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Week in Review: From Chicago’s Budget to Immigration Enforcement, Looking Ahead to 2026

We’re looking ahead to the stories likely to shape 2026 — from immigration enforcement and midterm elections to Chicago’s budget struggles and a new school board.

Chicago’s 2026 Budget Takes Effect, Forcing Chicagoans to Pay More for Shopping Bags, Uber Rides, Booze, Online Gaming — But Grocery Tax Eliminated

Chicagoans will get a small break on their grocery bills but be forced to pony up to cover a host of tax and fee hikes that a deeply divided Chicago City Council approved to fill a massive budget shortfall over the objections of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

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Dec. 30, 2025 - Full Show

Chicago may see its fewest homicides in years. And residents are calling for a referendum on the new quantum campus.

Organizers Push for Ballot Referendum on South Chicago Quantum Computing Campus

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is set to become the largest quantum development in the United States. Some Southeast Side residents have voiced concerns over gentrification, environmental impacts and energy use.

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Dec. 29, 2025 - Full Show

New laws are taking effect in the new year — what you should know. And America’s fight for independence is documented in a new series.

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.

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.

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.