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It’s a new week and a new month. Jump into March with these stories from WTTW News.
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A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo / Vahid Salemi)
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Over the weekend, the U.S. and Israel launched a military strike in Iran that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders. Iran has vowed revenge, and at least three U.S. troops have been killed in the conflict. A number of Illinois leaders condemned the attack, with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin saying there’s no support for “another interminable war in the Middle East.”
Some backstory:
Tensions escalated in recent weeks as the Trump administration built up the largest force of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades. The president insisted he wanted a deal to constrain Iran’s nuclear program while the country struggled with growing dissent following nationwide protests.
Democrats decried that President Donald Trump had taken action without congressional authorization. The White House said it had briefed several Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress in advance.
The war powers debate:
While presidents have the authority as the commander in chief to conduct certain strategic military operations on their own, the Constitution vests Congress with the power to wage war. Before the Iraq War began in March 2003, Republican President George W. Bush made a monthslong push to secure congressional authorization. No such vote was attempted on Iran, and an earlier Senate effort to halt Trump’s actions after last summer’s strike on Iran failed.
The congressional debate over war powers would mostly be symbolic. Even if a resolution were to pass the narrowly split Congress, Trump likely would veto it and Congress would not have the two-thirds majority needed to overturn that rejection. Congress has often failed to block other U.S. military actions, including in a Senate vote on Venezuela.
A new regime?
Barely an hour after the first U.S. and Israeli missiles struck Iran, Trump made clear he hoped for regime change. “Now is the time to seize control of your destiny,” he told the Iranian people in a video. “This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”
The U.S. has a long, complicated past when it comes to regime change. There was Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s, and Panama in 1989. There was Nicaragua in the 1980s, Iraq and Afghanistan in the years after 9/11, and Venezuela just weeks ago.
After this weekend’s actions, key questions around regime change have emerged. The Associated Press took a look at U.S. history and what could happen next.
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Sponsor Message
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The Poetry Foundation, the publisher of Poetry magazine, welcomes you to experience it for yourself with FREE public programs and resources! On March 12, Chicago Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle will perform alongside Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte. Later in the month, straight out of the pages of Poetry, Frank X Walker will read with Affrilachian poets Kelly Norman Ellis, Nikky Finney, and Parneshia Jones.
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Chicago voting booths are pictured in a file photo. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
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More polling places are now open across the city and in suburban Cook County for those looking to cast their votes early ahead of the March 17 primary election. Early voting sites opened in all of Chicago’s 50 wards this morning. Early voting has also expanded to 55 early voting locations for suburban Cook County residents. A full list of early voting locations and hours can be found on the Chicago Board of Election’s website and the Cook County clerk’s website.
Leading up to Election Day in Chicago, the early voting sites in each ward will be open:
Early voting is also available downtown at the Chicago Board of Elections office, 69 W. Washington St. on the 6th floor, and at the new Board of Elections supersite, 137 S. State St.
Voters in Chicago can vote at any one of the early voting sites, regardless of where they live in the city. Those voting by mail can drop off their ballot at drop-off boxes at any early voting site.
What to know:
Elected offices on this year’s ballot include: governor, U.S. senator, U.S. representatives, comptroller and Cook County board president. Learn more about the candidates and see where they stand on the issues in the 2026 Primary WTTW News Voter Guide.
Chicago voters can view a sample ballot on the Board of Elections’ website.
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Different phases of a lunar eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon can appear blood red. (joningall / iStock)
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Early risers will enjoy views of a total lunar eclipse in the pre-dawn hours on Tuesday.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the sun and moon, casting a shadow on the moon. It only happens during a full moon. Chicagoans are in prime position to catch the total eclipse, when the entire moon falls within the darkest part of Earth's shadow.
Here's the timing on the morning of March 3 (all times are Central time zone):
2:44 a.m., the moon enters the outer part of Earth's shadow, called the penumbra. The effect during this phase is a subtle dimming.
3:50 a.m., the partial eclipse begins as the moon enters the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra. It will look like bigger and bigger bites are being taken out of the moon.
5:04 a.m., totality begins, with the entire moon now in the umbra. The moon often appears red or orange during totality, earning the nickname “blood moon.”
6:02 a.m., totality ends and the process begins reversing as the moon gradually emerges first from the umbra and then the penumbra.
Tip: While lunar eclipses are generally readily visible even in urban areas, and no special equipment is required, the moon will be fairly low in the sky as the eclipse progresses, so people will need a clear view to the west.
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More From WTTW News:
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The Chicago Board of Education approved the 2026-27 and 2027-28 calendars, which CPS leaders say reflect “priorities and needs” identified by district staff, parents, students, labor partners and community members.
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Back in the Day: March 2, 1986 - Gov. Jim Thompson Makes Casimir Pulaski Day a State Holiday
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In 1977, Illinois became the first state to celebrate the birthday of Casimir Pulaski, a Polish general who died fighting for American independence in the Revolutionary War. This was only a commemorative day, meaning that public schools and banks stayed open, but on this day, 40 years ago, on Sunday, March 2, 1986, Gov. Jim Thompson signed a bill to make the day a public state holiday. Public schools closed the following day, and a Chicago Tribune report from that week showed that the first statewide observance of the holiday took parents and citizens by surprise. While public schools remain open Monday, Chicago and Illinois, the only state to do so, will observe Casimir Pulaski
Day today.
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This Week’s Civic Events and Meetings
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Every Monday, WTTW News highlights the best ways to get involved with local government.
Mayor Brandon Johnson at Hideout
On Monday at 5:30 p.m., the Young Democrats of Chicago are hosting a general body meeting with special guest Mayor Brandon Johnson at the Hideout. The event page promises “a meaningful conversation about leadership, advocacy and the future of our city.” It’s free, but you can RSVP here.
Soup & Bread at Hideout
During Chicago’s chilliest months, music venue the Hideout hosts a monthly community event called Soup & Bread. Part hunger-relief fundraiser and neighborly third space, where anyone who wanders in can get a free meal of soup and bread from 5:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday. Pay-what-you-can donations benefit local charities and a DJ will be spinning vinyl and tunes as you eat. RSVP here.
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What’s your favorite Chicago-set TV show?
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Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published.
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry
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