Matthew Eadie
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mattheweadie.bsky.social
Matthew Eadie
@mattheweadie.bsky.social
760 followers 200 following 680 posts
I cover local politics, government and other things for EvanstonNow.com 📸✍🏼 // send tips to [email protected] or mattheweadie.02 on Signal
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mattheweadie.bsky.social
Worth noting: NU's interim president, Henry Bienen, told faculty in mid-October that he wants to make a deal with the feds, but a red line is one that "hinders the autonomy of the University to teach what it wants, to hire who it wants, to have students that it wants," per the Daily Northwestern
Then he addressed what he said everyone wanted to know: What is the University doing to get funds flowing? “I want to do a deal with the federal government,” Bienen said. “I don’t want to get into suits with the federal government.” Bienen said the federal government still has not given notice to the University as to why the funding freeze is happening or what it wants in return for restoring federal funding. He also said that NU has not been formally invited to sign the compact that was offered to nine universities, though President Trump declared Sunday that the compact will be opened up to all universities. “I can confirm that I won’t put my name to any agreement which hinders the autonomy of the University to teach what it wants, to hire who it wants, to have students that it wants,” Bienen said. He described those stipulations as “red lines” for a University agreement with the federal government.
November 26, 2025 at 7:50 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
Full statement from Biss campaign here:

Jayapal and Frost say Biss will be a "strong partner in moving forward critical legislation" in Washington
Washington — Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC (CPC PAC) announced it has endorsed Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss in the March 17th primary election for Illinois's 9th Congressional District. “In his decades of service to Illinois as an educator, activist, legislator and as a mayor, Daniel Biss has been a bold progressive change agent and a critical ally for working families,” said CPC PAC Co-Chairs Pramila Jayapal and Maxwell Frost. "He will be a strong partner in moving forward critical legislation, including Medicare for All, the PRO Act, a wealth tax on billionaires and ultra millionaires, as well as holding ICE accountable and ensuring humane reforms to our immigration system. Because of his deep roots in the district, we are confident he will continue to build a broad and diverse coalition of local and in-district support. We are proud to endorse him.” “With our democracy facing an unprecedented assault from Donald Trump and his MAGA cronies, the Congressional Progressive Caucus is leading the fight to put our government back on the side of the people,” said Daniel Biss. “We need the bold leadership of the CPC in Congress to unrig our economy, make healthcare more accessible, protect our environment, and fix our corrupt political system. I’m honored to stand with the CPC in this fight.” Over the past three election cycles, the CPC PAC has raised over $13 million and invested in progressive candidates across the country. Over the decade, a majority of CPC PAC’s pre-primary endorsements have gone on to win their race in the general election. In 2024, the CPC was the only ideological caucus to send new members to Congress in 50% or more of races in which its affiliated PAC made a pre-primary endorsement.
November 25, 2025 at 7:27 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
The PAC includes co-chairs Pramila Jayapal (WA), Greg Casar (TX) and Maxwell Frost (FL)

And a board that includes, notably, Ro Khanna, who has endorsed Kat Abughazaleh

The board includes two IL Reps, too (Ramirez and Garcia)
November 25, 2025 at 6:49 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
Some big names in their recent endorsement list, including #IL02 candidate State Sen. Robert Peters
November 25, 2025 at 6:49 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
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
November 21, 2025 at 8:24 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
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
An email from the Justice Coalition Action that says: As we gear up for the March 2026 Democratic primaries, we invite you to a 60-minute, transparent walkthrough of TJCA’s community-informed, data-driven endorsement process for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District on Thursday November 20 at 8:00pm CT. While this is just one of five open seats in IL in 2026, we recognize how critical it is for our community to align early and strategically behind the strongest, values-aligned candidate. During this virtual session, we’ll break down the process and key metrics we use to determine true candidate viability, including: Polling data – understanding current voter sentiment Campaign & fundraising strength – small-dollar momentum and sustainability Name recognition – visibility, credibility, and community trust Ground game – clear path to victory and active infrastructure to make possible Because many of our community members live in or deeply care about IL-9, we’re hosting this conversation to share the process and rigor that goes into determining the ultimate endorsement. We look forward to outlining how we’ve assessed viability to ensure we back a candidate who can both champion our values — and win."
November 21, 2025 at 12:52 AM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
No doubt that Illinois' districts are insanely drawn, but there are a ton of venues in the 9th District itself, even staying in the Chicago side of it

Here's a quick sc of just some theaters/music venues from about Uptown to Evanston
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 AM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
She certainly has held a bunch of events in the district, too, typically at her Rogers Park campaign office, like a Halloween party, ICE whistle-making events and a pride event

But these four were all advertised as campaign parties/concerts with some pretty high price tags for top-line benefits
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 AM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
She also held an embroidery class back in June in Mt. Prospect, which was on the *very* edge of the district, but *technically* also in the 5th, based on the actual address
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 AM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
My Buddy's was the closest, pretty much on the edge of the district on N Clark, with Gman Tavern near Wrigley

But the Laugh Factory and Bookclub are both in Lakeview and not in or really close to the 9th District boundaries at all

All are in Rep. Mike Quigley's 5th CD
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 AM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
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)
A map showing the southern part of the 9th Congressional District with four dots depicting where Kat Abughazaleh's campaign fundraising events were held. All four are outside the district's boundaries.
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 AM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
He was at one point, as I wrote about on the day he put out a statement about supporting U.S. recognition of Palestine

JAC PAC says it does not get involved in primaries unless an opponent "truly clashes" with its values.
A screenshot from an Aug. 22 Evanston Now article saying "Both Fine and Biss, along with another candidate, Phil Andrew, are listed on JAC’s website under 2026 primary candidates, despite JAC saying it “does not get involved in primary races” unless “an opponent truly clashes with our values, (including being anti-Israel, anti-semitic, or pro-life.”"
November 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
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
November 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
Is the story seriously about the fact that this college student (who's from the UK) is now taking heat online after bragging about this?

Or is it about ICE arresting 9 car wash employees with no criminal record after the president of a young Republicans club "reported" them?
November 14, 2025 at 10:26 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
Interesting lede for a story about an immigrant calling ICE on other immigrants, bragging about it online, (continuing to brag about it online) and being upset over the response
November 14, 2025 at 10:26 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
In her email on Nov. 1, Stewart also asked elected officials to "refrain from publicly criticizing EPD staff," after what she called "public comments suggesting EPD is supporting immigration enforcement... deeply troubling to me and our officers."
Lastly, I want to address a morale concern that has arisen due to public comments suggesting that EPD is supporting immigration enforcement. These remarks have been deeply troubling to me and to our officers. I respectfully ask that all refrain from publicly criticizing EPD staff as we continue our efforts to recruit, retain, and maintain a positive and professional environment during this challenging time. Our sole objective remains to protect and uphold the constitutional rights of all individuals in our community
November 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
I also obtained police reports and a crash report from the incident, which don't place blame on either party, but do reveal that EPD obtained the driver's license number and name of at least one federal agent, the driver of the 2011 Tahoe involved in the crash

EPD also obtained a "call sign"
November 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
The thread of emails I obtained through FOIA includes a description of EPD's initial analysis of events, in which police chief Schenita Stewart said she initially planned to refer footage of agents punching a man in the back of the head to the Illinois Attorney General's Office
EPD has since obtained third-party video footage showing two unidentified individuals, believed to be U.S. Border Patrol agents, using physical force, including closed-hand strikes, against civilians during the incident. This evidence will be documented under case number 25-82899. Upon completion of all related documentation, I will submit the reports and footage to both the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) and the Illinois Attorney General9s Office for independent review to determine whether the federal agents9 actions exceeded lawful use-of-force standards or constitute potential criminal or civil violations. There were no use-of-force incidents involving EPD personnel during this event. Officers remained professional and focused on maintaining safety and de-escalating tensions during a highly charged and emotionally difficult situation. The investigation into the individuals taken into custody and the scope of federal enforcement actions is ongoing.
November 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
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 👇🏼
I want to provide you with an update on the next steps for the Evanston Police Department regarding the third-party footage obtained involving the male individual detained by federal agents and transported to the FBI Chicago Field Office. Earlier today, I spoke with the individual9s father, , who reported that his adult son, , has since been released. advised that sustained injuries and, upon release, was transported to a hospital for treatment. He expressed appreciation for EPD9s assistance and inquired about what further support we could provide. I explained that I would be completing a Miscellaneous Investigation report to document 9s account and injuries, which may assist him and his family, who have retained legal counsel. stated that would be reaching out to me directly. I have now reviewed most of the available footage related to this incident. Based on that review, I believe this matter does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Cook County State9s Attorney9s Office. Instead, the appropriate venue for reporting this activity will be the U.S. Attorney9s Office Civil Rights Division. The footage primarily shows individuals arrested for on-view offenses, not warrant-based arrests. Upon completion of our documentation, I will forward all relevant evidence to the U.S. Attorney9s Office for their review
November 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
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
In furtherance of this investigation: Sergeant Tyson 21 and I, Sergeant Keeler 20, met with the some of the federal agents involved in this incident. This meeting was for the purpose of gathering information about a traffic crash one of their vehicles had been involved in. The meeting took place outside of the City of Evanston. The federal agents had insignia on their uniforms identifying them as US Border Patrol. The agents, identified as C-277 (driver) and C-253 (front passenger) were in a gray Chevrolet Tahoe with California registration There were four people in the rear seat of the Tahoe; behind the driver was an unidentified federal agent, next to him was a male subject who identified himself as next to him was a female who identified herself only as and behind the passenger wasa female subject who was identified as The federal agents advised the subjects were under arrest for their actions during the incident near Oakton St. and Asbury Ave. and they were likely being taken to the FBI facility in Chicago. advised that Agent C-277 advised he is a paramedic and would evaluate him. requested that I contact Upon returning to EPD, I was told that advised him that I called and ask her to had called and requested information about I called and was in federal custody and was likely being taken to the FBI. at the number provided by (1518 hours and 1824 hours). The call went to voicemail both times. I left her a message requesting she call me back the first time I called. At approximately 1858 hours that NFI. called back and I provided the information to her. She stated
November 14, 2025 at 3:39 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
Kat with the NU students after the town hall
November 14, 2025 at 3:22 AM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
At Northwestern tonight for an #IL09 candidate town hall including four Dems vying for the seat

Biss, Abughazaleh, Pyati and Amiwala are here tonight
November 14, 2025 at 1:08 AM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
Speaking with media after the hearing, Kat Abughazaleh called the charges against her a “political prosecution” and vowed to continue her campaign and fight the charges

She was released under conditions on a $4,500 appearance bond
November 12, 2025 at 9:58 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
NEW: Daniel Biss is announcing he's gained SEIU Illinois State Council's endorsement for #IL09

The council includes SEIU Healthcare Illinois, SEIU Local 73 and SEIU Local 1
EVANSTON, IL – Today, SEIU Illinois State Council announced their endorsement of Daniel Biss in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. The SEIU Illinois State Council – made up of SEIU Healthcare Illinois, SEIU Local 73, and SEIU Local 1 – represents over 160,000 members who power a wide variety of industries across the state, including janitors, healthcare workers, childcare workers, private and public employees, all banding together to fight back against attacks on working families. The SEIU endorsement adds to Biss’ growing support from labor, which includes Iron Workers District Council of Chicago, Local 881 UFCW, IAFF Local 742, and Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers ADC 1.
November 12, 2025 at 6:16 PM
mattheweadie.bsky.social
NEW🚨: An internal poll for Daniel Biss' #IL09 campaign released this morning shows the Evanston mayor with a double-digit lead over the field, a far wider margin than previous polls

Biss: 31%
Abughazaleh: 17%
Fine: 10%
Simmons: 6%
Huynh: 4%
Amiwala/Andrew: 3%
Leon: 2%
Undecided: 21%
Recent polling conducted by Impact Research of likely Democratic primary voters in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District shows Daniel Biss with a double-digit lead over a crowded field of challengers. Not only does Biss lead on the vote, but he also leads his opponents in favorability and name recognition by wide margins. Below are key findings from this poll: • Democratic primary voters know and like Daniel Biss more than any other candidate. He’s known to three-quarters (74%) of the Democratic primary electorate, of whom nearly all are favorable (61% favorable / 13% unfavorable). His favorability rating and name recognition is the highest in the field, above Kat Abughazaleh (39% favorable / 19% unfavorable), Laura Fine (35% favorable / 11% unfavorable), Hoan Huynh (25% favorable / 6% unfavorable), Bushra Amiwala (24% favorable / 7% unfavorable), Mike Simmons (23% favorable / 6% unfavorable), and Phil Andrew (7% favorable / 2% unfavorable). • Biss is the clear leader in the Democratic primary with a double-digit advantage over the field. In a crowded field, only Biss has been able to break away from the pack, consolidating 31% of the vote when no other candidate breaks 20 percent (31% Biss / 17% Abughazaleh / 10% Fine / 6% Simmons / 4% Huynh / 3% Amiwala / 3% Andrew / 3% other / 21% undecided).
November 11, 2025 at 12:02 PM