Good afternoon, Chicago.
As construction on the 34-story Bally’s Chicago hotel steadily rises skyward over the Ohio Street feeder ramp, things are looking up for the region’s casinos in 2026 amid a building boom that is reshaping the gambling landscape.
Chicago-area casinos are coming off a big year in 2025, as three new facilities boosted revenue and brought millions of additional players to the tables and slot machines.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces an independent commission to document and collect evidence of abuses by federal immigration agents on Jan. 8, 2026, at the Union League Club of Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot launches ‘ICE Accountability Project’ to document immigration agents
Lori Lightfoot said residents could send videos, audio, photos or other information to reporticenow.com. The accounts will be published on the website and serve as a “centralized, permanent archive” that law enforcement, elected officials, journalists and others can refer to, she said. Read more here.
More top news stories:
Residents, activists, officials demand police oversight board open inquiry into CPD’s actions during Midway Blitz
Illinois, four other states sue Trump administration over frozen child care funds
Gov. JB Pritzker signs sweeping Illinois energy law boosting batteries and renewables that GOP opposed
Police escort a participant away from the microphone during a public hearing on a resolution to declare a 725-acre parcel in Hobart as an Economic Revitalization Area on Jan. 7, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
Hobart council OKs data center amid tight security, opposition
Pleas from the dozens of Hobart residents who asked city officials to table action fell on deaf ears as the City Council approved three resolutions allowing Amazon Data Services to proceed with its data center plans. Read more here.
More top business stories:
Sports dome west of Brookside Marketplace moves forward; one of three planned in Tinley Park
Tax season is almost here. Here’s what to know and when you can begin filing.
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) and middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) celebrate after Edmunds recovered a fumble in the third quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 20, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Amazon’s Prime Video has the Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers playoff game. Here’s how you can watch.
Here’s what to know about the wild-card round matchup and how to watch it. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
Connor Bedard will play tonight for Chicago Blackhawks after missing 12 games with a separated shoulder
College football transfer portal tracker: WR Alex Perry and OLB Will Holmes among Illinois signees
The Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell sits for an interview at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on Jan. 7, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
‘Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell’ will debut at Griffin MSI
Long before audiences saw Glinda’s dazzling pink dresses or Elphaba’s dramatic layered ensembles on the big screen, Paul Tazewell was imagining how silhouette, color and texture would bring the witches of Oz to life. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
Review: Once a storefront theater curiosity, ‘Bug’ opens big on Broadway
City seeking co-chairs to plan Naperville’s 200th anniversary celebration
Demonstrators march to the White House in Washington on Jan. 8, 2026, as they protest against a federal immigration agent fatally shooting Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)
Minnesota shooting videos challenge administration narrative, policing experts question tactics
President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the ICE officer shot the driver in self-defense. Trump said based on that video “it is hard to believe he is alive.” He said the driver “viciously ran over the ICE officer.” But it’s unclear in the videos if the car makes contact with the officer. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
As Trump promises Venezuelan renaissance, locals struggle with crumbling economy
Iran supreme leader signals crackdown coming as protesters are ‘ruining their own streets’ for Trump
