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Week in Review: Looking Back on the Biggest Stories of 2025

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.

New Illinois Laws for 2026: Statewide Grocery Tax to End, Aquifer Protections Begin

Nearly 300 new Illinois laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

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Dec. 24, 2025 - Full Show

Revisiting some of our favorite conversations that we've had on "Chicago Tonight" this year.

Dec. 23, 2025 - Full Show

The mayor lets the budget he objects to go into effect. And a Chicagoan wins CNN’s Hero of the Year Award.

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The Partnership Behind Southside Blooms and a CNN Hero of the Year Award

Quilen Blackwell, whose nonprofit Southside Blooms transforms vacant lots on Chicago’s South Side into flower farms that employ at-risk young people, is the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year.

After City Council Rejects Effort to Crack Down on CPD Overtime, Johnson Imposes New Limits

The city budget, which will take effect Jan. 1, will double CPD’s overtime budget from $100 million to $200 million, the first increase since 2020, when the budget for police overtime went from $95 million to $100 million, records show.

Battle Over Chicago Police Discipline Heads to State Supreme Court, Sparking Debate on Serious Misconduct Hearings

The Illinois Supreme Court is set to weigh in next year on whether serious Chicago Police Department misconduct cases must be heard publicly.

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Mayor Brandon Johnson Will Not Veto $16.6B Budget Plan Passed Over His Objections

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s decision not to veto the budget he called “morally bankrupt” immediately averts what could have been the city most severe fiscal crisis in more than 40 years.

Dec. 22, 2025 - Full Show

Are Chicago police officers being held accountable for misconduct? And the years-long battle over police discipline makes its way to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Week in Review: City Budget Battle; Bears Suggest Indiana Move

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.

Push for Chicago Teen Curfew to Control Large Gatherings Faces Uncertain Future

Instead of allowing police to impose so-called “snap” curfews just 30 minutes in advance, a new plan calls for more lead time before dispersing large crowds.

Dec. 18, 2025 - Full Show

The first meeting of the state's Immigration Enforcement Accountability Commission looks at the deployment of chemicals against protesters. Some alderpeople push forward with an alternative budget plan and a new teen curfew. And digital literacy efforts are helping seniors in Chinatown — but lost funding is threatening the effort.

‘This is Only the Beginning’: Illinois Accountability Commission Hears First Testimony on Federal Agents’ Use of Force in Chicago

The Illinois Accountability Commission held its first public hearing in the Little Village neighborhood, where federal agents have repeatedly targeted residents in the predominantly Hispanic neighborhood.

Chinatown Seniors Rely on a Digital Literacy Program. Its Future Is Uncertain Amid Federal Funding Cuts

The classes help seniors learn how to use technology — from identifying online scams to using Google Maps to navigate public transportation. Seniors develop independence and autonomy and overcome significant language barriers.

Key City Panel Advances Budget Plan That Mayor Says Would Leave Chicago With $163M Deficit

Mayor Brandon Johnson called the plan speculative, infeasible and immoral, but has yet to announce whether he would veto the plan. It would take 34 votes to override that rejection.