A long-awaited energy deal clears a major Springfield hurdle. The measure will move Illinois to a carbon-free future, but also includes a huge payout for the parent company of ComEd, ensnared in a corruption investigation.

A new Republican Party challenger for governor – a California venture capitalist originally from Illinois – throws his hat in the gubernatorial ring.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot calls on the city watchdog to look into abuse of power claims against embattled Ald. Jim Gardiner.

“What I think ought to happen is, and we’re doing this, this morning, is recommending that rather than death by 1,000 cuts in rumor and innuendo in the media, there ought to be a fulsome investigation,” Lightfoot said. “We’re going to recommend to the inspector general’s office that, that investigation happen so we can actually get to the bottom of what did happen versus what didn’t happen.”

Aldermen call on the city to enact requirements that anyone entering indoor public spaces be vaccinated.

After years of pressure and another recent drowning, the Park District says it plans to install life rings along the lakefront – but water safety advocates want more.

“For now, this is a pilot program, there will be a life ring at Pratt beach, which is normally a manned location, there will be a life ring on the pier as well,” Chicago Park District CEO Mike Kelly said. “I don’t love that decision. I cannot stress enough, folks, we’re in the life safety business. We’re in the teach-kids-to-swim business, not anything that gives a semblance of comfort to going in that water where it says do not swim, but we’re going to do it. I’m not above the city, I’m not above the citizenry.”

The Chicago Teachers’ Union slams the Chicago Public Schools’ COVID-19 tracking data, and continues its calls for more safety measures.

The Bears start their season against the LA Rams. And the Chicago Sky clinch a playoff berth for the third season in a row.

On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, memorials around the state and U.S. mark the somber occasion. The Chicago Teachers’ Union slams the Chicago Public Schools’ COVID-19 tracking data, and continues its calls for more safety measures.

Guests

Craig Dellimore, WBBM Newsradio | @CraigDellimore, @WBBMNewsradio

Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune | @PetrellaReports, @chicagotribune

Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Block Club Chicago | @ArielParrella, @BlockClubCHI

Maggie Hendricks, Bally Sports | @maggiehendricks, @BallySports

Did you miss us? Check out more episodes of The Week in Review.