Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025,. (Andrew Adams / Capitol News Illinois) Michael Madigan, once the state of Illinois’ most powerful politician during his decades-long run as House Speaker and leader of the Democratic Party of Illinois, has now joined the long list of local and state powerbrokers convicted on federal corruption charges. But Madigan dodged the top count — racketeering conspiracy — and several other charges.

Get ready to shovel, Chicago. The biggest snowstorm of the season is here.  Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his wife, Patti, outside their Chicago home shortly after Blagojevich receiving a full pardon from President Donald Trump on Feb. 10, 2025. (Andrew Adams / Capitol News Illinois) When President Donald Trump signed the papers to pardon former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich of 18 felonies, the president explained his reasoning. “He was set up by a lot of bad people,” Trump said.

Happy Tuesday. There’s a big snowstorm tomorrow and I’m already seeing dibs chairs in my neighborhood. (WTTW News) Chicago taxpayers spent at least $107.5 million to resolve lawsuits alleging Chicago police officers committed a wide range of misconduct — including wrongful convictions and improper pursuits — in 2024, setting a new record, according to an analysis of city data by WTTW News.

Good morning, Chicago. You might have been up late watching the Super Bowl (sorry Kansas City fans). We were, too. Let’s all ease into the day with these stories from WTTW News.  President Donald Trump is pictured in a file photo. (WTTW News via CNN) President Donald Trump’s move to do away with diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government has made waves in both the public and private sectors.

Today is worldwide “Reverse the Red Day,” which I didn’t know was a thing until a press release hit my inbox. If Reverse the Red is new to you, too, let me explain: It’s a day to spotlight efforts being made to halt extinctions, or more specifically, to reverse the decline of species that have been “red-listed” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. “We know conservation action works, but we need to increase the pace and scale substantially,” said Michael Clifford, director of strategy for Reverse the Red.

It’s Thursday. Hope your commute wasn’t too icy this morning. Stay on firm ground with these stories from WTTW News.  Mayor Brandon Johnson appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Oct. 8, 2024. (WTTW News) Leaders of Chicago’s business community pushed back Tuesday after Mayor Brandon Johnson accused them of working to defeat a measure to give the Chicago City Council the power to hike real estate transfer taxes to benefit “corporations” and the “ultra rich” at the expense of working people in Chicago.

We have a bit of a flu theme today, with updates on avian flu in area wildlife and rising numbers of respiratory illnesses among local residents. Here’s what else you need to know this Wednesday morning.  A dead merganser, seen on the Chicago lakefront, Feb. 1, 2025. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) Michele DiBernardo has started carrying garbage bags and rubber gloves in her coat pockets during her morning walks along the Chicago lakefront just in case she comes across more dead birds.

Thanks for watching “The State of Our City” community event last night. Here’s a recap of the town hall conversation with Mayor Brandon Johnson and more stories from WTTW News.  Brandon Johnson (left) speaks at a WTTW town hall event on Feb. 3, 2025.

Good morning, Chicago. Today at 5:30 p.m., WTTW and community nonprofit My Block, My Hood, My City are presenting "The State of Our City: A WTTW News Town Hall." A live audience will have the chance to ask questions of Mayor Brandon Johnson and other community stakeholders. Watch live on television or our website.  A file photo of prison cells. (txking / iStock) Dré Patterson recalls his cellmate smoking “openly, back to back, for hours on end,” with smoke encircling his head.

Happy Friday. On Monday, Feb. 3, at 5:30 p.m. WTTW and community nonprofit My Block, My Hood, My City are presenting "The State of Our City: A WTTW News Town Hall." A live studio audience will have the chance to ask questions of Mayor Brandon Johnson and other community stakeholders. Attend in person or watch live on television or our website.