Category: News
Northfield’s Sunset Ridge District 29 asking voters for $23.5 million in March 17 election
Sunset Ridge School District 29, serving the village of Northfield and a small portion of Northbrook, is seeking $23.5 million in funding to renovate Middlefork School in Northfield, one of two elementary schools in the district.
On the upcoming March 17 Cook County Primary Election ballot, residents of District 29 will have the option to vote yes or no on the bond referendum, which would allow the district to borrow money to fund the partial rebuild and infrastructure upgrade of the K-3 school.
Two other referendums, for a fire protection district and a park district, are also on the ballot in this area and, if passed, would each raise property taxes an additional amount.
The District 29 school renovation project is expected to cost about $40 million in total, and the proposed $23.5 million bond referendum would fund just a portion of the overall price tag.
If approved by voters, property taxes paid to the district would increase based on home market value. The owner of a $500,000 home could expect to see an annual tax increase of $444, while the owner of a $1 million home would have to pay an extra $920 in property taxes.
Voters can utilize the district’s tax impact calculator to estimate their total cost increase.
Sunset Ridge School District 29 plans to finance the additional project costs through a combination of “anticipated interest earnings on bond proceeds, fundraising efforts and a future debt certificate issuance planned for 2028,” according to District 29 Superintendent Edward Stange.
The debt certificate would be paid using existing, available resources and would not additionally raise property taxes in the area, though as the proposal clarifies, additional project funding costs would be subject to Board action and may require “future financial conditions.”
The referendum reads: “Shall the Board of Education of Sunset Ridge School District Number 29, Cook County, Illinois, build and equip an academic building to replace a portion of the Middlefork School Building, alter, repair and equip the remaining portion of said school building, improve the site thereof, install safety and security measures, increase student accessibility to educational and outdoor spaces, and issue its bonds to the amount of $23,500,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?”
District 29 lowered the bond referendum from an original proposal of $30 million after incorporating community input, in an effort to reduce the taxpayer impact, the proposal said.
The partial rebuild and renovation to Middlefork would “improve safety and security as well as balance modernization, fiscal responsibility and continuity of instruction,” according to the proposal.
Improvements to the school plan to address a variety of its aging infrastructure challenges would include:
• Enhancing safety systems through reinforced materials, secure entry points, and interior movement barriers
• Upgrading the fire suppression system and integrated storm shelter
• Building ADA-compliant restrooms and accessible indoor and outdoor pathways
• Installing energy-efficient HVAC, plumbing, roofing, electrical and lighting systems
• Updating the gymnasium and multipurpose room and cafeteria
• Replacing outdated school wings with modern classroom infrastructure and phased construction to move away from modular classrooms
• A new two-story layout with 23 purpose-designed classrooms organized by grade-level clusters (16 core, four specials, two special education and one preschool)
• More secure playground areas
• Exterior building design optimized for durability and energy efficiency
“If approved, I am most looking forward to our youngest and most vulnerable students (K-3rd grade) benefitting from the same state-of-the-art safety and security features in their school that their peers at Sunset Ridge School (4-8) benefit from,” Stange said in an email.
The District 29 referendum isn’t the only one that could raise Northfield and some of Northbrook’s taxes, however.
Northfield Park District is proposing a 0.1% tax increase (about $30 per $100,000 in property value or $300 for a $1 million home per year) to improve its parks and build out its 2023-2028 Comprehensive Master Plan, which includes designing the new Northside Pocket Park and supporting several park district community center expansions.
Northbrook Rural Fire Protection District is also proposing a 0.1% tax increase for improvements for its emergency and rescue crew and for additional equipment purposes. The estimated tax increase for a $100,000 property is $30.36 per year.
If all three referendums pass, voters with million dollar homes residing in these district in the Northfield and Northbrook areas can expect to pay several hundred dollars more in total property taxes per year.
Pending voter approval on the District 29 referendum, construction on Middlefork School is expected to begin as early as April 2027. The phased renovation approach will allow for portions of the existing building to remain open and operational while new portions are completed.
District 29 officials said the timeline for completion is dependent on a variety of factors including building permitting, bidding, financing schedules and weather conditions, but the phased renovation is expected to last 2.5 to 3 years.
Additional information about the bond referendum and proposal can be found at www.sunsetridge29.org/proposal.
Israel Opens Second Front On Day 4 Of Trump’s Iran War As IRGC Refuses To Back Down
Israel Opens Second Front On Day 4 Of Trump’s Iran War As IRGC Refuses To Back Down
Israeli and US forces pressed forward with their assault on Iran, striking targets across the country, including Iran’s state broadcaster and central military command centers, as the official death toll has climbed to 787 Iranians killed since the start of the Trump-ordered Operation Epic Fury. The US has sustained at least six troop deaths and several more seriously wounded.
Fears that this could open to a broader multi-front war appear to be coming to reality, as at the same time Israel escalated operations on a second front, intensifying airstrikes on Lebanon and launching a new ground incursion into the south. Beirut is once again under Israeli bombs, after Israel accused Hezbollah of firing rockets on the north. What’s more is that Kann News is citing a senior Israeli official as follows: We assess that Saudi Arabia will attack Iran soon after it was attacked yesterday. The war is expanding.
The conflict has continued to spread across the Gulf. Saudi authorities said two drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, igniting a small fire and causing minor damage. However, there’s been surprisingly little information or video to come out of this major incident.
Qatar has formally joined the war on the US-Israeli side, having already said it took out a pair of Iranian jets. The tiny oil and gas rich GCC country Foreign Ministry stated that “the two Iranian planes shot down by Qatar yesterday were flying toward Doha and were warned before being shot down. Qatar is searching for the pilots.”
Iran has continued its retaliation by targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf, driving global oil and gas prices sharply higher. As we reported previously, Qatar’s state-owned petroleum company suspended all LNG production after two of its facilities were hit.
The status of the vital Strait of Hormuz remains a big unknown, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announcing that the vital oil transit chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption is now “closed”. While the consensus is that after the US blew up all or most of the Iranian Navy’s vessels, it doesn’t have the maritime power to effect a blockage, the IRGC can certainly wreak havoc through its drone and missile arsenal.
New Footage Shows US Base in Bahrain Under Iranian Missile Strike
New video has surfaced online showing US military base in Bahrain that were targeted in recent hours by heavy Iranian missiles. pic.twitter.com/LHC3iSD0Ws
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) March 3, 2026
Iran has also continued missile attacks on Israel, with the Israeli military reporting interceptions over West Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Eilat. At least 10 people have been killed in Israel since Saturday. Many dozens, possibly in the hundreds, have been injured and wounded. Fox live shots and correspondent on the ground Trey Yingst have been offering proof that Israel’s anti-air defenses are routinely being overwhelmed and significant impacts have resulted.
Costly interceptors are also being expended at a high rate across the Gulf, and these countries are urgently appealing for more from Washington, but they will soon be in short supply at this rate. The Wall Street Journal warns as follows:
Persian Gulf nations targeted by Iran have, so far, managed to limit the damage by deploying sophisticated U.S.-made air defenses against the hundreds of drones and missiles that have rained on their cities.
With costly interceptors and radar, all integrated with the U.S. military, the oil-rich Gulf Arab states have fielded some of the most advanced air defenses in the world, despite their small populations and militaries.
A crucial variable in this war, however, is whether these monarchies start running out of interceptors before the Iranian regime runs out of projectiles. At current burn rates, it could be very soon.
Alarmingly, initial White House talking points of a ‘limited’ campaign of mere days (and based on pre-war comments during the build-up) have now gone out the window as on Monday President Trump and Secretary Rubio indicated the operation could run for roughly four or five weeks. But they also admitted there’s a basically open-ended timeline to “do whatever it takes” to eliminate Tehran’s missile and nuclear capabilities, and to destroy the country’s missile arsenal.
⚡️Massive explosion in Tehran pic.twitter.com/Tbeds9mviY
— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) March 3, 2026
But then here’s what the Trump administration failed to take into account, or perhaps chose to completely ignore. Trita Parsi told The Economist:
“This is not a monarchy in which the shah is gone and you take out all of the male heirs.” He explained: “This is a system—not a particularly popular system—but nevertheless one with a security establishment that is not dependent on a single person or a single family.”
Pentagon brass doesn’t seem to know what the plan is, how long it will last, or why they’re there: “The hours, days, and perhaps weeks ahead will challenge you. There will be noise and confusion.”
Adm. Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military officer at @CENTCOM, sent this message to the roughly 50,000 U.S. troops directly involved in operations against Iran, I’m told. pic.twitter.com/9VGvRSWtTW
— Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) March 2, 2026
There are reports that in the instance of the Ayatollah’s death under US-Israeli bombs, which is the first thing that happened Saturday as he was apparently not in hiding, Iran put a strict emergency protocol in place. This reportedly involved plans for the IRGC and various military units across the country to begin acting autonomously within their respective chains of command, so that a state decapitation strike won’t disrupt the ongoing retaliation.
That retaliation has already killed at least six US service members stationed at Gulf bases:
The U.S. is facing increasing risks to its military forces and diplomatic presence in the Middle East as Iran is launching waves of missile and drone attacks across the region that are testing its ability to defend a swath of territory.
U.S. Central Command said that six servicemembers had been killed in the three-day-old campaign on Monday. The six died in a drone strike on a base in Kuwait, The Wall Street Journal reported. Separately, three American F-15 jets were downed by apparent friendly fire over Kuwait on Monday, in one of the most significant losses of equipment for the U.S. in the operation.
Bases that house U.S. forces have also come under attack in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
In at least one instance troops were in a mobile trailer which served as a makeshift command center or office when an Iranian projectile hit.
The White House has meanwhile said it is not at all in diplomatic contact with the Iranians, who may want to impose a deeper cost before even starting a discussion for an offramp – and it’s the same with the Gulf states – there doesn’t seem to be any top-level contact.
Rubio and Hegseth have kept repeating that “this is not Iraq” and have insisted this is not another Neocon “endless war”. They might be right in that what just opened up might prove far worse than the Iraq war. So far there’s no US boots on the ground that we know of, but we’re already at that admin talking point of ‘we haven’t ruled it out’. White House leadership has also been surprisingly open as to Israel’s role in the US decision to attack Iran.
🎯STRUCK: The Iranian Regime’s Leadership Compound — the central headquarters have been dismantled
This command headquarters was one of the most heavily secured assets in Iran. The compound that housed the regime’s most senior forum was struck by the IAF overnight using precise… pic.twitter.com/4iW2xd71bC
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 3, 2026
More latest headlines via Newsquawk:
Israeli defence forces announce that they did not deploy ground troops in Iran, Israeli source report.
The IDF announces that they have struck Iran’s leadership compound in Tehran.
IAEA confirms recent damage to entrance buildings of Iran’s underground Natanz fuel enrichment plan.
Israel’s Home Front announce early warning after detection of rockets fired from Iran toward Israel, Al Jazeera reported.
Israeli Military Spokesperson said it is not likely that Israel will deploy ground forces to Iran as it is not practical.
IDF spokesperson said launches detected from Iran and alerts expected in the northern area from the Golan to northern Sharon.
Iran’s military said it targeted the Al Udeid base with missiles.
Iran’s IRCG said they targeted the aircraft carrier “Lincoln” with 4 cruise missiles; The aircraft carrier “Lincoln” headed towards the southeastern Indian Ocean , Al Arabiya reported.
Member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts said choosing a successor to Supreme Leader Khamenei “won’t take long”, according to ISNA.
Hezbollah said it targeted the Ramat David Air Base in northern Israel.
US VP Vance said President Trump wants to make sure Iran never had nuclear weapons, adds the US has a lot of capacity in Iran.
US President Trump held a call with Kurdish leaders in Iraq on Sunday to discuss the US-Israel war with Iran and what might come next, according to three sources with knowledge of the called cited by Axios.
US is said to prepare for a ‘pickup’ of attacks in Iran during the next 24 hours, according to CNN.
Tyler Durden
Tue, 03/03/2026 – 08:05
Iran Expands Strikes On Gulf Energy Infrastructure As More Oil Hubs Hit
Iran Expands Strikes On Gulf Energy Infrastructure As More Oil Hubs Hit
One day after a reported Iranian drone strike forced Saudi Arabia’s largest oil refinery offline, with high-resolution post-strike satellite imagery showing visible damage, multiple reports on Tuesday morning suggest additional energy infrastructure in two Gulf states has also been targeted in suspected Iranian drone attacks.
Bloomberg reports that “falling debris” from an intercepted drone sparked a major fire at the United Arab Emirates’ major oil-trading hub of Fujairah.
The Fujairah Media Office wrote on X that civil defense units are suppressing the fire at the energy facility, while operations at the storage terminal and an oil refinery were suspended one day earlier.
🇦🇪 A major fire broke out at Fujairah port, UAE, one of the world’s largest oil storage facilities, following an Iranian drone strike on an oil depot. pic.twitter.com/Jsx4jG39na
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 3, 2026
Fujairah is a major storage, blending, trading, and ship-refueling hub on the Gulf of Oman, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz but outside the Persian Gulf. This makes it a partial bypass route if Hormuz is threatened.
The energy hub hosts the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, which lets Abu Dhabi export crude directly to the Arabian Sea, and S&P Global says the port is linked to a 1.5 million b/d pipeline.
Footage circulating on X shows another incident earlier, this time at the Port of Salalah, of what appears to be an Iranian drone striking energy-related infrastructure.
🇴🇲 The moment an Iranian drone impacted the Port of Salalah in Oman pic.twitter.com/YUE7UXXT6J
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 3, 2026
On Monday, a reported Iranian drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura complex caused Saudi Arabia’s largest refinery to go offline.
GEOINT from spatial intelligence firm Vantor shows high-resolution satellite imagery of the aftermath:
Meanwhile, Brent crude futures and European natural gas have spiked as the world’s most critical maritime energy chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz, remains paralyzed, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander threatening fire and destruction to any ship that transits the narrow waterway.
As of 0630 ET, Brent crude futures are up 7.7% to nearly $84/bbl.
Beyond Iran targeting critical infrastructure, soft targets have also been hit, including skyscrapers, at least one data center, airports, and the list goes on across Gulf states. Bloomberg’s top commodities analyst warned that water desalination plants could be next (read report).
Tyler Durden
Tue, 03/03/2026 – 07:45
Iran Expands Strikes On Gulf Energy Infrastructure As More Oil Hubs Hit
Iran Expands Strikes On Gulf Energy Infrastructure As More Oil Hubs Hit
One day after a reported Iranian drone strike forced Saudi Arabia’s largest oil refinery offline, with high-resolution post-strike satellite imagery showing visible damage, multiple reports on Tuesday morning suggest additional energy infrastructure in two Gulf states has also been targeted in suspected Iranian drone attacks.
Bloomberg reports that “falling debris” from an intercepted drone sparked a major fire at the United Arab Emirates’ major oil-trading hub of Fujairah.
The Fujairah Media Office wrote on X that civil defense units are suppressing the fire at the energy facility, while operations at the storage terminal and an oil refinery were suspended one day earlier.
🇦🇪 A major fire broke out at Fujairah port, UAE, one of the world’s largest oil storage facilities, following an Iranian drone strike on an oil depot. pic.twitter.com/Jsx4jG39na
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 3, 2026
Fujairah is a major storage, blending, trading, and ship-refueling hub on the Gulf of Oman, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz but outside the Persian Gulf. This makes it a partial bypass route if Hormuz is threatened.
The energy hub hosts the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, which lets Abu Dhabi export crude directly to the Arabian Sea, and S&P Global says the port is linked to a 1.5 million b/d pipeline.
Footage circulating on X shows another incident earlier, this time at the Port of Salalah, of what appears to be an Iranian drone striking energy-related infrastructure.
🇴🇲 The moment an Iranian drone impacted the Port of Salalah in Oman pic.twitter.com/YUE7UXXT6J
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 3, 2026
On Monday, a reported Iranian drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura complex caused Saudi Arabia’s largest refinery to go offline.
GEOINT from spatial intelligence firm Vantor shows high-resolution satellite imagery of the aftermath:
Meanwhile, Brent crude futures and European natural gas have spiked as the world’s most critical maritime energy chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz, remains paralyzed, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander threatening fire and destruction to any ship that transits the narrow waterway.
As of 0630 ET, Brent crude futures are up 7.7% to nearly $84/bbl.
Beyond Iran targeting critical infrastructure, soft targets have also been hit, including skyscrapers, at least one data center, airports, and the list goes on across Gulf states. Bloomberg’s top commodities analyst warned that water desalination plants could be next (read report).
Tyler Durden
Tue, 03/03/2026 – 07:45
Are compressed packing cubes better than standard packing cubes?
Are compression or standard packing cubes best?
Packing cubes are a must-have for many travelers. They make it easy to keep your suitcase organized so it’s always easy to find what you need. If you aren’t familiar with them, you may be wondering whether compression packing cubes or standard packing cubes are best.
Standard packing cubes are individual bags used to organize your luggage. Compression packing cubes are much the same with the added bonus of compressing the contents of the cube to take up less luggage space.
Compression packing cubes
We’ve all been in a situation where we’ve packed too many clothes, making our luggage nearly impossible to close. Compression packing cubes are fabric bags with an added compression mechanism to remove air and compress clothes so you can fit more in your case. Most have a double-zipper system, with one zipper to close the cube and a second zipper that compresses it to a fraction of its full size.
Compression packing cubes generally cost somewhere between $25-$60 for a pack of 2-6 pieces.
Compression packing cube pros
The main and most obvious benefit of compression packing cubes is that they allow you to fit more inside your luggage. Most save you around 15-20 percent of space in your suitcase.
Unlike more traditional compression bags that are often used for storing clothes and bedding when not in use, compression travel cubes don’t require the use of a vacuum or bicycle pump, so they’re much simpler to use while traveling.
Compression packing cubes are durable and can be used over and over again, which is great if you travel regularly.
You can buy compression packing cubes in a range of sizes to suit most types of clothing.
Compression packing cubes cons
Quality compression packing cubes cost more than standard compression cubes.
If you use a large number of compression packing cubes when flying — particularly in a big suitcase — you run the risk of bringing your luggage over the maximum weight allowed by your airline, lumping you with additional baggage fees.
Due to the compression process, you’re more likely to end up with wrinkled clothes compared to when you use standard packing cubes.
Best compression packing cubes
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
This six piece set includes five compression cubes of varying sizes, plus a laundry bag. They’re highly durable and are capable of compressing clothes by approximately 50%.
Tripped Compression Packing Cubes
Durable and stylish, these well-made compression packing cubes come in a range of colors and prints. Each set has two small compression cubes, two large compression cubes, a slim packing tube and a laundry bag.
BeeNesting Compression Packing Cubes
This set of two compression cubes is ideal for anyone who doesn’t need a large set. You can choose from a range of size and color options to best suit your needs.
Standard packing cubes
Standard packing cubes are fabric bags designed to organize your luggage, but without any compression capabilities. If you want to organize the contents of your suitcase into convenient groupings but you don’t need any extra space, then packing cubes are perfect for the task at hand.
Some people are happy to simply pack freestyle, but if neatly organized spaces are your jam, you’ll love packing cubes. For an average pack of around three to six cubes, you can expect to pay between $15-$30.
Standard packing cube pros
Standard packing cubes cost less than compression packing cubes of a comparable quality, so if you don’t need the extra luggage space, you’ll save money by using this type.
Since there’s no extra pressure from compression, your clothes won’t come out heavily wrinkled and in need of ironing once you reach your destination.
Using standard packing cubes doesn’t increase the weight of your luggage by any significant amount, so you won’t need to worry about the potential for overweight baggage fees.
Compression packing cubes usually end up slightly domed in the center after compressing them. Standard packing cubes are more likely to stay flat on top if packed carefully, making this option easier to stack in your luggage.
Standard packing cube cons
They might make your luggage neater and more organized, but standard packing cubes don’t reduce the volume of your luggage or help you fit more in your case. In fact, some people find they fit less in their luggage using standard packing cubes compared to not using packing cubes at all.
Some individuals find using standard packing cubes to be one extra step in packing their luggage that’s ultimately unnecessary and takes up more time.
Best standard packing cubes
This six-piece set contains a variety of small, medium and large packing cubes and a laundry bag for your dirty clothes. They have high-quality zippers and mesh panels to help keep your clothes from getting musty.
With three heavy-duty packing cubes, this is the perfect choice for business travelers or anyone who’s more likely to go on frequent short trips rather than occasional long trips. The three cubes included come in medium, small and x-small sizes.
Ideal for use on long trips, this set includes two large cubes, one medium cube, two small cubes and a bonus shoe bag. They are offered in 10 different colors.
Should you get compression packing cubes or standard packing cubes?
Whether you should buy compression or standard packing cubes depends on how likely you are to need extra room in your luggage. If packing light is your forte, standard packing cubes are perfect for organizing your case. If you’re more likely to pack everything in your closet, a set of compression packing cubes will give you the extra luggage space you require.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Daywatch: The ‘quarter-century opportunity’ in Illinois’ 9th
Good morning, Chicago.
In 1998, when Illinois’ 9th Congressional District last held an open-seat primary after nearly a half-century of representation by Sidney Yates, it was a three-way Democratic fight. Jan Schakowsky prevailed, and the guy who came in last was a young heir to a hotel fortune named JB Pritzker.
Nearly 30 years later, the contrast is stark. With Schakowsky retiring, 15 Democrats are vying for the nomination, a crowded race that is among the most closely watched House primaries in the country. It’s a contest that encapsulates how much the Democratic Party has transformed in the Trump era, the growing influence of outside money in safe-blue districts and the generational shift in a seat long anchored by Chicago’s liberal Jewish political tradition.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Olivia Olander.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including how South Carolina honored native son Rev. Jesse Jackson, the latest as the Blackhawks begin deadline dealing and what members of DePaul’s faculty said in a letter opposing the closure of art museum.
Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
Shekinah Lee and her boyfriend visited the Dubai Miracle Garden. (Shekinah Lee)
Chicago woman unsure of when she’ll return home from Dubai after US attacks on Iran
Last Friday, Shekinah Lee and eight of her friends rang in her boyfriend’s 27th birthday in Dubai, somewhere he’d always wanted to visit. Two days later, they watched as a missile shot across the sky, wondering when and how they’d get home.
What began as a “dream” five-day trip for the group of Chicagoans now has no end in sight, as air strikes from Iran led to canceled flights out of the United Arab Emirates over the weekend.
Iranian drones hit the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia, while hundreds are reported dead in Iran
As Mideast conflict widens, US says attacks on Iran will last weeks and intensify
President Clinton makes a statement as first lady Hillary Clinton looks on at the White House, Dec. 19, 1998 in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Bill Clinton tries to distance himself from Epstein in videos released from his testimony last week
Former President Bill Clinton distanced himself themselves from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in closed-door depositions with lawmakers, according to videos that were released yesterday by a House committee.
The children of the Rev. Jesse Jackson stand as his casket is carried by South Carolina State Troopers outside the South Carolina State House in Columbia, March 2, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
South Carolina honors native son Rev. Jesse Jackson
Flags were lowered to half-staff in South Carolina Monday where Jackson, a native son and civil rights icon, became only the second Black man in history to lie in repose inside the state capitol. Jackson died in Chicago on Feb. 17 at 84.
People from nearby and far away lined up for blocks to gain entry to the statehouse to view Jackson’s flag-draped casket after his family and members of the South Carolina General Assembly requested he be honored in the state of his birth.
A titan of civil rights: Remembering Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
Delegates celebrate after Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the presidential nomination at the United Center during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 22, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago aiming for a repeat as its named a finalist to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Committee said that Chicago, which played home to the party’s 2024 presidential nominating convention, is a finalist to host the Aug. 7-10, 2028, event along with Atlanta, Boston, Denver and Philadelphia.
The Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis on Jan. 4, 2022. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)
Abortion medication, gender definition among Indiana bills that died
As the Indiana legislature finished the 2026 legislative session, many bills didn’t advance, including a ban on abortion medication, defining gender and limiting passport and bathroom access for transgender people, and regulations for carbon storage operators.
Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy takes a shot against the Bruins on Jan. 17, 2026, at the United Center. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks begin deadline dealing, trading Connor Murphy for a 2028 2nd-round pick
The Blackhawks made their first move ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline, sending veteran defenseman Connor Murphy — their longest-tenured player — to the Edmonton Oilers on Monday for a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL draft.
Edgar Quero of the Chicago White Sox gestures to his bench after hitting an RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning of a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on Feb. 26, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (Norm Hall/Getty Images)
‘I like hitting with people on base’: Chicago White Sox catcher Edgar Quero has a sizzling start to the spring
Edgar Quero has had a sizzling start to the spring, going 9-for-17 (.529) with a double and a home run in his first five games.
Chicago Cubs’ Jefferson Rojas celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Feb. 23, 2026, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Chicago Cubs prospect Jefferson Rojas is showing off elite bat in impressive camp performance
Jefferson Rojas’ performance this spring has made him a standout in camp. An advanced hitter who reached Double A for the first time last year, being part of big-league camp and rising through the farm system has an arrival to the majors in the shortstop’s path.
The DePaul Art Museum at 935 W Fullerton Ave. is shutting down on June 30. (Provided by DPAM)
Members of DePaul faculty publish open letter opposing the closure of art museum
Days after top administrators at DePaul University announced it would be “re-imaging the arts” by permanently closing its on-campus museum at the end of June, a number of DePaul faculty members have signed an open letter asking the university to reconsider.
“Leaving aside the Orwellian invitation to ‘re-imagine’ the arts by closing the building that houses them,” the letter says, “it seems to us that those making the decision must not be fully aware of the multifaceted and widespread value that the DePaul Art Museum (DPAM) has for our academic community.”
City News Bureau city editor Heywood Hoffman, left, and bureau chief Paul Zimbrakos finish the final working day for the news service on Dec. 30, 2005. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune)
Column: ‘Sirens in the Loop’ book give us City News Bureau in all its raucous glory
Many of their names helped define Chicago journalism and many of their names mean nothing to you and many of their names are lost to yellowing newsprint, writes Rick Kogan.
They worked for a place called the City News Bureau and you have nevertheless benefited from the work done by its thousands of mostly young and eager people, combing the city for generations to gather news both good and bad, bloody and mundane. A new book, “Sirens in the Loop: A History of the City News Bureau of Chicago,” gives you its story.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/03/daywatch-the-quarter-century-opportunity-in-illinois-9th/
Nueve muertos en el derrumbe de un edificio en Sudáfrica. La ciudad planea demoler el resto
Por MICHELLE GUMEDE
JOHANNESBURGO (AP) — Nueve personas murieron en el derrumbe de un edificio en la ciudad sudafricana de Johannesburgo, informaron el martes los servicios de emergencia y funcionarios municipales, mientras el gobierno se preparaba para demoler el inmueble afirmando que fue construido de manera ilegal.
La portavoz de los Servicios de Gestión de Emergencias de Johannesburgo, Xolile Khumalo, indicó que el martes se recuperaron dos cuerpos más y que se localizó otro cuerpo entre los escombros del colapso del día anterior.
“Los equipos están ocupados extrayéndolo de debajo de los escombros de concreto”, señaló Khumalo.
El funcionario de seguridad pública de Johannesburgo Mgcini Tshwaku confirmó que se había verificado un total de nueve cuerpos en el edificio colapsado, ubicado en un parque empresarial en el sur de Johannesburgo.
Parte del edificio estaba en construcción cuando el piso de un nivel superior del inmueble, en el suburbio de Ormonde, cedió el lunes y cayó sobre las personas que estaban debajo, lo que causó la muerte de seis personas y dejó a otras atrapadas.
El alcalde de Johannesburgo, Dada Morero, afirmó que las investigaciones preliminares revelaron que no se habían presentado a la ciudad planes formales para la estructura del edificio, en incumplimiento de las ordenanzas municipales y de los controles de construcción. Agregó que hay una investigación en marcha sobre las causas y que se espera que después se proceda a la demolición de la estructura ilegal.
“En virtud de nuestras ordenanzas, estamos facultados para demoler en ese caso. Una vez que se hayan concluido todos los procesos, se llevará a cabo la demolición”, declaró Morero a los reporteros en el lugar.
El presidente, Cyril Ramaphosa, ofreció condolencias a las familias de los fallecidos y a los sobrevivientes. En un comunicado señaló que prevé que una pesquisa sobre el derrumbe aporte respuestas a los sobrevivientes y a los familiares de las personas fallecidas.
Los derrumbes de edificios se consideran un riesgo de seguridad importante y persistente en el sector de la construcción de Sudáfrica, que figura entre los cuatro sectores de mayor riesgo del país, según el Departamento de Empleo y Trabajo.
En los últimos años se han producido numerosos derrumbes de edificios, en ocasiones mortales, como el ocurrido en mayo de 2024 en la ciudad costera de George, que se cobró 34 vidas. Una investigación atribuyó esa tragedia a múltiples fallas, incluidas infracciones de las normas de seguridad.
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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.
A beginner’s guide to ski gear
Ready, set, ski
Skiing as a beginner is exciting, and you’ll need to prepare in advance for your first outing. Part of that preparation is dressing appropriately in the best ski gear. There are several ski essentials you’ll need to stay warm and comfortable.
For skiing clothes, you’ll want to dress in appropriate thermal underwear, a light wool or fleece top, ski socks, a ski jacket, ski pants, a ski hat, a ski mask, gloves or mittens. You’ll also need a ski helmet to protect your head and neck, as well as ski goggles for eye protection and visibility. Skis, ski boots and poles are classified as equipment, rather than gear.
In this article: Columbia Women’s Heavenly Jacket, Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants and ZIONOR X4 Ski Goggles
What to know about ski gear: layering
Layering ski clothing is a must. For your ski outfit, you’ll want a breathable base layer (thermal underwear) that absorbs perspiration, a mid-layer (fleece or wool top) to keep you warm, and an outer layer (ski jacket) that will protect you from the wind and snow.
Layering the lower body doesn’t require as much, and ski pants are usually lined already. Most beginners do great with just ski pants or long underwear underneath ski pants, depending on the weather conditions.
What to look for in quality ski gear
It’s important to wear gear designed for skiing, as this type of gear has specific features to protect you on the slopes.
Ski hats
You should always wear a ski hat under your helmet to keep warm. They also provide extra cushioning. Beanies are a particularly popular style. Ski hats are made from breathable and sweat-wicking materials such as cotton and Merino wool. If you’re planning a ski trip somewhere that has mild weather, a thinner helmet liner, otherwise known as a skull cap, may be more comfortable.
Ski masks
Having a ski mask is crucial for very low temperatures and high wind chill. Some ski masks cover only the bottom part of your face, while others are designed to cover the entire head, except the eyes and sometimes the nose. Loose-fitting ski masks may be more comfortable or breathable, but they don’t always fit well under a helmet. Snug options, on the other hand, typically offer more warmth.
Ski jackets
A quality ski jacket has accessories like a snow skirt to keep the wind and snow from blowing up into it, Velcro on the sleeves so you can tighten them around your wrists, ski cuffs that extend out from the sleeves to keep snow out of the jacket and an adjustable hood for different weather conditions. Pockets are handy, too.
Ski pants
Skiing pants should be two things: waterproof and warm. Look for pants that have a zippered vent that runs the length of your thighs to prevent overheating. Elastic, Velcro or zippers at the ankles should fit over your boots.
Ski goggles
Skiing goggles shield your eyes from snow, rain, the sun and glare. They’re more watertight than sunglasses, and if you should fall, goggles protect your face, while sunglasses may cause injury.
Ski gloves
Look for skiing gloves that are waterproof and not too tight. Many skiers prefer to wear thin inner gloves with mittens over them.
Ski socks
Thick ski socks promote precision when you’re wearing narrower ski boots. For optimum warmth and comfort, opt for thicker ski socks made of merino wool or synthetic fibers.
Ski helmets
A good ski helmet should have a moisture-wicking liner, ear protection and a comfortable chin strap. The outer layer of a good helmet is made of ABS high-impact plastic to protect your head.
Top entry-level ski gear to get you started
Best ski jacket
Columbia Women’s Heavenly Jacket
This women’s ski jacket is water-resistant, with a special moisture-wicking lining that retains heat. It features synthetic down-style baffling, a fleece collar and comfort cuffs for extra hand warmth.
This jacket made for guys uses patented Omni-Heat technology to keep you toasty.) The down insulation and fleece collar make it super cozy, and it comes in 12 flattering colors.
Best ski pants
These men’s ski pants are waterproof, insulated and light yet warm. They have three-dimensional knees for added comfort and flexibility. These have a breathable mesh fleece lining and zipper-bottom ankles, along with several zippered pockets and zippered vents at the thighs. They’re also budget-friendly.
Arctix Women’s Insulated Snow Pants
These lightweight and durable women’s ski pants will keep you warm at temperatures down to -20 degrees. Boot zippers make them easy to take on and off when wearing ski boots. Boot gaiters retain warmth while keeping moisture out. These women’s snow pants are affordable. The waist is adjustable for a custom fit, and there’s an O-ring for attaching keys, gloves or lift tickets. There are 37 color schemes and patterns to choose from, as well.
Best ski goggles
These ski goggles are versatile, affordable and have a magnetic lens-changing system so beginners can try various lenses. The design fits over small-framed glasses and provides beautiful clarity with a great spherical panoramic view. They also come in a variety of cool styles.
Best ski gloves
MoreOK 3M Thinsulate Thermal Gloves for Skiing
These gloves have a waterproof membrane, are insulated, moisture-wicking and highly breathable. They have an ergonomically designed palm coated with antislip nitrile. The gloves are warm but not overly thick or bulky.
Best ski socks
PureAthlete High-Performance Wool Ski Socks
These ski socks are made of a blend of polypropylene and Merino wool and have a mid-weight thickness with an elastic arch support. The ski socks have advanced knitting for premium comfort and moisture-wicking functionality. Each pair of socks has a specific right and left, so be aware of which one you put on which foot.
Best ski helmet
This cost-effective skiing helmet has climate control venting, a dial fit, a removable fleece liner and is safety-certified. It’s compatible with goggles and is comfortable for all-day ski trips.
Best ski hat
Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanie
This beanie contains 100% acrylic fabric that’s warm, stretchy and durable. It’s also available in a women’s style. The stylish design comes in 40 colors and can be worn throughout the winter, on and off the slopes. It should only be washed by hand.
Best ski mask
Ergodyne Black Wind-Proof Hinged Balaclava Face Mask
This thermal fleece ski mask effectively blocks wind chill, with a snug fit that’s still breathable. The mesh panel over the mouth means you get adequate airflow. This versatile accessory can be worn as an open-face balaclava, neck gaiter or full ski mask.
Other ski accessories worth checking out
This ski boot dryer will dry wet boots after you use them, cut down on foot odor and warm up your boots before you hit the slopes.
These rechargeable hand warmers feature double-sided heat and three warmth settings.
These adhesive toe warmers offer up to eight hours of heat, so your feet can stay comfortable throughout your ski day.
Easily transport your gear with this adjustable ski strap and pole carrier.
This storage rack fits onto most car roof racks, capable of holding up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards.
Attach this ultrabright and waterproof LED headlamp to your helmet for safer night skiing.
This ski bag and boot bag set is perfect for storing and transporting your ski equipment.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/03/a-beginners-guide-to-ski-gear/
European Commission Wants Your Free Speech. X Is In The Way
European Commission Wants Your Free Speech. X Is In The Way
Authored by Adina Portau via RealClearPolitics.ocm,
Last week, Elon Musk’s X launched a landmark legal challenge against a $140 million fine issued by the European Commission last December under the Digital Services Act, an EU censorship law. The case was filed at the General Court of the EU, which hears high-stakes challenges to EU regulatory and enforcement actions.
The commission claims the fine, the first to be issued under the DSA, was for alleged transparency and procedural breaches, all of which X denies. But the real reason the company was targeted is clear: X is a free speech platform, and Elon Musk refuses to implement online censorship in the EU and around the world.
This case, which ADF International is proud to support, concretizes the severe threat to free speech posed by the DSA. The EU law, which came into force in 2024, requires “very large online platforms,” like X, Meta, and Google (platforms with more than 45 million users per month), which operate or are accessible in the EU, to remove so-called “illegal content.”
“Illegal content” is defined in line with a plethora of anti-free speech legislation across EU countries, such as in Germany, where it is illegal to insult a politician (Section 188 German Criminal Code). The legislation additionally requires platforms to “mitigate” so-called “systemic risks,” such as “negative effects” on “civic discourse,” “electoral processes,” and “gender-based violence.”
Codes of conduct have also been added to the legislation regarding “disinformation,” “hate speech,” and guidelines on electoral processes and the protection of minors, resulting in 153 pages of additional regulations that were never voted on. Platforms face massive fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover for non-compliance with the DSA and can even be suspended in the EU.
The vague terms used in the legislation and codes of conduct are extremely broad and lack precise legal definitions, meaning they are ideal tools for the commission to censor disfavored views. And the commission’s reach extends far beyond Europe through the DSA.
A recent report from the House Judiciary Committee showed big tech platforms face immense pressure from the commission to set their global content moderation rules to censorial DSA standards. This means the EU law is censoring speech not just in Europe, but also in the United States and around the whole world.
The case of Finnish parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen demonstrates what DSA censorship will look like in practice. After six years of criminal prosecution, Päivi is awaiting a verdict from the Supreme Court of Finland for tweeting a Bible verse. She was prosecuted under the “War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity” section of Finland’s criminal code. Under the DSA, censorial laws like this will become the global baseline.
Since Elon Musk bought X and turned it into a free speech platform, Brussels has been clear about its hostility toward the platform. Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton issued a stark warning in 2023 stating: “You can run but you can’t hide … fighting disinformation will be legal obligation under #DSA. … Our teams will be ready for enforcement.” Former commission Vice President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová added: “Twitter has attracted a lot of attention, and its actions and compliance with EU law will be scrutinized vigorously and urgently.”
In this context, it’s clear why the commission gave X the first-ever DSA fine last December. They were sending a message to all big tech platforms about what will happen to platforms that refuse to accept censorship.
That is what makes X’s legal challenge so important – they are fighting for the right of citizens around the world to freely express their views online. In this case, X is challenging the centralized powers given to the commission by the DSA, which it argues violate its right to due process and are contrary to the rule of law.
The commission is able to set the rules for content moderation, set up the infrastructure, launch investigations, and issue penalties under the DSA, all with no meaningful oversight. If this is allowed to stand, the EU will have the unchallenged ability to police the global public square, with dire consequences for online free speech.
Now the court has an opportunity to hold the commission to account. An oral hearing is expected in the case, potentially by the end of 2026, and the subsequent ruling will affect how all big tech platforms are moderated by the DSA. X is arguing for the fine to be withdrawn, and if the basis for the fine is found not to be compliant with other EU laws, specific provisions in the legislation could be annulled.
This case is the first ever challenge of the commission’s bid to become a global censor. The outcome matters deeply for the free speech rights of billions of people around the world.
Tyler Durden
Tue, 03/03/2026 – 07:20
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/european-commission-wants-your-free-speech-x-way
Iranian drones hit the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia, while hundreds are reported dead in Iran
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran struck the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital with a drone early Tuesday as it kept hitting targets around the region, while the United States and Israel pounded Iran with airstrikes in what U.S. President Donald Trump suggested was just the start of a relentless campaign that could last more than a month.
The attack from two drones on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh caused a “limited fire” and minor damage, according to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry, and the embassy urged Americans to avoid the compound. It followed an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, which announced Tuesday it had been closed until further notice. The U.S. State Department also ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family in Kuwait, as well as Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as a precaution.
Chicago woman unsure of when she’ll return home from Dubai after US attacks on Iran
The expanding conflict has so far killed hundreds of people, the vast majority in Iran.
Across Iran’s capital, explosions rang out throughout the night into Tuesday, with aircraft heard overhead. It was not immediately clear what had been hit. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site had sustained “some recent damage,” though there was “no radiological consequence expected.” Natanz earlier came under attack by the U.S. in the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June.
In Lebanon, Israel launched more strikes on Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group. Explosions could be heard and smoke seen in a southern suburb of Beirut. Israel also said its soldiers were “operating in southern Lebanon.” Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said the Lebanese army was evacuating some of its positions along the border.
The conflict could have far-reaching consequences
The expansion of Iranian retaliation across the Gulf and the intensity of the Israeli and American attacks, the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the lack of any apparent exit plan portend a possibly prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences.
Iran has hit many countries deemed safe havens in the Mideast in retaliation for the U.S. and Israeli strikes. Recent targets include two Amazon data centers in the UAE and a drone impact near another in Bahrain that caused damage, the company said Tuesday. Iran has also hit energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and attacked several ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes, sending global oil and natural gas prices soaring.
“The Strait of Hormuz is closed,” declared Iranian Brig. Gen. Ebrahim Jabbari, an adviser to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, threatening to set fire to any ships attempting to transit. “Don’t come to this region.”
US citizens urged to leave
The U.S. State Department urged U.S. citizens to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks, as have many other countries, though with much of the airspace closed many remain stranded.
Trump said operations are likely to last four to five weeks but that he was prepared “to go far longer than that.” He later added that the U.S. had a “virtually unlimited supply” of munitions and pre-positioned “high grade weaponry.”
“Wars can be fought ‘forever,’ and very successfully, using just these supplies,” he wrote on social media.
Hundreds dead in Iran and dozens in Lebanon along with 11 in Israel
The Iranian Red Crescent Society said the U.S.-Israeli operation has killed at least 787 people. In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported airstrikes killed 13 Iranian troops in Kerman, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Iran’s capital, Tehran.
As Mideast conflict widens, US says attacks on Iran will last weeks and intensify
Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah killed 52 people in Lebanon.
“Military escalation would force more families from their homes and hit civilians hard,” said Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization on Migration, calling for the international community to press for de-escalation. “Millions are already displaced in the region.”
The U.S. military has confirmed six deaths of American service members. All six were Army soldiers in a logistics unit in Kuwait, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Three people were killed in the UAE, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.
The chaos of the conflict became apparent when the U.S. military said Kuwait had “mistakenly shot down” three American fighter jets while Iran was attacking it with aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely.
Israel and US target nuclear facilities and missile infrastructure
Iranian state TV said strikes caused two explosions early Tuesday at a broadcasting facility in Tehran, but said no one was injured.
Reza Najafi, Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, told reporters that airstrikes targeted the Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Sunday.
“Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie,” he said.
Israel and the U.S. have not acknowledged strikes at the site, which the U.S. bombed in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. Israel has said it is targeting the “leadership and nuclear infrastructure.”
Trump said the military campaign’s objectives are to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, wipe out its navy, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that it cannot continue to support allied groups like Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which fired missiles at Israel on Monday.
Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June, though it has maintained its right to do so and says its nuclear program is peaceful.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained, however, that Iran was rebuilding “new sites, new places” underground for making atomic bombs. He offered no evidence to support his claim.
“We had to take the action now and we did,” Netanyahu told Fox News Channel’s Hannity.
Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press showed limited activity at two nuclear sites in Iran before the war. Analysts said Tehran was likely assessing damage from the 2025 U.S. strikes and possibly salvaging what remained.
Attacks on Iran have drawn in proxy forces from around region
The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, where the Iranian-supported militant group Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on Monday, prompting Israel to retaliate.
At least 52 people have been killed and 154 wounded, Lebanese authorities said.
Israel hit Beirut with more airstrikes early Tuesday, saying it was targeting “Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities.”
Hezbollah also said it launched drones targeting an Israeli air base. The Israeli military said it downed two drones.
An Iranian-linked militant in Iraq has also claimed strikes on U.S. military facilities there. The Israeli military said its troops operating in southern Lebanon were positioned at several points near the border in what it described as a “forward defense posture.”
The army said there were no plans to evacuate Israeli residents of border areas.
David Rising in Bangkok, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Hallie Golden in Seattle, and Giovanna Dell’Orto in Miami contributed to this report. Becatoros reported from Athens, Greece, and Magdy reported from Cairo.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/03/iran-us-embassy-saudi-arabia/
