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.
Gov. Pritzker passes mass transit bill | The Chicago Report
Illinois just approved a $1.5B annual plan to rescue and rebuild Chicago-area transit.
Pritzker signs sweeping transit funding bill replacing RTA with Northern Illinois Transit Authority
State leaders celebrate a $1.5 billion “transformation” bill aimed at preventing fare hikes and service cuts while modernizing transit through new oversight, redirected revenues, and increased regional tolls.
Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino back in Chicago as immigration enforcement continues
Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino is back in Chicago, and he didn't return alone. His team was spotted detaining a man on Tuesday morning.
Illinois invests $2M to strengthen fight against homelessness
Governor JB Pritzker announced a $2 million Home Illinois investment to expand permanent housing support in Central Illinois, saying the state will keep pushing for long-term solutions to make homelessness a rare occurrence.
'Right to die' bill signed into law by Gov. Pritzker
Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday signed legislation allowing terminally ill adults to seek medical aid-in-dying medication, making Illinois the latest state to offer end-of-life options for patients expected to live six months or less.
New Illinois law protects immigrants from arrest near sensitive locations
Gov. Pritzker signed a law prohibiting federal officials from taking enforcement actions against immigrants near sensitive locations.
New Illinois law protects immigrants from arrest near sensitive locations
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed a law prohibiting federal officials from taking enforcement actions against immigrants near courthouses, in hospitals, on college campuses or in day care facilities.
Slight majority of Illinoisans approve of Gov. JB Pritzker as he seeks third term, poll finds
A slight majority of Illinois voters approve of Gov. JB Pritzker as he seeks a third term, a new poll found.
Pritzker meets with Pope Leo at the Vatican | The Chicago Report
From politics to pop culture, Paris Schutz and guests bring Chicago's top voices to you.
Pritzker meets with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to discuss immigration and Illinois ties
Governor J.B. Pritzker and First Lady M.K. Pritzker met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to talk about immigration and recent enforcement operations in Chicago.
Gov. Pritzker meets Pope Leo XIV during visit to Vatican
Gov. JB Pritzker shared photos on Wednesday of meeting Pope Leo XIV, saying he felt honor and reverence for the new pontiff.
Pritzker meets Pope Leo XIV during visit to Vatican
Gov. JB Pritzker shared photos on Wednesday of meeting Pope Leo XIV, saying he felt honor and reverence for the new pontiff.
Illinois lawmaker calls out Pritzker over violent Broadview ICE protests
A state lawmaker called on Gov. Pritzker to condemn the violence at protests outside the Broadview ICE facility on Friday.
Illinois state senator blasts Pritzker’s immigration and healthcare policies | ChicagoLIVE
Illinois State Senator Dave Syverson joined ChicagoLIVE on Friday to criticize Governor JB Pritzker’s handling of immigration-related programs — including healthcare for noncitizens and SNAP benefits. Syverson argued that state policies restricting cooperation with ICE have created “chaos,” strained hospitals, and put pressure on law enforcement, while calling for changes to Illinois’ Trust Act and sanctuary laws.
Chicago alderman says he has ‘no regrets’ after Pritzker clash, eyes congressional bid | ChicagoLIVE
Following a viral confrontation with Gov. JB Pritzker at a Veterans Day event, Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez tells ChicagoLIVE he stands by his questions about taxing corporations and supporting working families. He also discusses why he’s weighing an independent run for Congress in Illinois’ 4th District.
Gov. JB Pritzker worries that Trump will go to extremes to distract from Epstein files
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’s worried about how President Donald Trump might respond to the growing controversy over documents tying him to Jeffrey Epstein.
Chicago alderman confronts Gov. Pritzker over head tax; Gen. Stanley McChrystal on Veterans Day | The Chicago Report
Tensions rise on "The Chicago Report" as a Chicago alderman goes face-to-face with Governor J.B. Pritzker over the controversial employee head tax — hear exactly what he said. We also meet Republican Don Tracy, who’s running to replace Sen. Dick Durbin, and reflect on Veterans Day with retired Four-Star General Stanley McChrystal, sharing insights on leadership, service, and the role of U.S. forces at home.
Broadview attorney sues village over protest restrictions outside ICE facility
A Broadview lawyer and community activist is taking legal action against the village, challenging rules that limit when people can protest outside the west suburban ICE facility.
Chicago alder confronts Gov. JB Pritzker in Little Village over corporate tax
A Chicago alderman confronted Gov.