, and I am sure you don’t know this, also arguably the longest in the world.
It features, give or take, some 60 places to get a drink, from taverns that might have you believe you have landed in the heart of Dublin to spots where English is rarely spoken.
They survived. It was a trip that compelled Mosqueda to say, “Meeting the people, learning about the different neighborhoods, was a wonderful, eye-opening experience.”
Neither is from Chicago. Mosqueda is from Los Angeles, and Benjamin from upstate New York, but their affection for the city, and especially its theater community, is deep and palpable.
They created other theatrical journeys after that, based on their Western Avenue jaunt. They had a radio show for a while, staged a couple of film festivals and otherwise took full advantage of the city’s nurturing creative soil. Their latest is based on a modus operandi expressed by Benjamin when he says, “Whenever we find something interesting, as writers and actors, we think how it might work as a play.”
This latest theatrical venture was born of a dream.
“I was sleeping, and in this dream I was sitting in a bar when a woman walked in,” Mosqueda says.“She was wearing a leopard coat and when she took the coat off, I walked over and said, ‘Do I know you?’ and she said, ‘I am Miersten Wolf.’ That was it. I woke up and wrote down her name because I didn’t want to forget it.”
Since he was spending much pandemic time in the basement of his house practicing guitar and writing songs, this creative excursion somehow began to merge with his long fascination with water. “From the moment I arrived in Chicago in the late 1990s, I have always been fascinated by the lake and especially by those cribs that sit out there and the troubles the city has had with sewage, with getting clean water. I spent a lot of time at the Harold Washington Library reading about them,” he said. Water cribs are the structures far out in the lake, connected by miles of underwater tunnels intended to bring clean drinking water to the city.
Chicago’s history has always shadowed Drinking & Writing Theater. Officially, it operates as Tied House Productions, which Mosqueda says is a nod to the history of tied houses in Chicago, which were bars owned by brewing companies.
In time, Mosqueda’s songs and his water interest began to merge with the Miersten Wolf dream character and, he says, almost matter-of-factly, “I wrote a musical.”
“Miersten Wolf” is a 75-minute, 10-song theatrical production that runs through March 8 at the Neo-Futurist Theater.
Directed by Phil Ridarelli, another Neo-Futurist alum, it stars Mosqueda, Gary Damico and Rebecca Resman as characters, and also as musicians and singers. Playing the title character is Carolyn Benjamin, Sean’s wife and a veteran of the local theater scene, a former member of Trap Door Theatre.
Carolyn Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda of The Drinking & Writing Theater company sit at the bar, Feb. 16, 2026, at Simon’s Tavern in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
She and Sean met when she was working at Haymarket Pub and Brewery, where the Drinking & Writing gang often performed. She charmingly tells the story, saying, “Sean came up to me and said, ‘Are you an actor?’ I said yes. He said, ‘Maybe you should be in our shows,’ and next all these years later, here we are with a couple of kids.”
She is from Mississippi. In addition to acting, she plays piano and sings and has a lovely voice. I know because I have listened to much of the music, and found it upbeat and clever, such songs as “CTA,” “Baring Cross Road,” and “What Time Do We Start Drinking?,” which is the show’s closing number. Others have heard these songs over the last year, as some cast members, forming the “Miersten Wolf Band,” performed at venues such as the Lizard Lounge and Hideout.
The band performed at Simon’s too, that ancient (nearly 100 years old) and welcoming Andersonville tavern. That is where Mosqueda and the Benjamins were sitting last Sunday, following a rehearsal at the Neo-Futurists space, a quick walk away. They were, as is their wont, drinking beer. One of them was having a shot of Malort and all of them were excited.
“We do like to think there may be a future for this play, maybe a production at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe,” said Mosqueda.
“It’s so great to be at it again. This is the first Drinking & Writing show since COVID,” says Sean Benjamin.
“I really am humbled to be part of this show,” said Carolyn Benjamin. “We have all put so much time into it.”
“Miersten Wolf” runs Feb. 19 to March 8 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave.; drinkingandwriting.com
rkogan@chicagotribune.com
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/drinking-writing-theater-new-musical/
Lent restaurant specials: Where to enjoy fish fries, seafood dinners, and pepper and egg sandwiches in Chicago
Many Christians spend the 40 days between Fat Tuesday and Easter observing Lent, a period of abstinence that most commonly involves giving up meat on Fridays. The custom has led to a preponderance of Friday fish fries in the Midwest, where families and communities enjoy the bounty of the Great Lakes.
This Lenten season, which runs from Feb. 18 to April 2, there are plenty of bars and restaurants offering both traditional platters of battered pike or cod served with fries and coleslaw as well as other specials ranging from lobster rolls to crawfish boils. Those who don’t love seafood can also get their protein from the Chicago-specific pepper and egg sandwich. Stop by these 18 spots for some specials that will keep you from missing meat.
North Side & Northwest Side
Fat Cat
Come early, because the bar often sells out of its $16 Friday fish fries, which feature beer-battered cod served with Champagne slaw and house-made herb tartar sauce or on a Kaiser roll with avocado and lemon aioli. Both come with a side of fries. (4840 N. Broadway, 773-506-3100, fatcatbar.com)
Honey Butter Beach Club
Visit the Lincoln Park spinoff of Honey Butter Fried Chicken Friday through Sunday for a lobster roll ($26) with honey butter and scallion mayo on a toasted bun. (2121 N. Clybourn Ave., honeybutterbeachclub.com)
Irish American Heritage Center
Fish fries running at 6 p.m. Fridays Feb. 20 through April 3 feature live music, Irish dancing and a kids’ area for $20-$25 or $10-$15 for kids under 12. (4626 N. Knox Ave., 773-282-7035, irishamerican.app.neoncrm.com)
King Crab House Chicago
Feast on all-you-can-eat perch ($29) or crawfish boiled with Cajun garlic butter ($40) served with french fries, broccoli or new potatoes throughout Lent. Other specials include blackened catfish ($20) and Norwegian salmon ($22). (1816 N. Halsted St., 312-280-8990, kingcrabchicago.com/specials)
Lark
Feast on an all-you-can-eat fish fry Fridays from Feb. 20 to April 3 that includes fish and chips with coleslaw, french fries and tartar sauce for $19. Add on a $35 Nutrl bucket. (3441 N. Halsted St., 773-799-8968, larkchicago.com)
Nottoli Italian Foods
The deli offers pepper and egg, tuna salad and eggplant parmesan sandwiches throughout Lent, along with spinach arancini and caprese panini. (5025 N. Harlem Ave., 773-295-2330, nottoliitalianfoods.com/lent-specials)
West Side & Near West Side
Cruz Blanca
A Baja spin on the Friday fish fry features a half-pound ($25) or pound ($36) of Great Lakes whitefish served with fries, michelada-style hot sauce, pickled jalapeno tartar and masa hush puppies. (904 W. Randolph St., 312-733-1975, cruzblancachi.com)
Mac’s Wood Grilled
Fish and chips ($19) and fried fish sandwiches ($16) are served daily from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday. (1801 W. Division St., 773-782-4400, macswoodgrilled.com/events)
Tuman’s Tap & Grill
Monks in the Middle Ages would brew strong beer to get them through the Lenten fast, and you can get a taste of the tradition with an $8 Art History Brewing Fastenbier. The bar also offers $20 beer-battered wild-caught Atlantic haddock with hand-cut fries on Ash Wednesday and Fridays through April 3. (2159 W. Chicago Ave., 773-782-1400, tumanstapandgrill.com)
South Side & Near South Side
Pleasant House Pub
Visit Fridays for $17 beer batter-dipped fish served with triple-fried chips and house-made tartar sauce. (2119 S. Halsted St., 773-523-7437, pleasanthousepub.com)
Sanders BBQ Supply Co.
The Beverly spot offers fried catfish and perch for fish Fridays throughout Lent. Supplies are limited, so get there early. (1742 W. 99th St., 773-366-3241, sandersbbqsupply.com)
Suburban and multiple locations
120 Live
The pub offers an all-you-can-eat fried cod dinner ($19) on Fridays including tots, coleslaw and tartar sauce along with other specials such as a pepper and egg sandwich ($12), walleye tacos ($16), clam chowder ($4.99) and cod sandwiches ($14). (120 W. Bartlett Ave., Bartlett, 630-855-8349, 120livebartlett.com)
Buona
The Italian beef chain serves pepper and egg sandwiches laced with melted cheese on Ash Wednesday and Fridays through Easter. This year, they’re also offering a pepper and egg protein bowl if you want the flavors without the bread. (Multiple locations, buona.com)
Di Pescara
Choose from horseradish-crusted whitefish, barbecued ginger salmon, haddock fish and chips and shrimp organata as the center of a $36 three-course dinner offered Fridays during Lent. The meal also includes a choice of salad and desserts, including Key lime pie and peppermint ice cream. (2124 Northbrook Court, 847-498-4321, di-pescara.com/events/fresh-fish-fridays)
Easy Street
A $15 fish and chips special is available for carryout or dine-in every Friday from Feb. 20 to April 3. (3750 N. Central Ave., 773-993-0464 and 711 Devon Ave., Park Ridge, 847-823-4422, easystreetpizzachicago.com)
L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge
Visit Fridays for a Wisconsin fish fry ($28) featuring lake perch, salt and vinegar fries, and house-made tartar sauce. (7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, 847-677-3350, lwoodsrestaurant.com)
Saranello’s
Come for lunch Fridays throughout Lent for crispy beer-battered cod fish and chips or enjoy all-day specials including blackened mahi mahi with smashed roasted Yukon potatoes or linguine with clams tossed in a white wine broth. (601 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-777-6878, saranellos.com/events/friday-fish-specials)
Shaw’s Crab House
Shrimp fettuccine from Shaw’s Crab House. (Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants)
A Friday Fisherman’s Platter ($38) available Fridays throughout Lent includes fried Atlantic cod, calamari and shrimp served with french fries, along with a choice of soup or salad to start and a trio of mini desserts. (1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, 847-517-2722, shawscrabhouse.com/events/fish-fridays)
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/lent-restaurant-specials-chicago-2026/
Letters: Our elected officials should not roll over for data centers
Here we go again. Big business and big money are threatening the state with loss of jobs and revenue if we don’t give them everything they demand.
We’ve seen our sports teams demand multibillion-dollar stadiums, and big corporations are continually demanding lower taxes and ever less regulation and public oversight.
Now it’s data centers, which demand free rein over our personal data all while they deplete our water and consume enormous quantities of electricity, forcing homeowners to foot the skyrocketing bill. All for a bet on artificial intelligence.
Let’s face it. AI is still a bet. Some economists expect the markets to crash from the runup in AI investments while some are simply cheerleading the irrational exuberance, much like they did with the dot-com bubble.
If AI is the future, maybe we should be a bit more circumspect in marching forward. I’m certain the AI future has some landmines we haven’t thought about ahead of us.
Besides, when corporate lobbyists start threatening states to change laws that protect the people and give carte blanche to those who can’t really tell us where they are taking us, it’s time to tap the brakes on them.
I remember the saying from the 1970s: ”Speed kills.”
— Harry Hofherr, North Barrington
Consequences and AI
A growing number of people are turning to artificial intelligence systems for communications advice, relying on them for routine workplace messaging and moments of public controversy. Those choices fall squarely within the realm of public relations, which is the work of managing reputation, stakeholder trust and institutional risk. There is a misunderstanding of public relations and the limits of AI.
Public relations is not writing alone or marketing copy dressed up as strategy. In practice, effective communications require careful judgment about timing, audience, power dynamics and consequences before a single sentence is released. Those judgments determine whether a message builds credibility or creates exposure.
Large language models are adept at producing fluent language. That fluency can sound authoritative, even though AI is not assessing context or consequence. It refines the thinking it receives and presents it in polished form. When the strategy is weak or the prompt given AI reflects inexperience, the output delivers the same flaws — in more persuasive language. AI amplifies the judgment behind the prompt.
I have seen AI-generated crisis advice presented in polished, decisive language that encouraged organizations to emphasize the most sensitive aspects of a controversy rather than defuse them. In the same materials, the guidance recommended contradictory steps that left the narrative to others. I have also seen AI-generated policy analyses presented as research-driven work despite lacking original research. If such guidance circulates as expert judgment, those relying on it may be held to standards they are not prepared to meet.
Communications errors rarely disappear. Once a statement goes public, it drives coverage, fuels internal unrest and forces leadership into reactive mode. Time that should be spent advancing the work gets diverted to managing fallout.
AI does not bear responsibility for outcomes. It produces language, but the decision to use that language belongs to people, and accountability follows that decision. Used thoughtfully, it can help organize ideas, draft early language and support internal collaboration, but final decisions must remain with the people who understand the stakes.
Public relations depends on judgment exercised under scrutiny. When trust is on the line, speed without accountability creates lasting consequences. Repairing the damage often costs more than careful review at the outset.
— Ryan Arnold, public relations strategist, Chicago
Abortion referral mandate
Illinois has until Friday to answer for a law that violates the conscience rights of physicians and pregnancy centers across the state or risk losing federal health care funding. That is not a hypothetical. It is an ultimatum from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the clock is running out.
HHS’ Office for Civil Rights issued a finding that Illinois’ abortion referral mandate — which forces physicians who object to abortion and pregnancy centers to provide women with information on abortion providers, even when doing so violates their deeply held religious beliefs — conflicts with federal law.
Specifically, HHS concluded that it violates the Weldon and Coats-Snowe Amendments, which for many years have prohibited states that receive federal funds from coercing health care professionals and organizations to facilitate or refer for abortion. Thomas More Society filed the complaint on behalf of pregnancy centers and physicians who cannot in good conscience comply.
Consider what this mandate demands in practice. Pasha Bohlen, a nurse who has spent over 17 years counseling women at Pregnancy Aid South Suburbs, has witnessed firsthand the moments that change lives: a mother seeing her child’s heartbeat for the first time or a young woman choosing life after learning what resources are available to her.
Under Illinois’ referral mandate, Bohlen could be forced to hand the very women she serves a referral to an abortion provider. But for Bohlen and hundreds of professionals like her, referral is not a neutral act; it is direct participation in what they believe to be a grave moral wrong.
This is not the only time Illinois has tried to conscript professionals who object to abortion into the service of its own abortion agenda. Last April, a federal court struck down the state’s effort to force pregnancy centers like Bohlen’s to recite the so-called benefits of abortion to their patients.
Yet even as a judge blocked this compelled-speech scheme, the abortion referral mandate was left intact, creating an unresolved constitutional conflict. We are now challenging it on appeal before the Seventh Circuit.
While Illinois’ elected officials are entitled to their own views on abortion, they are not entitled to trample the conscience rights of religious and anti-abortion Illinoisans.
Illinois has an opportunity to correct course by responding before Friday and agreeing to respect the conscience rights of health care professionals and life-affirming pregnancy centers.
— Thomas Olp, executive vice president, Thomas More Society
Protecting residents’ health
Gov. JB Pritzker recently took two actions that can keep Illinoisans healthier. As reported in the Tribune, Illinois has joined the World Health Organization network. The president had withdrawn the country from the world’s leading health organization. Joining the network provides Illinois a portal to understand global health care outbreaks and emergencies.
Second, the Illinois Rewilding Law is the first step toward protecting wetlands in our state that can prevent flooding, ensure healthier water quality and improve access for native species. This is critical as the federal government has gutted the Clean Water Act.
Thank you to the governor for doing all he can to protect Illinois residents, species and our visitors.
— Howard Prager, Vernon Hills
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/letters-021826-data-centers/
A theater legacy continues in Schaumburg with Maurice Proffit and Dreamscape Theatre
For Maurice Proffit, the arts were always an itch that he had to scratch. As a child, he wanted to be a cartoonist. As a teen, he wanted to enter the music industry, with aspirations of owning a record label and managing artists. Little did he know that his trajectory would be forever changed when his mother, Valerie Proffit, moved the family from Chicago to Schaumburg in 1981.
There wasn’t a big Black population in the northwest suburb at that time, so his mom would have to take Maurice and his older brother into Chicago to see any type of Black theater. With more Black residents coming to the suburbs by the mid-to-late ‘90s, Valerie Proffit was asking the question: How come there isn’t a Black arts presence in the Schaumburg area? By 1999, she founded Powerhouse Productions, a theater company that brought that missing piece of Black artistry to the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg in the form of plays every February, in celebration of Black History Month.
As a youth, his mom brought him into the theatrical fold to help fill whatever gaps needed to be filled for the annual productions — whether that was as an emcee, helping with ticket sales or stage management. With no formal training in theater, he wore all the hats, including directing, producing and writing (he wrote original plays for the Black history event in Schaumburg for 12 years). When his mom passed the Powerhouse Productions baton to him (she died in 2019), he folded its legacy into his Chicago-based B-Side Studios, an entertainment and media company that specializes in film, TV, podcasting and theater. The last play he directed was 2023’s “And Then There Was Hip Hop” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip hop.
Decades of the Proffit presence in the northwest suburbs continued in 2025 with the creation of the nonprofit Dreamscape Theatre. Their first work, a production of “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play,” is scheduled for Feb. 27 at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts.
“What sparked the birth of B-Side and Dreamscape is to give non-traditional artists an opportunity to be able to shine, an opportunity to be able to grow,” Proffit said. “The artists who didn’t necessarily go to art school, the people who knew they had it in them, but they didn’t have the traditional schooling for it. That’s what we’re all about — giving them opportunity.”
Dreamscape specializes in providing inclusive, accessible opportunities for non-traditional and emerging artists to express their creativity on stage because in doing so, Proffit says, “we can all grow together and go further together.”
Aspiring directors, actors and those with an idea, a spark, a vision of what they want to see on stage now have a platform in which Proffit will work with them to bring it to fruition. That includes teaching young people how to code and offering a safe space for young artists. He calls it “a platinum opportunity that aims to boost artists to the next level.”
That growth doesn’t just encompass theatrical performances, but includes educational workshops that move past entertainment and lean toward empowerment — whether you are a comedian (606 MANIA is a stand-up comedy event), hosting a podcast on mental health, or hosting a show on nerd and geek culture that airs on CAN TV. “We’re always producing something.b… we’re always busy,” Proffit said.
Director Crissy Johnston, right, works with Jewel Ifeguni and others as they rehearse a scene for Dreamscape Theatre’s “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” in Elk Grove Village on Feb. 10, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
With 26 years of work on the Schaumburg stage and the majority of the projects centering the Black experience, Proffit is excited to add to the foundation and legacy of the Proffit name when it comes to the arts — regardless of the current presidential administration.
“We’re looking down the barrel right now of a threat on an everyday basis, when it comes to what’s happening with us personally, artistically, psychologically, emotionally, but you have to continue to be persistent, resilient,” Proffit said. “That’s what I exude when it comes to these productions. There’s a lot of fire around this, but it’s not going to stop us. We know we are sitting on our own truth, and our truth can never be defeated.
We ensure that you are going to get Black representation in the northwest suburbs when it was originally lacking, but now it’s embedded out there, and we’re absolutely proud of being able to continue that tradition.”
“School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” is 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg; tickets from $25 at dreamscapetheatre.com/schoolgirls and prairiecenter.org
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/maurice-proffit-schaumburg-dreamscape-theatre/
Rise Of Europe’s “War Unicorns” As Goldman Maps The Defense-Startup Ecosystem
Rise Of Europe’s “War Unicorns” As Goldman Maps The Defense-Startup Ecosystem
The “war unicorn” startup boom we pointed out the other week isn’t just an American story. It’s happening across the West, as defense startups built around dual-use technology could become the next hot bubble.
Goldman analysts, led by Sam Burgess, told clients on Tuesday that European defense is seeing a “rise of the startups,” which could reshape an industry long dominated by major defense contractors.
Burgess said there are more than 380 defense tech startups across Europe, and these companies have raised over $3 billion, heavily focused on dual-use areas like AI analytics, autonomy, sensing, cyber resilience, and next-generation communications.
He said these startups are clustered around major innovation hubs in London, Munich, Stockholm, Paris, and Helsinki, backed by early-stage investors and public programs, including the NATO Innovation Fund and the EIF Defense Equity Facility.
Here’s a visual breakdown of the EU defense startups ecosystem:
“Recent conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, have underscored the need for rapid technological iteration, multi-domain integration, and a digitally enabled battlefield,” Burgess said.
Burgess’ note is exactly on point and follows our view of the rise of war unicorn startups as big defense primes face an “adapt or die” moment, as the war in Ukraine and a surge in dual-use technologies (drones, ground bots, and AI kill chains) have pushed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to recently announce a move to accelerate the fielding of this new technology.
Translation: The DoW under Hegseth and the rest of the procurement process are moving away from bloated legacy defense primes toward defense tech startups, creating a boom as we’ve characterized by the rise of war unicorns like Palmer Luckey’s Anduril Industries.
The shift away from big defense primes in the DoW’s procurement process comes as the war in Ukraine has given military planners and strategists an uncomfortable preview of what conflict in the 2030s could look like. It’s not just about expensive stealth jets, bombers, and big, fancy missiles and cannons. It’s about ground robots, drones, and consumer-grade products that can easily be weaponized.
Professional subscribers can read the full note on Europe’s rise of defense startups on our new Marketdesk.ai portal.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 05:45
https://www.zerohedge.com/military/rise-europes-war-unicorns-goldman-maps-defense-startup-ecosystem
Make medicine stress-free with these pill pockets for dogs
Which pill pocket for dogs is best?
Dogs of all ages and lifestyles sometimes require pills to give them the care they need to get through the day. However, not all dogs are eager to take them. Some dogs are wary of the texture and smell, while others are simply picky eaters. While there are a few different tricks to entice dogs to take pills, a pill pocket is one of the best solutions in both the short and long term.
Pill pockets, like this top option by Greenies, mask the sight and smell of a pill by encasing it in a treat. Pill pockets are made in a variety of styles and flavors, so it’s important to find the right option so your dog can continue with a happy and healthy life.
What to know before you buy pill pockets for dogs
What is a pill pocket?
A pill pocket, sometimes referred to as a pill pouch or pill wrap, is essentially a dog treat that’s designed to hold medication or supplements. The treat is designed in such a way as to hide the look, texture and smell of the pill so picky dogs don’t avoid taking it. Some may be designed to cater specifically to capsules or tablets, while others are more generic and accommodating.
Which dogs need pill pockets?
Only dogs who refuse to take pills by themselves require pill pockets. If your dog takes a pill when given directly or added to their own kibble, then a pill pocket isn’t necessary. However, some dogs avoid pills or spit them out due to smell, look or general unfamiliarity.
Construction
The way in which a pill pocket or pouch is constructed is useful in determining its effectiveness. Consider the size of the pill; it should fit in with the pocket completely in order to disguise it. Most pill pockets are relatively soft and call for the user to close off the end of it to fully contain the pill. These options are also useful for other forms of medication, including powders that may need to be sprinkled within the pocket and then closed off.
Ingredients
It’s important to note the ingredients of a particular pill pocket, especially if your dog is dealing with certain sensitivities, weight issues or other reactions. Generally, limited ingredients are ideal. There should be no artificial preservatives or fillers, nor should ingredients influence the effectiveness of the pill.
Dogs with sensitivities may want to avoid those pill pockets with gluten, soy or chicken.
What to look for in quality pill pockets for dogs
Flavor
Pill pockets are designed with specific flavors so that dogs are eager to enjoy them. Bacon, chicken and peanut butter are among the more popular choices, as these aromatic flavors are big hits with most dogs. It’s important that the flavor not only be appetizing to your specific dog, but the aroma should be somewhat potent, especially if you have a wily dog who may be able to sniff out a pill.
Calories
Pill pockets should be relatively low in calories. This is important for dogs who are taking pills daily, especially older dogs who may need to watch their weight and caloric intake. Pill pockets don’t need added calories to be effective.
Brand
Only buy pill pockets and related treats from trusted brands and companies. This ensures quality ingredients and safe production.
How much you can expect to spend on pill pockets for dogs
Anywhere from 20 to 40 pill pockets may cost from $10-$25 depending on the size and flavor.
Pill pockets for dogs FAQ
How do I best administer a pill pocket?
A. There are a few different ways to give a dog a pill pocket depending on your dog’s preferences and tendencies, as well as when and how frequently they need to take a pill. A pill pocket can be given before or after breakfast or during the day after a walk. You may want to build some excitement and applaud your dog so they see the pill pocket as a reward. Consistency is important. Dogs enjoy routine, so it’s advised to administer pills at the same time each day.
Can I make my own pill pockets at home?
A. You can use certain foods to make your own pill pocket at home as needed. Certain cheeses may suffice, as well as some fruits or vegetables. Bananas and peanut butter, in particular, allow for tablets or capsules to be mashed in. Similarly, if your dog enjoys wet food, pills can be inserted within, though it can get a bit messy.
What are the best pill pockets for dogs to buy?
Top pill pockets for dogs
What you need to know: From a trusted name, this beloved brand of dog treats features soft, delectable pockets that cater to most pills.
What you’ll love: These popular, vet-recommended pill pockets are flavored with enticing peanut butter. The ingredients feature real chicken. The pocket is easily pinched closed.
What you should consider: They contain gluten. The calories may be high for some smaller dogs.
Top pill pockets for dogs for the money
What you need to know: This is an inexpensive pack of pill pouches that are easy to use and administer.
What you’ll love: These provide a good value for 25 pill pockets. They’re flavored with desirable hickory-smoked bacon. Their soft construction is easy to fit around a pill. They have a decent calorie count.
What you should consider: They aren’t suitable for hiding larger pills.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: These are versatile and malleable pill pockets by a trusted source that cater to dogs of all ages and needs.
What you’ll love: This thick paste makes it easy to wrap up any tablet, capsule or other medication. The aromatic cheese and bacon flavor mask pill scent and texture. They’re low in calories.
What you should consider: The paste may get messy.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Wrangler jeans vs. Levi’s jeans
Are Wrangler or Levi’s jeans best?
Both Wrangler jeans and Levi’s jeans are steeped in tradition and are closely associated with the American way of life. Levi’s produced the first pair of denim work overalls in 1873, and Wrangler followed in 1947 with what were by now called blue jeans, inspired by their southern heritage and rodeo culture.
There are many similarities between Wrangler and Levi’s jeans, with their five-pocket, riveted and double-stitched designs. The main difference between the two product lines lies in their styling, with Wrangler favoring a workwear aesthetic, whereas Levi’s are known for their tailored, fashionable fit.
Wrangler jeans
Wrangler is a conscientious company that cares about where its materials come from and the conservation of the planet. They set their own sustainability goals, including a pledge for 100% renewable energy and 100% sustainable cotton by 2025 and a 50% reduction in water usage by 2030. Wrangler jeans represent good value for money with their “Authentics” range, starting at as little as $20-$30. Their more stylized Boot Cut, Cowboy Cut, Icon and Carpenter Cut jeans are more expensive and cost $40-$120, depending on the choice of material, size and model.
While Wranglers are worn by people with many different tastes and styles, their overall aesthetic is firmly rooted in the American south with its rodeos, country music and agriculture. Wrangler jeans’ styles are influenced by this, with their popular boot cut bottoms that give them a relaxed and casual look and feel. You can buy a selection of Wrangler jeans for men, women and children at Amazon and Macy’s online stores.
Wrangler jeans pros
Wrangler jeans are rugged and durable. Strengthened elements include the double-stitched outer leg that features on most pairs, and the addition of two extra belt loops as compared to most other jeans. Their denim is also usually made of a heavier twill, which is not only more enduring but also fades evenly, leaving them looking good for longer.
Wrangler jeans cons
The hardier nature of Wrangler jeans makes them less soft and comfortable than some other makes of jeans, and some people find the double-stitched outer seam off-putting. The pockets are generally higher up and closer to the yoke at the rear, which is not in keeping with some modern trends.
Best Wrangler jeans
One of the most common Wrangler jeans styles is the Wrangler Cowboy Cut. These are available in Original Fit, Slim Fit and Regular Fit iterations to suit all shapes and sizes and leg-profile preferences. Their popularity is well-deserved, as these jeans are suitable for casual and smart wear and look great with boots, shoes and sneakers.
Levi’s jeans
Like Wrangler, Levi Strauss & Co. is passionate about its values. They have been proponents of diversity and corporate integrity in and out of the workplace for many years. They also place great importance on sustainability and environmental issues. Levi’s encourages recycling of its products and its popular SecondHand program sells vintage jeans via its website to help ensure they’re enjoyed by generations to come.
Levi’s jeans are an American tradition, and you may pay a little extra for the quality and integrity attached to the brand. Expect to pay a minimum of $45 for a popular style and $70 for premium apparel. Some custom cuts from their “Made and Crafted” range can cost as much as $200. Levi’s jeans come in many colors, materials, shapes and sizes to suit every possible taste. You can purchase a pair online at Amazon and Macy’s.
Levi’s jeans pros
Levi’s jeans are iconic, and the brand recognizes the importance of its customers to guide its innovations and styles. The company tends to stay ahead of the curve, and as such has remained part of popular culture for decades. Its products are generally well-made and there is good attention to detail and quality assurance, allowing you to buy with confidence at approved retail outlets.
Levi’s jeans cons
As with many iconic products, Levi’s jeans have been subject to much imitation over the years, leading to the availability of many products that are equal in quality but lower in price. In the same instance, counterfeiting is rife and there are many instances of fake jeans being sold to unwary consumers. Always check stitching, buttons, rivets and tabs for official L.S. & Co. stamps and Levi’s logo.
Best Levi’s jeans
If you had to pick a style of Levi’s jeans that are stylish, versatile and of good value, it has to be Levi’s 501 Original Jeans. This cut has barely changed since it was first introduced over 100 years ago, with straight legs and a relaxed fit. They’re also available in a wide range of materials and colors for both casual and more formal occasions.
Should you get Wrangler jeans or Levi’s jeans?
When it comes to Wrangler jeans versus Levi’s jeans, it’s a close call. Ultimately, the preferred choice of brand is dependent on the individual’s tastes and requirements. If you’re looking for a more stylized and unique look, Levi’s has much more to offer by way of materials, styles and colors.
With that said, if you’re after an everyday pair of jeans for casual use, Wranglers offer great comfort with their relaxed fit and are more affordable, making them ideal for regular workwear and active pursuits.
As a generalization, you could say Levi’s are better for dressing up and Wranglers for dressing down, but in truth, there are options from both brands that suit both scenarios, and good deals are often available for old stock and popular styles.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/18/wrangler-jeans-vs-levis-jeans/
