The Rundown | Chicago News

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Monday, March 23, 2026 Mar 23, 2026

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been spotted today at O’Hare airport, one of 14 U.S. airports where extra ICE officials are being deployed. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says that about 75 ICE agents have been deployed to O'Hare. There have been no signs of additional federal immigration agents at Midway airport so far. A Cook County jury ruled in favor of Chance the Rapper in a suit brought by his former manager, Pat Corcoran. Plus, one of the more unusual pieces of theater on stage so far this year is White Rooster, by Lookingglass ensemble member Matthew Yee.

Friday, March 20, 2026 Mar 20, 2026

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Leaders at a Chicago public school named for César Chavez have started a process that could change the school’s name after a New York Times investigation released this week reported on allegations that Chavez groomed and sexually abused young girls when he was working in the Farm Workers Movement. Affordability was top of mind for many Illinoisans on Election Day earlier this week, and a new report shows about half of the state’s residents lack what they need to thrive. The 20th edition of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema annual film festival kicks off today and features pan-Asian films, some premiering for the first time in North America. Plus, a growing number of food delivery robots are driving around Chicago’s north and west sides. Can Chicagoans and bots share the sidewalk?

Thursday, March 19, 2026 Mar 19, 2026

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People staying in hotels in downtown Chicago and areas on the South Side will soon be subject to the highest hotel tax in the nation. It’s been over a month since the start of the partial government shutdown specifically targeting the Department of Homeland Security following concerns over the way it has handled immigration enforcement. Some passenger rail advocates do not support a plan to sell a rail yard in the South Loop area to the future owner of the White Sox. Plus, a Chicago dancer is summoning a witchy force in her original solo performance, which she will soon take international.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Mar 18, 2026

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There is still no winner in the contest for the Democratic nominee for Illinois State Comptroller. State Representative Margaret Croke and State Senator Karina Villa are separated by a thin margin, with Croke ahead by about two percentage points. Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is now the state’s Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. A Chicago Public Schools teacher says her first graders are still showing signs of anxiety and depression after last fall's deportation campaign in the city. Plus, after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, Chicago briefly came under martial law. What did that look like, and how did it come to an end?

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Mar 17, 2026

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Today is the Illinois primary election. The ballot is lengthy, packed with hopefuls who want to replace longtime retiring incumbents. The Chicago Board of Elections says voter turnout is skewing close to the 2022 primary when 22 percent of city voters cast ballots. We'll hear from some voters. Some members of the Irish community in Chicago are working to keep the Irish language alive. Plus, there’s a new space for Latinos Muslims to pray and worship while still keeping true to their culture.

Monday, March 16, 2026 Mar 16, 2026

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Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is co-leading a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Chicago area will continue to see scattered flurries and strong winds into Monday evening, which could cause blowing snow and reduced visibility. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says Midwest Generation's plan to clean up a coal ash dump does not meet state standards. Plus, Toni Preckwinkle is running in the Democratic primary for a fifth term as Cook County Board president. Preckwinkle has had the job for 16 years and also is head of the powerful Cook County Democratic Party, but she’s getting some stiff competition from Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly.

Friday, March 13, 2026 Mar 13, 2026

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Charges were dismissed against two members of the Broadview Six today. Illinois lawmakers are working on a measure to make the ads you see on streaming services quieter. Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet will kick off its annual “Winning Works” showcase this weekend. Plus, we wrap up our week-long look at some hot primary contests ahead of Tuesday’s primary election with Illinois’ 2nd congressional district.

Thursday, March 12, 2026 Mar 12, 2026

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Nearly 60,000 people in suburban Cook County have already voted in Tuesday’s primary election, and another 52,000 have mailed in their ballots. Six Republicans are making their final cases to replace the seat currently held by Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, a seat that’s open for the first time in nearly three decades. Offering community college students extra support like tutoring and stipends can help them stay in school, but a new study by the University of Chicago finds that kind of help can also boost a student’s chance of getting a degree and earning a higher salary. Plus, we’re continuing our week-long look at some hot primary contests ahead of Tuesday’s primary election. Congressman Danny Davis is retiring, and 13 Democrats are competing to replace him.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Mar 11, 2026

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Illinois voters who wish to cast their ballot by mail for the Illinois primary election must have their application submitted by Thursday. The National Weather Service says one supercell on Tuesday night was responsible for at least four tornadoes across Indiana and Illinois. Classic rocker and poet Patti Smith is promoting her latest memoir, which explores Smith’s personal life from a working class childhood to her later years. Plus, for most of the last 80 years, two people have represented a large chunk of Illinois’ 9th congressional district. Sidney Yates served nearly a half century. Then, Jan Schakowsky took office in 1999 and she’s been there since, but this is her last term. It’s now the first time in generations that so many people have fought for this seat.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Mar 10, 2026

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The Justice Department’s settlement of an anti-trust lawsuit against the corporate parent of Ticketmaster is drawing criticism from Illinois and other states. The city of Chicago’s youth jobs program has a new name and motto as officials open this year’s application window. Chicago theater season is gearing up for a new host of shows, including a run of “Hamilton” at the CIBC Theatre through April 26. Plus, four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November. They face an uphill battle against a billionaire Democrat in a state that has shifted more and more blue over the past decade.

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