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.

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.

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.

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Chicago is among the cities grappling with labor leader César Chávez's legacy following new allegations of sexual abuse.

The latest: A New York Times investigation this week reported allegations that the United Farm Workers co-founder groomed girls and sexually abused young women while leading the farmworker movement.

• Chávez died in 1993. Chávez's family released a statement saying they were "devastated" by the report, expressed support for survivors and asked for privacy while they process the allegations.

The big picture: Chávez's face and name are all over Chicago, a city with deep labor roots and a large Latino population.

• A Back of the Yards elementary school, a Pilsen post office and a West Loop plaque all bear his name, alongside public art across the city.

State of play: "Leadership at Cesar E. Chavez Multicultural Academic Center has begun the process of soliciting feedback from its school community on the decision to consider a school name change," Chicago Public Schools spokesperson Mary Fergus said in a statement last night.

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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.

What they're saying: "The Hideout will stay the Hideout," said former co-owner Tim Tuten.

• "You know, Tony Fitzpatrick's passing really hit us hard," 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."

💭 Monica's thought bubble: It's the end of an era. I remember taking my kids to Hideout shows and now they're old enough to go on their own. I hope they'll be taking their kids someday, too.

💭 Carrie's thought bubble: I've sweated and laughed till I cried at soul music dance parties, and shed tears at a life-changing performance by Mavis Staples. I laughed, sitting on the front patio with friends over PBRs. Those nights were magic.

💭 Justin's thought bubble: I love the Hideout for the same reason I love Chicago. It's a world-class institution that feels like a small-town dive bar. I just hope Tim and Katie stick around to help me set up chairs in the back!

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🏀 The Illini blew out Penn 105-70 to move to the second round of the Men's NCAA Tournament, where they'll face No. 11 seed VCU tomorrow. (ESPN)

A vigil was held last night on Loyola University's campus to mourn the loss of 18-year-old student Sheridan Gorman, who was shot and killed in Rogers Park early yesterday morning. (ABC 7)

🚨 Mayor Brandon Johnson fired the Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Garien Gatewood without explanation. (CBS 2)

Spanish police say they found the body of missing college student and Elmhurst native James Gracey in the water off a beach in Barcelona. (Tribune)

🖼️ Kenya Merritt has officially been named commissioner of the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. (Sun-Times)

After decades of operating out of a church in Lakeview, TimeLine Theatre is moving to a new, 33,000-square-foot space in Uptown.

Driving the news: The company's new home, at 5035 N. Broadway, opens to the public this week for a sneak peek ahead of its new season in May.

State of play: TimeLine purchased a former moving company warehouse in 2018 and launched a multimillion-dollar campaign to refurbish it.

What to expect: Henrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People" opens the theater's 30th-anniversary season — and its first in the new space — on May 6.

What's next: Weekend celebrations include an open house for Uptown neighbors today from 4-8pm and one for the general public tomorrow from noon-5pm.

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👋 Hey, it's Moyo! Today is my last day at Axios.

The big picture: It's not a pity party, it's a pivot party!

• Over the past two years, I've had the opportunity to transform news stories into social-first content and I loved everything about it! It was also a pleasure meeting some of you at the Hideout and around town.

Zoom in: Whether it was the Democratic National Convention, NASCAR Street Race, the grand opening of Wayfair, experiencing Deep End Fitness or touring The Checkout (a 7-Eleven turned music venue), I found joy producing these digital news stories.

Flashback: Remember when we tried to decide who serves the best Italian beef? Or my trip to Eli's Cheesecake or Lem's Bar-B-Q?

What's next: Please say hi if you see me around! Monica, Justin and Carrie will continue to keep you informed.

• Psst ... Don't leave it up to the reporters; get out and explore Chicago beyond your Zip code!