Category: News
Tasa hipotecaria promedio a largo plazo en EEUU sube a 6% y corta racha de 3 semanas
Por ALEX VEIGA
La tasa promedio de las hipotecas a largo plazo en Estados Unidos se alejó esta semana de su nivel más bajo en tres años y medio, a medida que los rendimientos de los bonos avanzaban tras un repunte de los precios del petróleo debido a la guerra con Irán.
La tasa de referencia de las hipotecas a tasa fija a 30 años subió levemente a 6% con respecto al 5,98% la semana pasada, informó el jueves el comprador de hipotecas Freddie Mac. Hace un año, dicha tasa promediaba 6,63%.
El moderado aumento pone fin a una caída de tres semanas en la tasa promedio, que este año se ha mantenido cerca de 6%. El promedio de la semana pasada marcó la primera cifra por debajo de 6% desde septiembre de 2022.
Mientras tanto, los costos de endeudamiento de las hipotecas a tasa fija a 15 años, populares entre propietarios que refinancian sus préstamos hipotecarios, bajaron esta semana. Esa tasa promedio descendió a 5,43% con respecto al 5,44% de la semana pasada. Hace un año, estaba en 5,79%, señaló Freddie Mac.
Las tasas hipotecarias están influenciadas por varios factores, desde las decisiones de política de tasas de interés de la Reserva Federal hasta las expectativas de los inversionistas del mercado de bonos sobre la economía y la inflación. Por lo general, siguen la trayectoria del rendimiento del bono del Tesoro a 10 años, que los prestamistas usan como guía para fijar el precio de los créditos para vivienda.
El rendimiento de los bonos del Tesoro a 10 años se ubicaba en 4,14% al mediodía del jueves, por encima de alrededor de 4% hace una semana.
Los rendimientos del Tesoro han subido recientemente, ya que el alza de los precios del petróleo ejerce más presión al alza sobre la inflación, lo que podría impedir que la Reserva Federal recorte las tasas de interés.
El banco central no fija las tasas hipotecarias, pero los inversionistas en bonos siguen de cerca sus decisiones de subir o bajar su tasa de corto plazo y, en última instancia, dichas decisiones pueden afectar el rendimiento de los bonos del Tesoro a 10 años que influyen en las tasas hipotecarias.
“Para que las tasas continúen su descenso en 2026, necesitaremos señales claras en los próximos meses de que este conflicto no eleva los precios para los consumidores en el país”, afirmó Joel Berner, economista principal de Realtor.com. “Dado el gran salto de los precios del petróleo esta semana y el aumento de los costos de envío que conlleva, esta noticia positiva sobre la inflación puede ser difícil de materializarse”.
Las tasas hipotecarias han bajado durante meses, lo que ayudó a impulsar un repunte en las ventas de viviendas en los últimos cuatro meses de 2025, aunque no lo suficiente como para sacar al mercado inmobiliario de su letargo, que se remonta a 2022, cuando las tasas hipotecarias comenzaron a subir desde los mínimos de la era de la pandemia.
Las ventas de viviendas previamente ocupadas en Estados Unidos se mantuvieron estancadas el año pasado en mínimos de 30 años. Y unas tasas hipotecarias más favorables para los compradores este año no bastaron para impulsar las ventas de viviendas el mes pasado.
Un fuerte aumento en los precios de la vivienda, especialmente en los primeros años de esta década, y una escasez crónica de viviendas a nivel nacional, agravada por años de construcción por debajo del promedio, han hecho que muchos aspirantes a propietarios queden fuera del mercado debido a los altos precios.
Eso hace que muchos posibles compradores de vivienda mantengan la mirada puesta en las tasas hipotecarias, que pueden aumentar el poder de compra de quienes buscan casa cuando bajan, pero también pueden reducir cuánto pueden gastar los compradores cuando las tasas suben.
Según los ingresos, el crédito y otros factores de un prestatario, éste puede calificar para una tasa en una hipoteca a 30 años que esté por debajo o por encima del promedio actual.
Aun así, debido a que la tasa promedio de una hipoteca a 30 años se encuentra por debajo de donde estaba el año pasado, se configura un panorama favorable para los potenciales compradores de vivienda que pueden permitirse comprar a las tasas actuales, justo cuando la temporada de compras de primavera cobra impulso.
Quienes adquieran una vivienda esta primavera también están en condiciones de beneficiarse de una selección más amplia de casas en venta que hace un año, al menos a nivel nacional, y de precios de lista más bajos en muchas áreas metropolitanas.
El reciente descenso de las tasas hipotecarias ha avivado la demanda entre aspirantes a compradores de vivienda y propietarios que buscan refinanciar su préstamo vigente a una tasa más baja.
Las solicitudes de hipotecas aumentaron 11% la semana pasada frente a la semana anterior, a medida que las tasas hipotecarias seguían cediendo, según la Asociación de Banqueros Hipotecarios.
Las solicitudes de préstamos para comprar una vivienda fueron casi 10% más altas que en la misma semana del año pasado, mientras que las solicitudes de refinanciamiento de préstamos hipotecarios alcanzaron su ritmo más fuerte desde 2022. Representaron casi 60% de todas las solicitudes de préstamos hipotecarios la semana pasada.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Lockport father, 43, dies in motorcycle crash
Michael T. Pew, a 43-year-old Lockport resident, died Saturday as the result of a motorcycle crash, the Will County coroner’s office reported.
The crash took place at 10th and State Streets in Lockport, according to the coroner’s office. Pew was pronounced dead at 5 p.m. at Silver Cross Hospital.
Pew’s partner, Kelly Dombrowski, published an obituary for him on social media, remembering him as a supportive father to his three sons.
“Mike was an incredible father who took immense pride in his sons. He loved cheering them on at every game, always the loudest supporter in the crowd. It didn’t matter what others thought — Mike was there for his boys, celebrating their victories and encouraging them during tough times,” the obituary read. “Watching them grow and succeed brought him endless joy.”
Pew loved the outdoors, including camping, fishing and riding his motorcycle, according to his obituary.
Lockport [olice are investigating the crash, according to the coroner’s office. Funeral services are planned for Saturday, March 7.
elewis@chicagotribune.com
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/lockport-father-dies-motorcycle-crash/
Tampons In Netflix Men’s Room Torpedo’d Bid To Takeover Warner Bros: Report
Tampons In Netflix Men’s Room Torpedo’d Bid To Takeover Warner Bros: Report
Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity.news,
Netflix’s aggressive bid to swallow Warner Bros. Discovery hit a wall last week, with a “tampon incident” playing a key role in turning Republican lawmakers against the deal.
As details emerge, it’s clear the virtue-signaling stunt of stocking men’s restrooms with feminine hygiene products highlighted Netflix’s unyielding commitment to radical transgender ideology, even as they begged for political approval in a post-woke era.
The drama unfolded during a congressional delegation’s visit to Netflix headquarters in Los Angeles several weeks ago, part of an annual tour around Grammy Awards time. Among the attendees was Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, a skeptic of Netflix’s claims to political neutrality.
How tampons in the men’s room helped derail the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal https://t.co/EMjV5tyJDd pic.twitter.com/uO4AEsYtYx
— NY Post Business (@nypostbiz) March 1, 2026
The New York Post reports that while on the premises, Smith noticed a basket of tampons in the men’s restroom—a common tech company gesture to promote “inclusivity” for transgender employees.
But for conservatives, such moves symbolize efforts to normalize transgenderism, with ripple effects like encouraging harmful surgeries on children, eroding the nuclear family, and allowing biological males to dominate women’s sports.
“Let’s just say the chairman was pretty disturbed,” an insider familiar with Smith’s reaction told the Post.
The incident quickly rippled through Capitol Hill, reinforcing GOP suspicions that Netflix’s programming remains steeped in woke values. As one GOP staffer with firsthand knowledge put it: “This is 2026, not 2020. What were they thinking?”
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos had been mounting a charm offensive, including a Senate Judiciary antitrust subcommittee grilling last month by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). Sarandos insisted Netflix appeals to all tastes and faces stiff competition from social media and YouTube.
“Price wasn’t Sarandos’ only obstacle,” noted New York Post columnist Charles Gasparino. “During the six-month bidding war, many Republicans in Congress, state AG offices and of course the White House came to believe that Netflix was seeking to create a monopoly in streaming — an increasingly important way Americans consume entertainment.”
Gasparino added that most Republicans “believe [woke] values are front and center in Netflix’s programming, and the tampon incident, as it filtered through the halls of Congress, became proof that the company wasn’t changing its politics.”
Conservative advocacy groups have long documented Netflix’s bias, with content pushing transgenderism, DEI mandates, and other cultural-left staples—often in kids’ programming. Sarandos and co-founder Reed Hastings are major Democrat donors, while board member Susan Rice, a former Obama official and vocal Trump critic, made podcast remarks bashing Trump-associated businesses, further alienating the White House.
The deal’s collapse came after Paramount Skydance upped its hostile bid to $80.5 billion, trumping Netflix’s $73 billion offer. Sarandos pulled out, stating: “This transaction was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price.” Netflix’s stock plunged $200 billion during the saga but rebounded post-withdrawal.
For wider context, President Trump weighed in on the antitrust scrutiny, highlighting the merged entity’s “very big market share” and vowing involvement in the decision. This echoes broader concerns that the merger would stifle competition and amplify leftist narratives, as detailed in recent analyses warning of the “end of the Golden Age of streaming.”
This isn’t Netflix’s first brush with controversy over injecting radical ideology into entertainment. As we’ve covered extensively, the streamer has a track record of demonizing traditional values while promoting ‘progressive’ propaganda.
Recall Adolescence, which portrayed young white men and the “manosphere” as toxic threats.
Other examples abound. An Obama-produced apocalypse flick warned of the “dangers of white people”:
Netflix also plans to reboot the 1990s kids’ show Captain Planet with heavy globalist messaging:
And who can forget the 2020 film Cuties, celebrating 11-year-old girls twerking and dancing like strippers, earning the platform the nickname ‘nonceflix’.
These instances reveal a consistent pattern: Netflix uses its platform to erode family structures, and cultural norms under the guise of “entertainment.”
The failed Warner Bros. bid is a victory for common sense over corporate wokeness. By standing against this power grab, Republicans prevented an even larger megaphone for leftist indoctrination.
Your support is crucial in helping us defeat mass censorship. Please consider donating via Locals or check out our unique merch. Follow us on X @ModernityNews.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 03/05/2026 – 13:50
Trump anuncia que reemplazará a Noem al frente de Seguridad Nacional por el senador Mullin
WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump anuncia que reemplazará a Noem al frente de Seguridad Nacional por el senador Mullin.
Indiana has new A-F grade system state calls “student-centered”
Indiana is forging ahead with a new K-12 school accountability model that will give schools letter grades this year for the first time since 2018.
The State Board of Education unanimously approved the accountability system on Wednesday following eight months of feedback.
Officials said the new point-based system focuses on student performance beyond academics, including attendance, civic, digital and financial literacy. They said it will also be easier for parents to understand.
Points would be awarded for various student achievements such as reading and math proficiency, good attendance, work-based credentials, and for passing college entrance exams.
Last year, the legislature approved House Bill 1498 that charged the Department of Education with developing the new accountability model to be implemented this year.
Since June, the state board has held multiple public comment periods, received more than 800 online comments, and held three public hearings.
The consistent themes showed broad support for elevating a variety of knowledge, skills, and experiences that come together to help a student’s future success.
The new accountability model is aligned to the state’s new diploma based on a new set of standards that take effect with the Class of 2029.
The key characteristics identified in the new accountability system include academic mastery, career and postsecondary readiness, communication and collaboration, work ethic, and civic, financial and digital literacy.
The new model must be approved by the state attorney general’s office and signed by Braun.
Grades are expected to be announced in December.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
“Pissed” Trump Fires Kristi Noem, Replaces With Markwayne Mullin
“Pissed” Trump Fires Kristi Noem, Replaces With Markwayne Mullin
Aaaaaand, she’s gone… Moments ago Bloomberg reported that Trump has named Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to replace Noem.
Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026. The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland.’
Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties — in 2016, 2020, and 2024! A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda. As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities. Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”
Developing…
* * *
President Donald Trump is preparing to fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid growing frustration over her self-promotional leadership style and bruising congressional testimony this week, according to multiple reports.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) described Trump as “pissed,” according to NBC News.
Trump’s dissatisfaction has intensified following Noem’s appearance Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she faced sharp bipartisan criticism over her handling of department matters, including a high-profile advertising initiative, the Wall Street Journal reports.
An unnamed adviser to Trump described the hearing as particularly damaging, highlighting widespread discontent with her stewardship of the agency, the Journal said.
A key point of contention has been Noem’s decision to allocate approximately $200 million for a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport, with promotional materials prominently featuring the secretary herself. White House aides said the president had long viewed the effort as overly self-promotional.
During the hearing, Noem claimed that Trump had approved the campaign in advance – a claim that drew further ire from the president, who has told advisers and others that he did not sign off on it.
Adding to the tensions, Noem was grilled Wednesday by House Judiciary Committee members over rumors of a romantic relationship with Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally who serves as an unpaid adviser at the department.
The Daily Mail has reported that Noem and Lewandowski, both married, have been engaged in an extramarital affair – a claim they have repeatedly denied.
In a heated exchange, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) point blank asked Noem under oath if she was engaged in sexual relations with Lewandowski.
A furious Noem refused to directly answer, calling the question “tabloid garbage” and “offensive.” When pressed further, she reiterated that it was “garbage.”
get a load of Kristi Noem’s facial expressions as Rep. Kamlager-Dove enters articles in the congressional record with headlines like, “Lewandowski taking out trash at Noem’s DC home” and “ICE Barbie’s mile high private chamber with alleged lover exposed” pic.twitter.com/FGRMdZ6K3I
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 5, 2026
Meanwhile, NBC News reports Trump has begun soliciting suggestions from aides and Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill for potential successors. Among the names that have surfaced in White House conversations are Republican Sens. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Steve Daines (R-MT),who announced Wednesday that he will not seek reelection, according to NBC News.
Noem made headlines last week when she claimed that DHS staffers had installed spyware on her phone and computer, as well as on devices belonging to other political appointees.
“You wouldn’t even believe what I’ve found since I’ve been in this department,” Noem told conservative podcaster Patrick Bet-David.
Noem said she discovered the spyware last year with the assistance of former DOGE chief Elon Musk and his team.
Noem then told Bet-David that the secret files were turned over to attorneys for review.
The DHS secretary went on to say she has seen “eye-opening” data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the National Laboratories regarding the scientists who traveled to the infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology in China to conduct gain-of-function experiments on coronaviruses.
“It was eye-opening,” she said.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 03/05/2026 – 13:39
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/trump-verge-firing-kristi-noem-heres-who-could-replace-her
Oracle Prepares To Axe Thousands Of Jobs In New Layoff Round
Oracle Prepares To Axe Thousands Of Jobs In New Layoff Round
Shares of Oracle moved lower in New York shortly after lunchtime after Bloomberg News reported that the company is preparing to lay off thousands of workers as it spends aggressively on AI data center buildouts. The timing is not ideal: credit markets are starting to crack, concerns about Blue Owl are mounting, and the data center CapEx boom is looking increasingly frothy.
The planned cuts will affect divisions across the company and may be implemented by the end of this month, according to the outlet, citing people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named. Some of the cuts will target jobs that AI will replace, according to two people familiar with the plans.
Wall Street analysts forecast that the cloud unit’s data center spending will drive Oracle’s cash flow negative through the end of the decade, with a payoff not expected until 2030. Oracle has said it may raise up to $50 billion this year through debt and equity to fund data center buildouts.
This week, Oracle internally announced that it would review many of the open job listings in its cloud division, effectively slowing or freezing the hiring process, according to the sources.
Separately, Oracle previously disclosed its largest-ever restructuring plan, up to $1.6 billion in the fiscal year ending May (including severance). That disclosure helped push ORCL CDS wider, and the spread has since blown out to its widest level since the 2008 financial crisis.
It seems as though the stock has a lot of catching up to do.
The latest Bloomberg data show the company has 162,000 employees globally as of the end of May 2025. There is no definitive number on how many workers will be laid off in the coming weeks. The people Bloomberg cited said these plans are still active and could change.
We can certaintly call a top in the number of Oracle employees this decade.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 03/05/2026 – 13:30
https://www.zerohedge.com/ai/oracle-prepares-axe-thousands-jobs-new-layoff-round
More than 20 states, including Illinois, sue over new global tariffs Trump imposed after his stinging Supreme Court loss
WASHINGTON — Some two dozen states challenged President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs on Thursday, filing a lawsuit over import taxes he imposed after a stinging loss at the Supreme Court.
The Democratic attorneys general leading the suit argue that Trump is overstepping his power with planned 15% tariffs on much of the world.
Trump has said the tariffs are essential to reduce America’s longstanding trade deficits. He imposed duties under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs he imposed last year under an emergency powers law.
What happens next after the Supreme Court slapped down President Donald Trump’s tariffs
Section 122, which has never been invoked, allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15%, though they’re limited to five months unless extended by Congress.
The lawsuit is led by attorneys general from Oregon, Arizona, California and New York.
The states argue that Section 122 was intended to be used only in specific, limited circumstances and does not give Trump authority to impose sweeping import taxes. It also contends the tariffs will drive up costs for states, businesses and consumers.
Many of those states also successfully sued over Trump’s tariffs imposed under a different law: the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Four days after the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping IEEPA tariffs Feb. 20, Trump invoked Section 122 to slap 10% tariffs on foreign goods. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant told CNBC on Wednesday that the administration would raise the levies to the 15% limit this week.
The Democratic states and other critics say the president can’t use Section 122 as a replacement for the defunct tariffs to combat the trade deficit.
The Section 122 provision is aimed at what it calls “fundamental international payments problems.’’ At issue is whether that wording covers trade deficits, the gap between what the U.S. sells other countries and what it buys from them.
Section 122 arose from the financial crises that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s when the U.S. dollar was tied to gold. Other countries were dumping dollars in exchange for gold at a set rate, risking a collapse of the U.S. currency and chaos in financial markets. But the dollar is no longer linked to gold, so critics say Section 122 is obsolete.
Awkwardly for Trump, his own Justice Department argued in a court filing last year that the president needed to invoke the emergency powers act because Section 122 did “not have any obvious application’’ in fighting trade deficits, which it called “conceptually distinct’’ from balance-of-payment issues.
Still, some legal analysts say the Trump administration has a stronger case this time.
“The legal reality is that courts will likely provide President Trump substantially more deference regarding Section 122 than they did to his previous tariffs under IEEPA,’’ Peter Harrell, visiting scholar at Georgetown University’s Institute of International Economic Law, wrote in a commentary Wednesday.
The specialized Court of International Trade in New York, which will hear the states’ lawsuit, wrote last year in its own decision striking down the emergency-powers tariffs that Trump didn’t need them because Section 122 was available to combat trade deficits.
Companies that paid tariffs under that act scored a court victory Wednesday when a judge ruled that refunds are due.
Trump does have other legal authorities he can use to impose tariffs, and some have already survived court tests. Duties that Trump imposed on Chinese imports during his first term under Section 301 of the same 1974 trade act are still in place.
Also joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/illinois-ue-trump-tariff-supreme-court/
What to do in Chicago: ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and magic from Lucy Darling
Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Max Amini
Days after announcing an awareness initiative highlighting the ongoing situation in Iran, Max Amini plays the Chicago Theatre. Amini, called “the most popular standup you probably haven’t heard of” by the New York Times, is an Iranian American from Tucson, Arizona, and part of the global comedy scene. 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 8 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $33.50 at msg.com
The comedian Max Amini performs at Madison Square Garden in New York on Feb. 15, 2026. (Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times)
Trae Crowder
Best known for his “liberal redneck” viral videos, Trae Crowder brings his stand-up to the Den Theatre. Expect the Celina, Tennessee, native to deliver his sharp-witted left-leaning rants with his distinct Southern accent. 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. March 7 at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets from $27 + two-item minimum at thedentheatre.com
Lucy Darling
Need a little magic? A little humor? Savvy crowd work? Lucy Darling, aka Carisa Hendrix, delivers both. The Calgary-based entertainer has a healthy social media following and a full touring schedule. Catch them live this weekend with Mark Ettinger. 8 p.m. March 7 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $52.25 at msg.com
“Turn It Out With Tiler Peck & Friends”
New York City Ballet principal dancer and Instagram ballerina Tiler Peck brings her show to Chicago — a show called “pure dance at its breathtaking best” by The Guardian. Peck will be joined by fellow NYC Ballet dancers (including her husband, Roman Mejia), tapper Michelle Dorrance, and Lex Ishimoto of “So You Think You Can Dance.” The show features four numbers choreographed by Peck, Alonzo King and others. 7:30 p.m. March 7 and 3 p.m. March 8 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $40.98 at auditoriumtheatre.org
“Dancing with the Stars: Live!”
The real stars of “Dancing with the Stars” — the professional dancers who make all the celebrities look good — appear at Rosemont Theatre. Watch Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Jenna Johnson, Pasha Pashkov, Val Chmerkovskiy, Haley Bills and more perform live. 7:30 p.m. March 6 and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. March 7 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $79.05 at rosemont.com
The Renaissance Orchestra
Billed as Southern juke joint-inspired soul, jazz, and groove, The Renaissance Orchestra will light up Ramova Theatre this weekend. Expect big sound, big emotion, as trombonist William Bilal leads a genre-bending crowd of musicians. 7:30 p.m. March 6 at Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.; tickets (ages 21+) from $62.84 at ramovachicago.com
Konstantinos Argiros
The Greek pop star plays a night at the United Center to benefit The Hellenic Initiative, a philanthropic organization supporting economic development in Greece. Argiros has brought his high-energy show to major venues globally, including Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and London’s Royal Albert Hall. Check out his latest single, released last month, “Ax Kardia Mou” — “Oh, My Heart.” 8 p.m. March 7 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $48.25 at unitedcenter.com
“The Shape of Bones”
“Filled with the kind of intense scenes that serious Chicago actors live to play,” according to a Tribune rave review, “The Shape of Bones” continues its run through March 22 at Theater Wit. Stocked with accomplished actors and following the story of a 12-year-old boy who falls under the sway of a charismatic pastor, the show is a knock-out. “Not only will you not be bored for a moment, you may have to remind yourself to breathe.” Through March 22 by The New Theatre Project at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; tickets from $25 at thenewtheatreproject.com
The cast of “The Shape of the Bones” by The New Theatre Project at Theater Wit. (George Hudson)
“The Gondoliers”
A secret king, mistaken identities and accidental polygamy: It’s classic Gilbert and Sullivan. The University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra provides live music for the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s 66th production this weekend in Hyde Park. 7:30 p.m. March 6-7 and 2 p.m. March 8 at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St.; tickets from $12 at gsocchicago.org
Polar Plunge
Miss the big Polar Plunge last weekend? You can still get in on the freezing fun this weekend at Gallagher Way and at other area locations throughout the month. Dive into a cold pool just outside Wrigley Field, jump in the Lake next weekend at Gillson Beach in Wilmette, or find another Polar Plunge near you. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois. 9-11 a.m. March 7 at Gallagher Way, 3635 N, Clark St.; registration $100 at plungeillinois.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/what-to-do-chicago-march7/
Elgin News Digest: Dundee firefighters selling St. Patrick’s gear; ECC student attending Dream Scholar conference
DUNDEE FIREFIGHTERS SELLING ST. PATRICK’S GEAR
East and West Dundee firefighters have partnered with Today’s Uniforms to sell St. Patrick’s Day-themed shirts in adult sizes through the actual holiday on March 17.
Both departments are selling their own gear. West Dundee T-shirts cost $30 and East Dundee’s are $33.95. The cost for hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts are $39.95 and $49.95 respectively for East Dundee and $35 and $45 for West Dundee, according to the product website.
A portion of sales will be donated to local charities, and the company will give a $100 to the firefighters’ local that sells the most items, according to a social media post.
To place an order, go to shoptodaysuniform.com/east-dundee–st-pats.html and shoptodaysuniform.com/West-Dundee–St-Pats-_c_40.html.
Elgin Community College student Bohdan Andrashko is in Portland, Oregon, this week to take part in Achieving the Dream’s DREAM 2026 conference. (Elgin Community College)
ECC STUDENT ATTENDING DREAM SCHOLAR CONFERENCE
Elgin Community College student Bohdan Andrashko is in Portland, Oregon, this week to take part in Achieving the Dream’s DREAM 2026 conference.
Andrashko is one of just eight students selected through a competitive application process to attend the event, according to a news release from the college.
During the conference, the scholars are networking and attending sessions focused on student success and its role in economic mobility and community prosperity. Each student will also receive a financial scholarship and deliver a presentation.
Andrashko grew up in Ukraine, where he witnessed his family and community impacted by war, according to the release. He rebuilt his life in the United States and enrolled at ECC in spring 2025.
Andrashko has attained a 4.0 GPA, completed 43 credits and stepped into leadership roles as student government treasurer, engineering club member, student employee in the Office of Student Life and executive treasurer and credit union board member. He plans to transfer to a four-year university to study finance and economics, with the goal of helping communities recovering from conflict, particularly Ukrainians.
THREE STATE REPS HOLDING MEETINGS WITH PUBLIC
State Reps. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin and Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois are hosting a virtual “Know Your Rights” town hall event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 10.
That same day, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, will hold a coffee from 8 to 9 a.m. at Elder & Oat, 124 W. Main St., West Dundee.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Virtual town hall topics covered will include a First Amendment and civil rights overview; information about the Governor’s Accountability Commission; best practices for engaging with law enforcement; and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board’s new complaint portal
To register to attend, go to forms.gle/QMXuX7R7Y2V1U5Cj8. For more information, call 847-841-7130 or email StateRepMoeller@gmail.com.
Ness will be taking questions and providing information about resources available to residents and businesses at her event. For more information, call 224-484-8620 or email info@repsnessil66.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/elgin-dundee-st-patricks-bohdan-conference/
