Donald Trump speaks in a recorded video Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. (WTTW News via CNN)
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Calls are rising for President Trump’s removal after he incited his own supporters who stormed and looted the Capitol. Chicago Public Schools and the teachers union battle over plans to resume in-person learning Monday. And state lawmakers return to Springfield.

An Emanuel appointee jumps into the Chicago mayor’s race. Illinois lawmakers have less than three weeks to pass a budget. Will they? And Chicago’s Lincoln Towing may lose its license.

J.B. Pritzker’s offshore holdings draw fire. Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoes a gun dealer bill. Should the public be able to fire the Chicago Police chief? And Loyola rambles on in the NCAA tournament.

(Éovart Caçeir at English Wikipedia)

J.B. Pritzker apologizes for remarks he made on FBI wiretaps about black politicians. But will the apology undo the damage? We discuss the March 20 primary with political reporters Greg Hinz, Natasha Korecki and Laura Washington.

A special hourlong presentation celebrates Joel Weisman’s 40th anniversary as host – and his final appearance at the helm of the show he helped create. “For four decades, Fridays have always been my favorite day of the week,” he says.

U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez drops a bombshell announcement after 13 terms in Congress. Cook County’s soda tax is dead, but political ramifications linger. Elon Musk is bidding on the O’Hare express train project. And the Bears lose patience with coach John Fox. 

The despised soda tax is repealed after just two months. Another property tax hike passes. Mike Ditka denies racial oppression. And the Cubs gear up for another dramatic postseason.

The governor signs a controversial bill. Chicago cops mimic NFL player protests. City leaders push hard for Amazon headquarters. Chicago native Hugh Hefner dies at age 91. And the Cubs clinch their division for the second straight year. 

The soda tax repeal vote approaches as Toni Preckwinkle faces an ad blitz and sagging polls. School starts with undocumented students fearful. And the Bears kick off the season. 

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Springfield finally passes a school funding bill. More taxes for Chicago schools. City Council cracks down on Uber and Lift. And the Bears get ready for regular season opener.

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno resigns. Three more cops are indicted in the Laquan McDonald case. There’s talk of a high-speed tunnel to O’Hare, and Miguel Montero is out at home.

President Trump fires the FBI director investigating his connections to Russia. Lawmakers put Gov. Rauner in a bind on the “abortion bill.” And the Cubs early season struggles continue.

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump crisscross the country during their final full day of campaigning. A look at their closing arguments, and what's next.

A costly deal averts a teachers strike. The mayor paints a rosy picture of city finances, but the county budget is grim. Donald Trump threatens to sue the New York Times. And the Cubs advance to the NLCS. Those stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk dumps presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. Former Gov. Jim Edgar urges civility and compromise in Springfield. Mayor Rahm Emanuel looks for property tax rebates. And the Cubs soar as the Sox sink.

Eddie Arruza and and guests discuss the mayor's support for Eddie Johnson as police superintendent, Dennis Hastert's apology and other top stories of the week.