Hey there! It’s Wednesday! And this evening’s commute is expected to be horrible . Good thing WBEZ is on Navy Pier … right next to a fun house. Here’s what you need to know today. (PS: You can have this delivered to your inbox by subscribing here.)

1. Trump’s “acts of retribution” could cost GOP

Some Republican strategists are concerned President Donald Trump’s “acts of retribution” could cause the GOP to lose its Senate majority, reports The Washington Post.

Those acts include the president’s comments this week that Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who testified in the House impeachment investigation, should be disciplined by the military.

The Republican strategists say if Trump continues to settle scores with his perceived impeachment enemies, those actions could hurt vulnerable Republican senators who are up for reelection. [Washington Post]

Meanwhile, Democrats are struggling with how to counter a post-impeachment Trump. [Politico]

2. What the New Hampshire results say about the Democratic presidential race

Sen. Bernie Sanders has an “inside track for the nomination right now” as more moderate candidates are competing for some of the same voters, according to this analysis from NPR.

With a solid grip on his base, Sanders finished first place in New Hampshire’s primary, with former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar close behind. But last night’s primary raises more questions about whether Sanders can attract voters outside of his base. You can find more takeaways from last night’s primary here. [WBEZ]

The race now turns to Nevada, where caucuses are slated for Feb. 22. The fiasco of the Iowa caucuses has raised questions about how Nevada can avoid a similar meltdown. [AP]

3. The rate of new coronavirus infections appears to fall in China

The news is sparking hope that the deadly outbreak may have reached its peak. Chinese health officials said the number of new infections has dropped for a second straight day, though the death toll has climbed to more than 1,100. The total number of confirmed cases in mainland China has reached 44,653.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to take steps to limit the economic damage, such as offering tax cuts to businesses and factories that have remained closed during the outbreak. [AP]

Meanwhile, scientists are racing to find a vaccine for the coronavirus, but it may not be ready until the fall. [NPR]

4. Exelon warns investors that federal probe of ComEd could be costly

The federal investigation into ComEd’s lobbying practices in Illinois could result in “criminal or civil penalties, sanctions or other remedial measures,” parent company Exelon warned in an annual report filed with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

The admission signals Exelon is worried that the outcome of the investigations could threaten the company’s future earnings and damage its reputation.

Federal authorities are looking into whether ComEd hired politically-connected contractors and employees — some of whom did little or no work — in exchange for favorable government actions, including electricity rate hikes. [WBEZ]

5. CPS announces plan to address its illegal overhaul of special education

Chicago Public Schools announced today it will offer millions of dollars in extra support to more than 10,500 students who were illegally denied special education services.

Between 2016 and 2018, the nation’s third largest school district carried out new, more restrictive policies for special education. Those policies, which a state investigation concluded were illegal, resulted in students being denied services they otherwise would have received, such as busing and support aides.

Critics say that the two-year service gap had a profound impact on students during a critical time in their development. [WBEZ]

Here’s what else is happening

• Actor Jussie Smollett’s new season of legal drama could carry consequences in the Cook County state’s attorney’s race. [WBEZ]

• Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she had “very difficult conversations” with police leaders after Chicago saw its most violent February weekend in 18 years. [Chicago Sun-Times]

• Critics say active shooter drills at schools can traumatize students. [Chicago Tribune]

• The Chicago megadevelopment known as The 78 will begin construction next year and include a University of Illinois research facility. [Chicago Tribune]

Oh, and one more thing …

A standard poodle won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the first time in nearly three decades. The poodle, Siba, is the first of her breed to win the top honor since a poodle named Whisperwind’s On A Carousel took the prize in 1991.

Siba beat fan-favorite Daniel, who won the Sporting category. Many fans had hoped Daniel would become the first golden retriever to win Westminster’s top prize since the elite competition began. [NPR]

Sports Illustrated, for example, was not having it, saying “a standard poodle resembles a large rat with a perm.” [SI]

Tell me something good …

So yeah, Valentine’s Day is Friday, and I’d like to know what you’re doing for Valentine’s Day.

Jeanne Barr writes:

“I’m exchanging secret valentine’s with students in my advisory at school. We all drew names, it’s a $10 limit — and a twelfth grader named Micah doesn’t know it yet, but he’s gonna score big with a mini waffle iron I scooped up months ago just for this occasion. … Now I need to find some of that shake-and-pour batter by Friday so we can break it out and make waffles in advisory!!”

And Phyllis Levun-Agostino writes:

“For Valentine’s Day I can’t think of anything sweeter than playing with my grandchildren who are 10 months and 3 years old.”

What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Feel free to email at therundown@wbez.org or tweet to @whuntah.

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