The mayor proposes to exclude marijuana sales in the Loop. A proposed ban on e-cigarettes leads to a testy debate in City Council. Climate change prompts a massive walkout. And the Cubs’ playoff hopes are on life support.

A sexual harassment report puts new scrutiny on Springfield. Bombastic former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh mulls taking on Trump. A teachers union trip to Venezuela causes uproar. And the Cubs close an otherwise strong week with a blowout loss.

Two big federal corruption cases. Did the feds really shoot John Dillinger outside the Biograph? A former mayoral candidate in legal hot water. And the Cubs wrestle the Brewers.

A federal judge OKs construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. Mayor Lori Lightfoot stares down the police union. A stunning admission in the trial of Brendt Chrisetensen. And: the scooters are coming.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel hangs it up, J.B. Pritzker defeats Gov. Bruce Rauner, and the Chicago Police Department has a tumultuous year. We recap the top stories of the year and predict the biggest of 2019.

Ald. Ed Burke’s fundraiser goes on despite FBI raids. Mayoral candidates duke it out in petition battles. The fate of three Chicago cops is in a judge’s hands. And the Bears take on the Rams.

A new poll shows a sizable lead in the race for governor. Juries convict two in the murder of Hadiya Pendleton. A renewed push for a Chicago casino. And a controversial acquisition for the Cubs.

A caravan of candidates vow to take on Mayor Rahm Emanuel. A push to regulate gun shops fails. Assessing the Bears first round draft pick. And what does the future hold for Chicago’s newspapers?

Gov. Bruce Rauner launches his re-election bid. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle demands 10-percent cuts. And in Springfield, a “bump stock” bill is defeated and sexual harassment allegations emerge. 

The battle to repeal the Cook County soda tax is prolonged. Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich breaks his silence from behind bars. The hard sell for Amazon’s huge headquarters is underway. And the Cubs hang on to a division lead.

Rauner slams Trump’s response to the violence in Charlottesville. The battle over school funding ramps up. Lawmakers try to stamp out the soda tax. And the Cubs hold a slim lead in the National League Central division. 

Gov. Rauner wants reforms in exchange for tax hikes. CPS sues the state over discrimination. Chicago violence takes center stage again. And players report to spring training. Those stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

The Department of Justice releases its report on the Chicago Police Department. President Barack Obama delivers a farewell speech while Donald Trump holds his first press conference as president-elect. Those stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

The Springfield standoff turns even uglier as Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoes $215 million in CPS pension relief. Chicago’s deadly year surpasses 700 murders. And Jay Cutler is set to have season-ending surgery. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Holy cow! The Cubs kill the curse and win the World Series. Throngs celebrate with a massive parade and rally. Candidates make a final campaign push amid tightening presidential polls. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Campaigning is at full throttle. The Chicago ethics board throws aldermen a curveball over Cubs tickets. And the Cubs return to the Friendly Confines for the World Series. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.