Chaos at airports as TSA workers go unpaid — but could those long security lines be coming to an end? And a federal judge rules the Trump administration must unfreeze funding for the CTA Red Line.

Juliana Stratton notches a commanding win in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary. And a busy week at City Hall as Mayor Brandon Johnson pledges a veto — and fires a top deputy.

Three leading candidates in a contentious Senate fight and a host of other races make their closing arguments as Election Day fast approaches.

President Donald Trump bounces embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. And three former presidents are among the crowd of thousands paying tribute to the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Crowds of mourners line up to pay final respects to civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. And the battle for the Bears stadium heats up as Indiana’s governor signs a bill creating a new stadium authority.

Remembering civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson. And Gov. JB Pritzker faces a $2 billion deficit and federal funding uncertainty as he presents his budget proposal.

Attorneys say new evidence contradicts Border Patrol’s claims in the shooting of a Chicago woman. And the mayor is vetoing a ban on the sale of some intoxicating hemp products.

Chicago students and congressional Democrats keep up the heat on President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. And Indiana lawmakers push ahead with a bill aimed at luring the Chicago Bears.

Another government shutdown looms as Democrats demand an immigration enforcement cool-down. And changes are coming to SNAP, affecting hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents.

A jury acquits a Chicago man accused of placing a bounty on Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino. And the City Council moves to ban some hemp products.

A new lawsuit over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics in Chicago. And what’s on the agenda as state lawmakers head back to Springfield.

National outrage after an ICE agent fatally shoots a woman in Minneapolis. And Illinois sues after the Trump administration moves to freeze $10 billion for low-income families.

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.