Good morning, Chicago.
A police union and a group of Arlington Heights police officers filed suit against the village, claiming that officials are violating state law by preventing officers from forming a union for sergeants.
At issue is a state constitutional amendment that guarantees the right to unionize, and a subsequent change in Arlington Heights’ method of promoting officers to the rank of sergeant.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Robert McCoppin.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan becoming the latest Illinois Democrat to pitch Trump for clemency, the White Sox win the 2026 MLB draft lottery and a look at the best theater and best dance of 2025.
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Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan latest Illinois Democrat to pitch Trump for clemency
Imprisoned former House Speaker Michael Madigan has become the latest high-profile Illinois Democrat to officially ask President Donald Trump for clemency on a corruption conviction.
Federal judge rules Cook County tax sale system unconstitutional
Three years after a group of homeowners and community organizations filed suit claiming the county’s tax sale system robbed them of their home equity, a federal judge has ruled the system unconstitutional.
Mayor Brandon Johnson tweaks head tax plan to target bigger companies, opponents balk
The mayor is now pushing a $33-per-employee monthly tax on companies with over 500 Chicago employees. He included in his initial 2026 budget a $21-per-employee tax on companies with over 100 employees, but has been unable to get a City Council majority to agree to it.
Illinois AFL-CIO withholds primary endorsements for Senate, comptroller and most open-seat races for Congress
The Illinois AFL-CIO, the umbrella organization representing most of the state’s organized labor, opted not to make endorsements in several critical races for the March 17 primary, including competitive open-seat contests for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, state comptroller, and some congressional slots.
Lake Street Church of Evanston updates its Nativity scene: ‘Joseph didn’t make it’
Joseph has been replaced in an Evanston church’s Nativity scene by a memorial to victims of injustice committed by federal immigration agents, church officials said.
Chicago White Sox win the 2026 MLB draft lottery, will have the No. 1 pick for the first time in 49 years
The White Sox are on the clock.
The Sox received the No. 1 pick for the 2026 Major League Baseball draft after winning yesterday’s draft lottery, held during the annual winter meetings.
- Caleb Williams, Connor Bedard, Derrick Rose and more: The 11 No. 1 draft picks made by Chicago’s pro sports teams
- Anthony Kay lost his confidence, but the new White Sox pitcher found his groove again in Japan
Chicago Bears Q&A: Could going up-tempo from the start spark Caleb Williams? What’s with DJ Moore’s role?
The stretch run is here for the Bears, who are hunting their first playoff berth since 2020 with four games remaining in the regular season.
Coming off a 28-21 loss in Green Bay that dropped them out of first place and behind the Packers in the NFC North, the Bears (9-3) will look to bounce back Sunday at Soldier Field against the Cleveland Browns (3-10). But first, the Tribune’s Brad Biggs reaches into his weekly Bears mailbag.
- Bears announce ticket plan for potential home playoff games
- Photos: Bears players serve meals at the Salvation Army
Tinley Park’s Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre adds parking charges for first time in venue history
Concertgoers at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park will face parking fees for the first time since the venue’s opening in 1990.
The move sparked concern from customers who said the parking lot needs improvements, venue prices have increased in recent years and additional fees may hurt the popularity of the amphitheater, known as one of the more affordable venues in the area.
Best theater of 2025: Storefront shows and Court Theatre reign in our top 10
Angels hovering anew over Chicago’s North Side. The return of Brian Friel. And a “Raisin” we could call our own. Chris Jones compiles our annual celebration of the best Chicago shows of the year, in order, with an additional 10 that almost made our list.
Best dance of 2025: From Joffrey to Trinity, a year of big swings for Chicago dance
As long as Lauren Warnecke has tabulated this list of the best in Chicago dance, she doesn’t think any year has been quite as gratifying as this one. Frankly, she loves an underdog. So, to witness the exhilarating culmination two people quite literally wrestling with each other for five years in the studio, or to see a company like Chicago Repertory Ballet now reaching its full potential, is such a pleasure and privilege.
