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.
Pope Leo disappointed in Illinois' new 'right to die' law
Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday he was "very disappointed" that his home state of Illinois had approved a law allowing for medically assisted suicide, and he called for greater respect of life.
Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday he was "very disappointed" that his home state of Illinois had approved a law allowing for medically assisted suicide, and he called for greater respect of life.
Pope Leo disappointed over Illinois' passage of 'right to die' law
Pope Leo XIV said he was “very disappointed" that Illinois, his home state, approved a law allowing for medically assisted suicide.
Pope Leo XIV said he was “very disappointed" that Illinois, his home state, approved a law allowing for medically assisted suicide.
Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for now
The Supreme Court refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area.
The Supreme Court refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Chicago budget deal will take effect after Mayor Brandon Johnson didn't sign nor veto the proposal.
DOJ says Epstein letter to Larry Nassar released in latest document dump is fake
The federal government is walking back a piece of evidence that was released in its latest document dump which allegedly included correspondence between Jeffrey Epstein and Larry Nassar, saying it is fake.
The federal government is walking back a piece of evidence that was released in its latest document dump which allegedly included correspondence between Jeffrey Epstein and Larry Nassar, saying it is fake.
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.
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.
The expanded "holiday stipend" triples the original $1,000 offer.
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.
Trump announces new ‘Golden Fleet’ of Navy battleships: What we know
President Donald Trump announced a new fleet of ships on Monday, known as the "Golden Fleet." Here's what we know.
President Donald Trump announced a new fleet of ships on Monday, known as the "Golden Fleet." Here's what we know.
U.S. Coast Guard seizes second oil tanker near Venezuela as pressure on Maduro grows
The U.S. Coast Guard has seized a second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast and is pursuing a third, as the White House increases pressure on President Nicolás Maduro.
The U.S. Coast Guard has seized a second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast and is pursuing a third, as the White House increases pressure on President Nicolás Maduro.
Lawmakers threaten contempt over DOJ’s partial release of Epstein files
Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie warn they may hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt, accusing the Justice Department of missing a legal deadline as the DOJ says more Epstein documents are still under review to protect victims.
Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie warn they may hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt, accusing the Justice Department of missing a legal deadline as the DOJ says more Epstein documents are still under review to protect victims.
Trump’s ‘Warrior Dividend’ for military funded through Pentagon, not tariffs
The president suggested last week that a $1,776 Christmas bonus for troops was made possible through tariff revenue – when it was actually money they were already set to receive from the Pentagon.
The president suggested last week that a $1,776 Christmas bonus for troops was made possible through tariff revenue – when it was actually money they were already set to receive from the Pentagon.
Justice Department releases new Epstein files as critics accuse DOJ of delays
Newly released Jeffrey Epstein investigation documents spark controversy after some files were heavily redacted, briefly disappeared, and lawmakers from both parties say the Justice Department isn’t moving fast enough.
Newly released Jeffrey Epstein investigation documents spark controversy after some files were heavily redacted, briefly disappeared, and lawmakers from both parties say the Justice Department isn’t moving fast enough.
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.