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.
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.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson won’t veto budget passed by City Council
Even without his signature, the budget passed by the City Council will go into effect in the new year.
Even without his signature, the budget passed by the City Council will go into effect in the new year.
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.
A Chicago budget deal will take effect after Mayor Brandon Johnson didn't sign nor veto the proposal.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson mulls possible veto on newly passed budget
Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing a big decision about whether to veto the budget passed by the City Council over the weekend.
Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing a big decision about whether to veto the budget passed by the City Council over the weekend.
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.
With just days to spare, a renegade coalition of aldermen approved the spending portion of a budget opposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Chicago City Council passes 2026 budget, rejects corporate head tax
The Chicago City Council approved the final portions of a record $16.6 billion budget for 2026 by a 30-18 vote on Saturday.
The Chicago City Council approved the final portions of a record $16.6 billion budget for 2026 by a 30-18 vote on Saturday.
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.
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.
Chicago City Council approves $16.7 billion alternative budget
After months of debate, jockeying and dissent, the Chicago City Council has passed a $16.7 billion budget, though not everyone is satisfied.
After months of debate, jockeying and dissent, the Chicago City Council has passed a $16.7 billion budget, though not everyone is satisfied.
Bears’ potential move to Indiana draws sharp reactions from both states
The Chicago Bears shocked fans Wednesday night with a letter announcing the team is exploring Northwest Indiana as a potential site for a new stadium.
The Chicago Bears shocked fans Wednesday night with a letter announcing the team is exploring Northwest Indiana as a potential site for a new stadium.
As Bears consider NW Indiana, Chicago mayor insists team ‘belongs in Chicago’
With the Bears now poking across state lines for potential stadium sites, Mayor Brandon Johnson is forcefully reasserting his claim: the team’s home is — and should remain — Chicago.
With the Bears now poking across state lines for potential stadium sites, Mayor Brandon Johnson is forcefully reasserting his claim: the team’s home is — and should remain — Chicago.
Bears expand stadium site search to NW Indiana; Chicago mayor pushes back: 'They belong in Chicago'
Amid the Bears’ wider search for a new stadium site, the mayor refused to speculate on the team’s motivations but reaffirmed that Chicago provides the strongest long-term home — and said he’s ready to continue discussions.
Amid the Bears’ wider search for a new stadium site, the mayor refused to speculate on the team’s motivations but reaffirmed that Chicago provides the strongest long-term home — and said he’s ready to continue discussions.
Opposing Chicago alders gaining momentum with new budget proposal ahead of deadline
With a budget gap of more than $1.2 billion and a potential city government shutdown approaching, a group of Chicago alders on Thursday promoted their alternative budget plan.
With a budget gap of more than $1.2 billion and a potential city government shutdown approaching, a group of Chicago alders on Thursday promoted their alternative budget plan.
Opposing Chicago alders gaining momentum with new budget proposal ahead of deadline
With a budget gap of more than $1.2 billion and a potential city government shutdown approaching, a group of Chicago alders on Thursday promoted their alternative budget plan.
With a budget gap of more than $1.2 billion and a potential city government shutdown approaching, a group of Chicago alders on Thursday promoted their alternative budget plan.
Chicago bag tax could jump again under alternative city budget plan
A higher bag tax is on the table. The fee started at 7 cents and increased to 10 cents this year. Next year, it could rise to 15 cents.
A higher bag tax is on the table. The fee started at 7 cents and increased to 10 cents this year. Next year, it could rise to 15 cents.
Debate intensifies as budget committee weighs alternative spending plan
The alternative proposal is poised to advance again. It passed the council’s Finance Committee on Tuesday and is now under debate in the Budget Committee.
The alternative proposal is poised to advance again. It passed the council’s Finance Committee on Tuesday and is now under debate in the Budget Committee.
Chicago City Council considers alternative budget proposal
The alternative proposal is poised to advance again. It passed the council’s Finance Committee on Tuesday and is now under debate in the Budget Committee.
The alternative proposal is poised to advance again. It passed the council’s Finance Committee on Tuesday and is now under debate in the Budget Committee.
Deadline rapidy approaching to finalize 2026 Chicago budget
FOX 32's Paris Schutz breaks down the latest news coming out of City Hall regarding the 2026 city budget.
FOX 32's Paris Schutz breaks down the latest news coming out of City Hall regarding the 2026 city budget.
Alternative Chicago budget proposal advances
Another day closer to a city government shutdown and still no budget in sight. City Council members are wheeling and dealing once again today, but will it finally yield an agreement?
Another day closer to a city government shutdown and still no budget in sight. City Council members are wheeling and dealing once again today, but will it finally yield an agreement?
Chicago govt shutdown threat grows as mayor, city council clash over budget
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and alders were meeting at City Hall on Tuesday as tensions rise over budget proposals.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and alders were meeting at City Hall on Tuesday as tensions rise over budget proposals.
Riverwalk vendor files civil rights lawsuit against city, Chicago mayor | The Chicago Report
Beat Kitchen owner Robert Gomez is suing the city, alleging his Riverwalk license was not renewed due to racial discrimination, despite being the most qualified applicant under city rules.
Beat Kitchen owner Robert Gomez is suing the city, alleging his Riverwalk license was not renewed due to racial discrimination, despite being the most qualified applicant under city rules.