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.

Seeking parole after 47 years in prison — a new documentary explores one man’s journey. And how different Latino cultures are celebrating the new year.

The Chicago Board of Education unanimously voted to fire CEO Pedro Martinez — we have reaction. Is it time for Illinois to wave a new flag? And celebrating Hanukkah. 

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

Community members weigh in on a proposal to demolish the Damen Silos. Local efforts to protect monarch butterflies. And how a local charity is working to increase donations this holiday season. 

The city’s budget director on what’s in the 2025 spending plan. We tour the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s new facility. And plans to improve health disparities on the South Side.

The mayor finally seals a budget deal — our Spotlight Politics team breaks it down. And asking the governor for grace after decades in prison.

We’re live from City Hall with the latest on the budget battle. Efforts to regulate the state’s hemp industry. And a look at Chicago food insecurity.

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

Calls for city officials to step aside and cooperate with federal mass deportations. And a state-of-the-art exhibit makes a dazzling debut at the Shedd Aquarium.

Jesse Jackson Jr. makes a public return — seeking forgiveness for himself and others. And the Red Line extension project begins in 2025. We look at residents’ hopes and concerns.

Pressure is mounting on Mayor Brandon Johnson as the city faces a looming budget deadline. And a new book on the transformative reign of Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Alderpeople on where the city’s 2025 budget stands. And why some people responded with indifference to a CEO’s death.

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

Concerns over plans to clear out Humboldt Park’s homeless encampment. And an investigation finds significant privacy violations in Chicago’s migrant shelter system.

Some neighbors are pushing back on a new quantum computing development on the Southeast Side. And how a basketball league is working to reduce violence one championship at a time.