The Week in Review

Week in Review: From Chicago’s Budget to Immigration Enforcement, Looking Ahead to 2026

We’re looking ahead to the stories likely to shape 2026.

Mayor Brandon Johnson decided not to veto a $16.6 billion budget plan passed over his objections. What the budget changes for 2026.

After thousands were arrested during “Operation Midway Blitz,” the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement campaign is expected to continue. What’s next for rapid response teams, local businesses and legal action.

The midterm elections are less than a year away, with a March 17 primary in Illinois.

Chicago Public Schools is still without a permanent leader, and 2026 will mark the first time the city’s full 21-member school board is elected.

The Chicago Police Department has been making extremely slow progress complying with the consent decree aimed at reforming the department. Will the pace pick up?

And the future of Chicago’s police discipline system is in the hands of the Illinois Supreme Court.