The Rundown | Chicago News

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Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Feb 24, 2026

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President Trump is scheduled to give his State of the Union address tonight, and some Democratic lawmakers say they’re boycotting the speech and attending their own counter-rally. The Chicago Park District is asking Springfield for $630 million amid efforts to pass a legislative package to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois. A Cook County judge ruled the City of Chicago is liable for overcharges and interest on more than a million city sticker and parking violations issued between 2012 and 2022. Plus, federal immigration agents are still taking people into custody in Chicago, and they could return with even more force this spring. Enforcement operations last fall sent schools into lockdown, sowing chaos and disrupting learning.

Monday, February 23, 2026 Feb 23, 2026

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Illinois’ largest teacher’s union released its annual State of Education report, and it found that nearly 60% of those polled are worried about Immigration and Customs Enforcement making arrests on school property. Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson wants to spend $50 million to buy and rehab the Greyhound bus terminal just west of the Loop. The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up to return to play after their long break for the Olympics. Plus, the Chicago suburbs used to be mostly white, middle-class enclaves. But over the last few decades, some have become incredibly diverse places.

Friday, February 20, 2026 Feb 20, 2026

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The Reverend Jesse Jackson will be buried at Oak Woods Cemetery on Chicago’s South Side. Illinois U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider says he's bringing Learning Resources CEO Rick Woldenberg to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday. Governor JB Pritzker wants to cancel tax breaks for data centers, pointing to soaring utility costs for families across Illinois. Plus, we check in with a government reporter from Indiana to get a temperature check on how Hoosiers are feeling about potentially welcoming the Chicago Bears to their state.

Thursday, February 19, 2026 Feb 19, 2026

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Funeral services for the Reverend Jesse Jackson begin next week. The dance for a new stadium is intensifying between the Chicago Bears, Illinois, and Indiana. The Bulls take on the Toronto Raptors tonight at the United Center. Plus, a theater in Aurora is teaming up with Naperville’s Awesome Life Academy to perform improv for youth with special needs.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Feb 18, 2026

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s $56 billion dollar state budget proposal mostly holds the line on new taxes. The Reverend Jesse Jackson spent decades fighting for the rights of minorities, including immigrants. The Newberry Library in Chicago has received $4 million from the Mellon Foundation to expand access to its vast Indigenous collections, with a focus on language. Plus, Pritzker used his annual State of the State speech to rail against President Trump and his brutal deportation campaign and to lead a moment of silence for Jackson, who died on Tuesday.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Feb 17, 2026

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Remembrances have also been coming in from political leaders across the nation and across the political aisle in response to the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson’s death. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will present his eighth state budget proposal Wednesday. More grocery prices in Chicago have either increased or stayed the same rather than going down in the past year. Plus, Jackson is remembered as one of the country's most influential leaders, founding what became the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Bronzeville and cementing his legacy in Chicago.

Monday, February 16, 2026 Feb 16, 2026

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Illinois Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García says the White House response to Democratic demands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement reforms has been “unsatisfactory.” Some advocates are warning that the First Amendment’s protection of a free press is under attack. The Chicago White Sox will be back on the field later this week when Spring Training play opens. Plus, a Roosevelt University graduate student is trying to be the first person to run every block in Chicago. 1979 streets later, he’s nearly finished with the feat.

Friday, February 13, 2026 Feb 13, 2026

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A federal judge has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to allow clergy access to the immigration processing center in suburban Broadview on Ash Wednesday next week. Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly is criticizing longtime Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in his bid to win her job. The Chicago Cubs advanced to the postseason for the first time in four years and came within a game of the National League Championship Series. Plus, Chicago Black Restaurant Week features specials at nearly 40 Black-owned eateries. The culinary celebration is running now until February 22, making it a good way to celebrate Black-owned businesses and Valentine's Day.

Thursday, February 12, 2026 Feb 12, 2026

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The Trump administration announced plans to revoke the landmark 2009 Endangerment Finding, which is the basis for federal regulation of climate pollution. A trove of evidence is out now related to December’s shooting of Marimar Martinez by a Border Patrol agent in Brighton Park on Chicago’s south side. The village of Arlington Heights isn’t giving up hope on its dream of being the new home of the Chicago Bears. Plus, a Chicago mom is furious about the way her son’s class at a northwest side elementary school kicked off Black History month. Her son said the teacher had them participate in a reenactment of slavery.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Feb 11, 2026

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The lead attorney for the Chicago woman shot by a Border Patrol agent says newly released evidence shows that the feds are lying about the incident. After more than two years of public meetings, the Chicago Park District has unveiled its 2026 Grant Park Framework plan. Chicago White Sox pitchers and catchers have reported for spring training in Arizona. Plus, about 24% of people in Illinois who get SNAP food benefits could lose them this year because of the Trump administration's expanded work rules. We hear from a Chicago Public Schools employee about her work and how she relies on the SNAP benefits to get by.

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