Chicago Area News Highlights: First Week of January 2026

The first week of January 2026 brought significant news to the Chicago area, from extreme weather to important political developments affecting Illinois residents and travelers.

Record-Breaking Rainfall Event Chicago experienced unprecedented rainfall on January 9, 2026, setting new records for the region. The severe weather resulted in widespread flooding across the city, with hundreds of streets and basements affected. The flooding caused disruptions to daily life and transportation throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Emergency services worked overtime to assist affected residents and manage drainage issues.

Political Primary Elections Illinois residents witnessed significant developments in the 2026 election cycle. Democratic U.S. Senate primary polls released on January 11, 2026 show Raja Krishnamoorthi leading among Democratic candidates. On the Republican side, Darren Bailey tops the gubernatorial field according to recent polling data. These early primary results indicate major political races shaping up for the year ahead, with implications for state and federal governance.

Impact on O'Hare Operations While Chicago O'Hare continues normal operations, severe weather events like the January rainfall remind travelers to check flight statuses and arrive early during inclement weather. The airport's robust infrastructure handles Chicago's varied climate conditions, ensuring flights continue safely. Passengers are advised to monitor weather alerts during winter months and plan additional travel time accordingly.

For the latest on Chicago news and how it may affect your travel plans, stay tuned to local news outlets and check with your airline for real-time flight information.