Gov. J.B. Pritzker escalates his attacks on President Donald Trump. And the local impact of federal cuts to clinical trials.

Illinois corruption takes center stage as Michael Madigan is convicted of bribery and Rod Blagojevich gets a pardon. Plus, why a project to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes is on hold.

The U.S. Department of Justice strikes at Illinois’ immigration laws. And a debate over a controversial piece of art at the Chicago Cultural Center leads to an alderperson’s ejection.

Federal immigration agents — and Dr. Phil — carry out raids in Chicago. And the wide-ranging impact of a federal funding freeze.

Donald Trump returns to the White House and immediately exercises his executive powers. And the Chicago Bears name a new head coach.

Chicago gets its first elected school board members. And former House Speaker Michael Madigan explains his “making out like bandits” remark.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan takes the stand in his own defense. And a battle over hemp regulation has the mayor and governor on opposing sides.

Takeaways from the New Orleans terror attack. And sparring over a new contract for Chicago Public Schools teachers.

We look back at the biggest stories of the year. Michael Madigan’s landmark corruption trial. The city gets a budget — eventually. And the CPS CEO gets a pink slip.

Is this the end of the line for Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez? And Mayor Brandon Johnson finally gets his budget passed.

Why the mayor called off a budget vote. Pritzker pushes back on mass deportations. And calls for a crackdown on unregulated hemp.

What’s in a new city budget proposal. Chicago Public Schools’ CEO rejects a buyout. And a pivotal week in the Michael Madigan trial.

Is he playing turkey — or serious? The potential local impact of Trump’s gambit on tariffs. And what has to happen before the year ends.

Mayor Johnson says alderpeople should stop throwing tantrums and start negotiating the budget seriously. And disgraced former Ald. Danny Solis takes the stand in Michael Madigan’s historic corruption trial.

President-elect Trump starts planning his return to Washington — and picking his Cabinet. And the City Council unanimously votes down Mayor Johnson’s proposed property tax hike.

President-elect Donald Trump prepares for a second term. Meanwhile, Democrats are left to digest and come to terms with a crushing defeat.