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.
Ben Sasse, former GOP senator, reveals terminal cancer diagnosis
Former GOP Senator Ben Sasse, who served Nebraska for eight years as an outspoken critic of President Trump, has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Chicago budget battle, new Alzheimer's drug research | The Chicago Report
Paris has the lastest reaction from the end of the Chicago city budget battle and researchers at Northwestern University are working on a promising experimental drug to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Northwestern develops experimental Alzheimer's drug | The Chicago Report
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing an experimental drug to combat Alzheimer's disease.
Reaction to end of Chicago city budget drama | The Chicago Report
Mayor Brandon Johnson did not sign or veto the budget passed by the City Council over the weekend, averting a feared shutdown.
Samantha Steele says she did not offer job to political opponent
Samantha Steele, the current Cook County Board of Review commissioner, is responding to allegations made by opponent Liz Nicholson. Steele tells us that “in no way, shape or form” did she offer Nicholson a job in exchange for dropping out of the race. Steele says the allegation is a distraction and argues that Nicholson is not qualified for the position she is seeking.
‘Very unethical’: Cook County candidate says she was offered a job to drop out
A political fight is unfolding in Chicago as Liz Nicholson, a candidate for Cook County Board of Review commissioner in District 2, alleges she was offered a job by the current officeholder, Samantha Steele, in exchange for dropping out of the race. Nicholson calls the alleged offer “very unethical” and “very disturbing.”
DOJ sues over Illinois law protecting immigrants at courthouses, daycares, hospitals
The DOJ sued Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker over new state laws aimed at protecting immigrants at courthouses, hospitals and day cares.
Epstein files: DOJ releases almost 30,000 new documents in investigation, agency says
In a social media post Tuesday, the Department of Justice announced the release of nearly 30,000 files in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Here's what we know.
New batch of Epstein files released, Trump mentioned
In a social media post Tuesday, the Department of Justice announced the release of nearly 30,000 files in the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Maryland congresswoman introduces two bills to overturn renaming of Kennedy Center
On Tuesday, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney introduced two pieces of legislation to overturn the attempt to add President Donald Trump's name to the John F.
Chicago mayor doesn't sign nor veto budget deal, what this means
A Chicago budget deal will take effect after Mayor Brandon Johnson didn't sign nor veto the proposal.
Stimulus payment December 2025, IRS direct deposit relief payment & tariff dividend fact check
Hold off on that purchase! Online rumors of new stimulus checks by year’s end are out there.
U.S. strikes suspected drug boat as Trump pushes major Navy expansion
The U.S. launches its 29th known strike on a suspected drug vessel in the eastern Pacific amid growing pressure on Venezuela and President Trump’s plans to dramatically expand the U.S. Navy.
DHS offers $3000 'holiday stipend' to migrants who self-deport by end of year
The expanded "holiday stipend" triples the original $1,000 offer.
Bears eye Indiana, Chicago mayor mulls budget veto | The Chicago Report
The Bears eye potential move to Northwest Indiana; Will Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson veto the budget passed by the City Council?; and a new book explores how Donald Trump used nativism to galvanize his political movement.
Nonprofit helps Chicagoans buy a home | The Chicago Report
Owning a home these days is tough with high prices, so one nonprofit is aiming to help lower-income Chicagoans, thanks to a $10 million reward.
Chicago mayor mum on budget plan | The Chicago Report
Will Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson veto the budget passed by a City Council bloc over the weekend?
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson mulls possible veto on newly passed budget
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faces a big decision on whether to veto a budget that was passed by the City Council over the weekend.