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Crowded field of Democrats face off in primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District

One of the most closely watched congressional races in the 2026 midterms is in the 9th Congressional District in Illinois, where 15 Democrats jumped into the race after longterm U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky decided to retire at the end of her term.

Preckwinkle aims to fend off Reilly in Dem. primary for Cook County Board President

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is seeking a record-tying fifth term in office leading the country's second largest county, but her challenger, longtime Chicago Ald. Brendan Reilly, is considered her toughest rival so far.

Crowded primary races for U.S. Senate in Illinois come down to the wire

It's a heated and crowded race for the U.S. Senate seat that Dick Durbin has held for nearly 30 years, so Illinois voters are witnessing a generational shift in Senate leadership in Tuesday's primary elections.

Man charged with driving drunk, leaving after hitting pedestrian near Barrington

A man from Chicago's northwest suburbs stood charged Tuesday with leaving the scene of a crash and driving drunk, after authorities said he hit a pedestrian overnight near Barrington, Illinois.

Wis. legislator pleads no contest after feud over Hispanic resolutions

A Wisconsin legislator has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in connection with a bitter feud with her caucus over resolutions honoring Hispanics.

Scientists cool down chamber for groundbreaking dark matter search

An international team involving Northwestern University​ announced Tuesday that it has reached a major milestone in its quest to detect dark matter.

Chicago firefighter dies after battling in extra-alarm fire in Rogers Park

A Chicago firefighter has died from injuries he sustained while battling an extra-alarm fire Monday afternoon in an apartment building in Rogers Park.

Orion Samuelson, Chicago radio broadcaster renowned for farm reporting, dies at 91

Orion Samuelson, a radio journalist known around the country for his reports on the agricultural industry, died this week.

Man charged in shootings that wounded CPD sergeant, 63-year-old woman on Far South Side

A man stood charged Tuesday in two separate shootings that wounded a Chicago police sergeant and a 63-year-old woman in the Pullman and Roseland neighborhoods this past weekend.

Lollapalooza 2026 lineup announced with Charli XCX, Olivia Dean, Lorde

The 2026 Lollapalooza lineup was announced on Tuesday morning.

Caliendo: Voters are energized by many issues, some primary races sure to be tight

Voting was under way Tuesday for the Illinois primary, and a big increase in voter turnout was reported with regard to early voting.

Driver found dead with gunshot wounds after hitting parked cars in Palatine, Illinois

A driver was found dead with a gunshot wound after a crash in Palatine, Illinois, on Monday night.

What time do polls close in Illinois?

If you're voting in the 2026 Illinois primary election on Tuesday, March 17, this is when polls are open and closed.