The Chicago Report: Top 10 political stories of the year (part 2)

In part two of this special edition of "The Chicago Report," we continue the countdown of the top political stories of the year, covering stories five through one. This episode examines last-minute efforts in the Illinois General Assembly to avoid a transit fiscal cliff, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s tense trip to Washington, and the public split between Chicago Public Schools and CEO Pedro Martinez amid ongoing financial challenges. The countdown also includes the election of Pope Leo, who hails from Chicago’s south suburbs, and the presence of ICE and Border Patrol operations in Chicago, one of the most closely watched political developments of the year.

The Chicago Report: Top 10 political stories of the year (part 1)

On a special edition of "The Chicago Report," we count down the top 10 political stories of the year, beginning with stories 10 through 6. This episode covers major moments including City Council clashes over a global debate, a budget battle that pushed Chicago to the brink of a shutdown, Senator Dick Durbin’s decision not to seek reelection and the race to replace him, ongoing Bears stadium drama, and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s visit to the nation’s capital.

Alders pass 2026 budget

With just days to spare, a renegade coalition of aldermen approved the spending portion of a budget opposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

City Council passes a 2026 budget

City Council approved the so-called alternative revenue ordinance by a 29 to 19 vote.  It closes a nearly 1 point $2 billion gap by legalizing video gambling terminals in bars and restaurants, selling of debt to collectors, and institute a host of new revenue items like a new cloud computing tax. 

Bears evaluating Northwest Indiana for stadium | The Chicago Report

Indiana lawmakers might be ready to roll out the red carpet today after Bears CEO Kevin Warren announced to fans -- they are looking at the northwest portion of the Hoosier state for a possible new stadium. This as talks on tax help for their Arlington Heights proposal stall. Are the Bears serious or just trying to gain leverage?