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February 20, 2026

Pritzker Pausing Data Centers, Chicago’s Muddy Rain, and Backyard Chickens

City Cast Chicago

Pritzker Pausing Data Centers, Chicago’s Muddy Rain, and Backyard Chickens

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In Wednesday’s State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker proposed to pause the state’s tax incentives for new data center construction amidst growing concerns of environmental hazards, water and power usage, and the future of AI. We break down the announcement with Invisible Institute Director of Public Strategy Maira Khwaja and Director of Data Trina Reynolds-Tyler. Plus, Chicago woke up to dusty, muddy cars and streets on Ash Wednesday, helpful voter guides released ahead of primary day, and we’re checking in on our favorite backyard chickens.

Good News: Soundtrack Sessions, Chicago Dyke March Community Iftar

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