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Tonight, the Illini men's basketball team hits the court in Greenville, South Carolina, for a first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against Penn.

Why it matters: This year's Illini team is good. Like 2005 good.

Zoom in: Under coach Brad Underwood, Illinois (24-8) has steadily improved year to year, fueled in part by successful international recruiting that's reshaped the roster.

Freshman sensation Keaton Wagler and a slew of Balkan-born players like Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic and David Mirkovic, all have made major contributions this season. 

State of play: When they're clicking, they can beat anyone, and they spent much of the season hovering near the top of the AP rankings.

They've also played several ranked teams in and out of the Big Ten conference, which helps them be battle tested for the tournament.

Yes, but: They have a glaring flaw: closing games. Illinois has blown multiple big leads, including double-digit second-half advantages. That's a dangerous habit to break in March.

The big picture: Fans hope the No. 3-seeded Illini can tighten up their defense and make a deep run. They have some formidable basketball powerhouses in their way, including a potential second-round matchup with North Carolina and a potential Sweet 16 matchup with No. 2 seed Houston.

The bottom line: The Orange Crush could make a deep run — if they can finally finish games.

Illinois basketball's title hopes hinge on fixing late-game struggles

The Illini take on Penn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Four Illinois Fighting Illini basketball players stand together on the court in orange uniforms with white trim, 'FIGHTING ILLINI' on their jerseys, arms around each other as a crowd watches.

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23), guard Andrej Stojakovic (2), guard Kylan Boswell (4), and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) stand during a game in January. Photo: Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Tonight, the Illini men&#x27;s basketball team hits the court in Greenville, South Carolina, for a first-round <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NCAA Tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/ai-ready-march-madness-bracket" data-vars-content-id="6309543f-5690-40fd-9df6-4cee3a76d006" data-vars-headline="Illinois basketball&#x27;s title hopes hinge on fixing late-game struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/ai-ready-march-madness-bracket" target="_self">NCAA Tournament</a> matchup against Penn.<ul><li>Tip-off is at 8:25pm. </li></ul>Why it matters: This year&#x27;s Illini team is good. Like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2005" data-vars-click-url="https://dailyillini.com/special-sections/fall-sports-spotlight-special-sections/2025/10/30/2005-mens-basketball/" data-vars-content-id="6309543f-5690-40fd-9df6-4cee3a76d006" data-vars-headline="Illinois basketball&#x27;s title hopes hinge on fixing late-game struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dailyillini.com/special-sections/fall-sports-spotlight-special-sections/2025/10/30/2005-mens-basketball/" target="_blank">2005</a> good.

Sports

After 30 years, the owners of The Hideout have sold the club to performer and former staffer Teri O'Brien.

Why it matters: The club has served as a beacon for small, independent Chicago venues, with owners Tim and Katie Tuten and partners Mike and Jim Hinchsliff helping support emerging artists and other clubs through the  Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL)

What they're saying: "The Hideout will stay the Hideout," said former co-owner Tim Tuten. "It will remain independent, creative and rooted in the community that built it. Teri knows our room, the people and our history, and she has the heart to carry it forward."

"You know, Tony Fitzpatrick's passing really hit us hard and we realized that we're getting older," former co-owner Katie Tuten tells Axios. "We're at an age now where a lot of our friends are retiring. So it just seemed like the right time."

Between the lines: The Hideout will continue its regular programming, with the staff remaining central to the venue's day-to-day operations. 

The owners said the public will see no major changes in the look, feel or culture of the space.

"I think of the Hideout as the people's place," former Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a release. 

"Tim and Katie Tuten carefully cultivated and nurtured a fun, inclusive environment, and they should be commended for their contribution to Chicago's civic life." 

Zoom in: The Hideout has been a performance home for several influential musicians and performers, including Jeff Tweedy, Mavis Staples, Robbie Fulks and Kelly Hogan. It has also served as Axios Chicago's live venue. 

"The Hideout has always felt like a continuation of the friendly, diehard music community we had back at Lounge Ax," Jeff Tweedy said in a release. "They treat their customers and bands like family."

What's next: "It is an honor of a lifetime to take on this role, to support the staff and community who make the Hideout what it is," O'Brien said in a statement. 

"The soul of this place stays exactly where it belongs — with the people who fill it."

The bottom line: "The Cubs or the White Sox can change management, but you're still a fan of the team," Tim Tuten adds. "We hope we built a legacy institution and we have a new owner who will make it even better." 

Hideout owners sell to musician after 30 years

Musician and former staffer Teri O'Brien buys the club, which is expected to stay on course.

The Hideout has been sold. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

After 30 years, the owners of The Hideout have sold the club to performer and former staffer Teri O&#x27;Brien.Why it matters: The club has served as a beacon for small, independent Chicago venues, with owners Tim and Katie Tuten and partners Mike and Jim Hinchsliff helping support emerging artists and other clubs through the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL" data-vars-click-url="https://civlchicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="649649eb-2da8-4fc1-ac11-cebe2f8b9d37" data-vars-headline="Hideout owners sell to musician after 30 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://civlchicago.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL</a>)What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;The Hideout will stay the Hideout,&quot; said former co-owner Tim Tuten. &quot;It will remain independent, creative and rooted in the community that built it. Teri knows our room, the people and our history, and she has the heart to carry it forward.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;You know, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tony Fitzpatrick&#x27;s passing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/13/chicago-artist-tony-fitzpatrick-dies-at-66" data-vars-content-id="649649eb-2da8-4fc1-ac11-cebe2f8b9d37" data-vars-headline="Hideout owners sell to musician after 30 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/13/chicago-artist-tony-fitzpatrick-dies-at-66" target="_self">Tony Fitzpatrick&#x27;s passing</a> really hit us hard and we realized that we&#x27;re getting older,&quot; former co-owner Katie Tuten tells Axios. &quot;We&#x27;re at an age now where a lot of our friends are retiring. So it just seemed like the right time.&quot;</li></ul>Between the lines: The Hideout will continue its regular programming, with the staff remaining central to the venue&#x27;s day-to-day operations. <ul><li>The owners said the public will see no major changes in the look, feel or culture of the space.</li><li>&quot;I think of the Hideout as the people&#x27;s place,&quot; former Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a release. </li><li>&quot;Tim and Katie Tuten carefully cultivated and nurtured a fun, inclusive environment, and they should be commended for their contribution to Chicago&#x27;s civic life.&quot; </li></ul>Zoom in: The Hideout has been a performance home for several influential musicians and performers, including Jeff Tweedy, Mavis Staples, Robbie Fulks and Kelly Hogan. It has also served as Axios Chicago&#x27;s live venue. <ul><li>&quot;The Hideout has always felt like a continuation of the friendly, diehard music community we had back at Lounge Ax,&quot; Jeff Tweedy said in a release. &quot;They treat their customers and bands like family.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: &quot;It is an honor of a lifetime to take on this role, to support the staff and community who make the Hideout what it is,&quot; O&#x27;Brien said in a statement. <ul><li>&quot;The soul of this place stays exactly where it belongs — with the people who fill it.&quot;</li></ul>The bottom line: &quot;The Cubs or the White Sox can change management, but you&#x27;re still a fan of the team,&quot; Tim Tuten adds. &quot;We hope we built a legacy institution and we have a new owner who will make it even better.&quot;

Culture

Neighborhoods

Music

CBS News layoffs will disrupt a key national news pipeline for Chicago's top-rated all-news station, WBBM Newsradio.

The big picture: CBS News laid off 6% of its staff on Friday to cut costs. The cuts include shutting down CBS News Radio, which began broadcasting in 1927 and offered national newscasts to over 700 stations nationwide. 

CBS News Radio traces its roots to Chicago as United Independent Broadcasters before rebranding and moving to New York.

WBBM Newsradio, owned by CBS Radio for decades, was sold to Audacy in 2017.

Yes, but: WBBM still relies on those CBS national newscasts, which anchor its hourly format.

What they're saying: The announcements were made to staff on Friday morning via two memos from CBS News leadership. 

"While this was a necessary decision, it was not an easy one," they said, referring to the radio cuts.

"A shift in radio station programming strategies, coupled with challenging economic realities, has made it impossible to continue the service."

Locally, Audacy declined to comment on what the station will do when the newscasts end on May 22. 

State of play: The radio cuts are notable given CBS News' legacy as a pioneer in news radio.

Its flagship program, "World News Roundup," is the longest-running daily radio newscast in the country.

WBBM — Chicago's only all-news station — ranked No. 1 in January ratings, with CBS national reports as a key part of its format.

Zoom out: It's been a tough month for the WBBM family. Longtime morning host John Hultman died March 15 at 89.

Hultman and co-host Felicia Middlebrooks dominated morning ratings in the 1980s and 1990s.

"I didn't lose just a colleague. I lost my friend," Middlebrooks wrote.

CBS News layoffs shut down CBS News Radio, affecting Chicago's WBBM

CBS News Radio started in Chicago in 1927.

Black-and-white photo of a smiling man in a suit at a desk, speaking into a vintage CBS radio microphone. He holds papers; the desk has pencils, an eraser, and a notebook.

CBS Radio news editor J. Oren Weaver at WBBM in 1940. Photo: CBS via Getty Images

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CBS News layoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/cbs-news-layoffs-paramount-skydance" data-vars-content-id="9dbdf0d3-2cf3-469c-9d3f-7522729592ad" data-vars-headline="CBS News layoffs shut down CBS News Radio, affecting Chicago&#x27;s WBBM" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/cbs-news-layoffs-paramount-skydance" target="_self">CBS News layoffs</a> will disrupt a key national news pipeline for Chicago&#x27;s top-rated all-news station, WBBM Newsradio.The big picture: CBS News laid off 6% of its staff on Friday to cut costs. The cuts include shutting down CBS News Radio, which began broadcasting in 1927 and offered national newscasts to over 700 stations nationwide. <ul><li>CBS News Radio traces its roots to Chicago as United Independent Broadcasters before rebranding and moving to New York.</li><li>WBBM Newsradio, owned by CBS Radio for decades, was sold to Audacy in 2017.</li></ul>Yes, but: WBBM still relies on those CBS national newscasts, which anchor its hourly format.What they&#x27;re saying: The announcements were made to staff on Friday morning via two memos from CBS News leadership. <ul><li>&quot;While this was a necessary decision, it was not an easy one,&quot; they said, referring to the radio cuts.</li><li>&quot;A shift in radio station programming strategies, coupled with challenging economic realities, has made it impossible to continue the service.&quot;</li><li>Locally, Audacy declined to comment on what the station will do when the newscasts end on May 22. </li></ul>State of play: The radio cuts are notable given CBS News&#x27; legacy as a pioneer in news radio.<ul><li>Its flagship program, &quot;World News Roundup,&quot; is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longest-running" data-vars-click-url="https://www.radiohalloffame.com/cbs-world-news-roundup" data-vars-content-id="9dbdf0d3-2cf3-469c-9d3f-7522729592ad" data-vars-headline="CBS News layoffs shut down CBS News Radio, affecting Chicago&#x27;s WBBM" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.radiohalloffame.com/cbs-world-news-roundup" target="_blank">longest-running</a> daily radio newscast in the country.</li><li>WBBM — Chicago&#x27;s only all-news station — ranked No. 1 in January ratings, with CBS national reports as a key part of its format.</li></ul>Zoom out: It&#x27;s been a tough month for the WBBM family. Longtime morning host John Hultman died March 15 at 89.<ul><li>Hultman and co-host Felicia Middlebrooks dominated morning ratings in the 1980s and 1990s.</li><li>&quot;I didn&#x27;t lose just a colleague. I lost my friend,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Middlebrooks wrote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/felicia.m.hill.5/posts/pfbid0V6PPSxJuQdrGjRcd85Rm3gYBaHdnkbq4VcfjWEkdyrWgutF7EnBt5VSbiwboYgd5l" data-vars-content-id="9dbdf0d3-2cf3-469c-9d3f-7522729592ad" data-vars-headline="CBS News layoffs shut down CBS News Radio, affecting Chicago&#x27;s WBBM" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/felicia.m.hill.5/posts/pfbid0V6PPSxJuQdrGjRcd85Rm3gYBaHdnkbq4VcfjWEkdyrWgutF7EnBt5VSbiwboYgd5l" target="_blank">Middlebrooks wrote</a>.</li></ul>

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business

O'Hare and Midway are bracing for a spring break travel surge — just as delays and disruptions pile up nationwide.

Why it matters: Chicago Public Schools' spring break is sending thousands more travelers through local airports at a moment when a prolonged federal shutdown is straining the system.

The latest: Airports across the country are dealing with long lines and delays, as the shutdown now enters its second month and there is no clear path to a deal in Congress.

What they're saying: "This is our Super Bowl," United Airlines vice president of operations Omar Idris said at a recent media roundtable.

"We always rise to the occasion when it comes to welcoming travelers no matter the time of year, " Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a press release on Thursday. 

By the numbers: Nearly 4 million passengers are expected to pass through O'Hare and Midway between Friday and March 30, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.

That's more than a 10% increase from the same period last year.

United expects to serve 27 million customers worldwide March 6–April 27, setting a new record for the airline.

During that period, United expects more than 24,000 daily travelers through O'Hare — a 20% increase from last year.

Thursday is projected to be O'Hare's busiest day, with more than 296,000 passengers. 

Flashback: Storms earlier this week caused long lines and thousands of delays and cancellations at O'Hare.

Yes, but: Even without bad weather, the shutdown could create new headaches, including potential TSA staffing shortages.

If you fly: TSA and airlines recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

Of note: O'Hare and Midway will host live musicians in select terminals to ease travel stress.

The bottom line: Spring break will stress-test Chicago's airports. 

O'Hare, Midway brace for spring break crush amid shutdown chaos

The annual spring break for Chicago schools means a surge in traffic.

Long queue of travelers with luggage lined up behind blue crowd-control ropes at an airport check-in/security area, with a large overhead beam and a blue United sign overhead.

Hundreds of travelers navigate long lines and crowded terminal walkways at O'Hare Airport on Monday. Photo: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images

O&#x27;Hare and Midway are bracing for a spring break travel surge — just as delays and disruptions <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pile up nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/dhs-shutdown-tsa-fema-ice-democrats-discharge" data-vars-content-id="a9cf6a2c-0384-40c4-91f0-fddb3a8eb465" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare, Midway brace for spring break crush amid shutdown chaos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/dhs-shutdown-tsa-fema-ice-democrats-discharge" target="_self">pile up nationwide</a>.Why it matters: Chicago Public Schools&#x27; spring break is sending thousands more travelers through local airports at a moment when a prolonged federal shutdown is straining the system.

Travel

Tuesday's primary wins have Democrats across Illinois sending a clear message: call him Boss Pritzker.

Why it matters: Gov. JB Pritzker has consolidated control of the state Democratic Party in a way not seen since Richard J. Daley or Michael Madigan — towering figures in state political history — with major implications for Illinois' future.

The latest: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton surprised observers with an upset victory in the race for Dick Durbin's open Senate seat. 

Meanwhile, Pritzker-backed candidates across the ballot moved forward to the November election.

What they're saying: "Governor Pritzker has emerged to be arguably one of the most influential Democrats in the country," political analyst and former Illinois GOP chair Pat Brady tells Axios. 

Reality check: It's not just about money. Yes, the billionaire governor spends heavily, but Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi proved that cash alone isn't everything, building a massive war chest of his own.

Context: It's not just party insiders. Voters seem to like the Pritzker machine, too. He is unapologetically liberal, leaning into issues like abortion rights, LGBTQ+ protections and aggressive anti-Trump messaging, even as moderates like former Mayor Rahm Emanuel argue that strategy won't win nationally.

Zoom out: Pritzker has effectively led the state party since wresting control from disgraced power broker Mike Madigan in 2020. 

Yes, but: His grip wasn't always this firm. Early in his tenure, he suffered a major defeat when voters rejected his proposed tax overhaul — raising questions about his political ceiling.

That was then. Now? Pritzker has built a modern political machine, one that recruits candidates, funds campaigns and maintains a Democratic supermajority in Springfield.

It's also why his name keeps surfacing in 2028 presidential chatter and why Chicago is back in the mix for a future Democratic convention.

The intrigue: Pritzker allies now hold many of the state's most powerful offices except for one huge seat: Chicago mayor. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson has clashed with Pritzker, and the tension is no secret.

Between the lines: Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, a Pritzker ally, is rumored to be eyeing a 2027 mayoral run.

If he jumps in, expect Pritzker's money and political operation to follow, creating a serious threat to an already embattled Johnson, despite his base of support among Black voters.

The bottom line: In Illinois, the Democratic Party isn't just winning, it's orbiting around one person.

Pritzker tightens grip on Illinois Democrats after primary wins

Pritzker flexed his political power Tuesday night.

Photo illustration of J.B. Pritzker with lines radiating from him.

Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Tuesday&#x27;s primary wins have Democrats across Illinois sending a clear message: call him Boss Pritzker.Why it matters: Gov. JB Pritzker has consolidated control of the state Democratic Party in a way not seen since Richard J. Daley or Michael Madigan — towering figures in state political history — with major implications for Illinois&#x27; future.

Justin Kaufmann

Featured stories

CBS News layoffs shut down CBS News Radio, affecting Chicago's WBBM

O'Hare, Midway brace for spring break crush amid shutdown chaos

Hideout owners sell to musician after 30 years

Illinois basketball's title hopes hinge on fixing late-game struggles

Pritzker tightens grip on Illinois Democrats after primary wins