Illinois lawmakers race to finish a state budget and a Bears stadium deal. And Mayor Brandon Johnson journeys to meet Pope Leo XIV.

Local leaders rally around Pope Leo after attacks from President Donald Trump. And CPS reaches a deal with CTU to hold May Day classes.

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

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

ShotSpotter meets its demise in Chicago — despite the wishes of City Council. And CPS sets a vision for its future, but is that a future without the current CEO?

Final touches at the United Center before next week’s Democratic National Convention. And reports that Mayor Johnson is trying to oust the leader of Chicago Public Schools days before classes start.

Mayor Brandon Johnson creates a task force to get the ball rolling on reparations. President Joe Biden moves to protect “dreamers” and long-time undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. And Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy quits.

Local officials call for federal aid one year after asylum seekers first arrived in Chicago. Renewed calls for ethics reform. And still no answers on the shooting at Sox Park.

Mayor Brandon Johnson set to select a new police chief. Nobody gets in to see the wizard, according to a federally charged top Madigan aide. State Supreme Court rules on assault weapons. And the sinking Sox.

All eyes on Michael Madigan as jury convicts the “ComEd Four.” Brandon Johnson names an interim police superintendent. South Shore residents tussle over migrant shelter. And Matt Mervis makes his debut for the Cubs.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker calls for two Democratic lawmakers to step down amid personal controversies, a New Lincoln park alderperson is sworn in, the White Sox implode in a must-win series and the Bears seek to bounce back from Green Bay loss.

Prime time for the primary: Campaigns enter the final stretch. Illinois loses Caterpillar. And revelations from hearings on the Capitol insurrection. 

Chicago has a new Inspector General. Lightfoot floats gas tax relief. WTTW investigates a high-profile gubernatorial candidate’s big donations from contractors. And the new 11th Ward alderperson on the Week in Review. 

Despite gripes from aldermen, the mayor’s first budget advances. Who will replace the top senator in Springfield? Cops go to court. Fraud at City Colleges. And can the Bears pull off a win this weekend?

President Trump once again dangles a commutation for Rod Blagojevich. Mayor Lightfoot spars with judges on gun violence. And optimism surrounds the Bears at their first preseason game.