Daywatch: What to watch as Joe Biden addresses the nation tonight

Good morning, Chicago.

The State of the Union speech is one of the biggest pieces of political theater every year. It’s rooted in a simple requirement in the U.S. Constitution that directs the president to “give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” But in modern times, it’s a televised extravaganza where every detail is carefully scrutinized.

Here’s how to watch and what to look for during tonight’s address by President Joe Biden.

And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

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Bring Chicago Home referendum ruled valid by state appellate court

In a victory for advocates for the homeless and Mayor Brandon Johnson, a state appellate court Wednesday ruled the Bring Chicago Home referendum question is valid, overturning a lower court’s order with less than two weeks until the March 19 primary.

The ruling means votes on the referendum question will be counted, though it is possible the real estate and business coalition that filed the suit could appeal to the state Supreme Court.

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The House passed a $460 billion package of spending bills Wednesday that would keep money flowing to key federal agencies through the remainder of the budget year. The Senate is expected to take up the legislation before a midnight Friday shutdown deadline.

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Family of man killed in alleged brutal Blue Line attack sues CTA

The family of the man killed in a 2023 attack on the Blue Line has sued CTA, saying “willful and wanton” conduct by the transit agency and its employee led to the man’s death.

After loss of tax credit money, anonymous donors help Catholic school in Cicero stay open

A Catholic grade school in Cicero will remain open with operational support from Big Shoulders Fund, a Chicago-based nonprofit, and nearly half a million dollars donated by anonymous supporters, reversing a previous decision for the Archdiocese of Chicago to close the school after the loss of thousands of dollars in tax credit scholarships.

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Lauren Clark, 13, has been playing basketball against her male cousins for years. At her West Side public school, Lauren has competed in every sport and been named captain for each team while maintaining good grades, according to her coach.

On Sunday afternoon, along with 149 other girls, Lauren participated in the Chicago Bulls’ first “Girls’ Day of Play” at the Advocate Center.

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The question lingers, though: What did the 2008 “Kung Fu Panda” achieve that “Panda 4” manages only here and there and now and then?

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