Good morning, Chicago.
The State of the Union speech is one of the biggest pieces of political theater every year. It’s rooted in a simple requirement in the U.S. Constitution that directs the president to “give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” But in modern times, it’s a televised extravaganza where every detail is carefully scrutinized.
Here’s how to watch and what to look for during tonight’s address by President Joe Biden.
And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
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Bring Chicago Home referendum ruled valid by state appellate court
In a victory for advocates for the homeless and Mayor Brandon Johnson, a state appellate court Wednesday ruled the Bring Chicago Home referendum question is valid, overturning a lower court’s order with less than two weeks until the March 19 primary.
The ruling means votes on the referendum question will be counted, though it is possible the real estate and business coalition that filed the suit could appeal to the state Supreme Court.
House passes $460 billion package of spending bills. Senate expected to act before shutdown deadline
The House passed a $460 billion package of spending bills Wednesday that would keep money flowing to key federal agencies through the remainder of the budget year. The Senate is expected to take up the legislation before a midnight Friday shutdown deadline.
Mitch McConnell endorses Donald Trump for president
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell endorsed Donald Trump for president, a remarkable turnaround from the onetime critic who blamed the then-president for “disgraceful” acts in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack but now supports his bid to return to the White House.
Family of man killed in alleged brutal Blue Line attack sues CTA
The family of the man killed in a 2023 attack on the Blue Line has sued CTA, saying “willful and wanton” conduct by the transit agency and its employee led to the man’s death.
After loss of tax credit money, anonymous donors help Catholic school in Cicero stay open
A Catholic grade school in Cicero will remain open with operational support from Big Shoulders Fund, a Chicago-based nonprofit, and nearly half a million dollars donated by anonymous supporters, reversing a previous decision for the Archdiocese of Chicago to close the school after the loss of thousands of dollars in tax credit scholarships.
Column: Brad Underwood’s dire message about Illinois’ lack of hustle bears repeating — so he keeps repeating it
If Illinois makes another early exit from the NCAA Tournament this month, you can’t say coach Brad Underwood didn’t warn you, writes Paul Sullivan.
Column: Chicago Bulls host inaugural ‘Girls’ Day of Play’ — for the girls, by the girls
Just hours after Caitlin Clark made history by breaking the all-time scoring record in Iowa, a different Clark was making basketball history her way on the west side of Chicago, writes Shakeia Taylor.
Lauren Clark, 13, has been playing basketball against her male cousins for years. At her West Side public school, Lauren has competed in every sport and been named captain for each team while maintaining good grades, according to her coach.
On Sunday afternoon, along with 149 other girls, Lauren participated in the Chicago Bulls’ first “Girls’ Day of Play” at the Advocate Center.
‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ review: Panda and fox vs. chameleon in a frantic new sequel
“Kung Fu Panda 4” lands in the OK-fairly good range, i.e., OK-fairly good enough to entice a few million families to the movies this month. The movie world needs babysitters with easy access to concession stands and the “Kung Fu Panda” sequel presents itself as the current choice, writes Tribune film critic Michael Phillips.
The question lingers, though: What did the 2008 “Kung Fu Panda” achieve that “Panda 4” manages only here and there and now and then?
Happy 65th, Barbie. Let’s go party with Chicago’s oldest Barbie club
When you are among the women — and a handful of gents — of Windy City Collectors, one of the oldest, most durable Barbie-centric groups in the nation, you just think pink.
You think only Barbie, always Barbie.
“Our one fundamental rule,” said Kelli Simmons, “is don’t talk politics; just talk Barbie.”
