Chicago students and congressional Democrats keep up the heat on President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. And Indiana lawmakers push ahead with a bill aimed at luring the Chicago Bears.

Another government shutdown looms as Democrats demand an immigration enforcement cool-down. And changes are coming to SNAP, affecting hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents.

A jury acquits a Chicago man accused of placing a bounty on Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino. And the City Council moves to ban some hemp products.

A new lawsuit over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics in Chicago. And what’s on the agenda as state lawmakers head back to Springfield.

National outrage after an ICE agent fatally shoots a woman in Minneapolis. And Illinois sues after the Trump administration moves to freeze $10 billion for low-income families.

We’re looking ahead to the stories likely to shape 2026 — from immigration enforcement and midterm elections to Chicago’s budget struggles and a new school board.

We’re looking back at the stories that defined 2025 — from a massive immigration crackdown and congressional musical chairs to city budget battles and a hometown Holy Father.

The Chicago City Council takes the first step toward passing a rival budget plan. And the Bears threaten to take their ball and go to a new home — in Northwest Indiana.

Gov. JB Pritzker signs a bill to allow terminally ill adults to die on their own terms. And residents of a troubled South Shore building are being evicted.

Mayor Brandon Johnson says a rival budget plan put together by a group of alderpeople is a nonstarter. And the Cook County state’s attorney says it’s time to take a hard look at who gets released on electronic monitoring.

As the holiday season hits, we’re looking at the economy — consumer spending, budget battles, and the impact of tariffs and immigration enforcement on local businesses.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion budget proposal faces a major setback. And Dexter Reed’s family is asking a judge to reinstate a lawsuit against the city.

Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino and his agents are reportedly leaving Chicago soon. And the federal government reopens after a record shutdown — with dissent among the Democrats.

Community outrage after immigration agents pull a teacher out of a day care. And U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García says last minute that he’s not running — but his hand-picked successor is.

State lawmakers ride to the rescue for Chicago-area public transit. And federal prosecutors file charges against anti-immigration enforcement protesters.

The state starts tracking immigration agents accused of abusing their power. And Chicago City Council members start kicking the tires on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget.