The governor signs a controversial bill. Chicago cops mimic NFL player protests. City leaders push hard for Amazon headquarters. Chicago native Hugh Hefner dies at age 91. And the Cubs clinch their division for the second straight year. 

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.

The soda tax repeal vote approaches as Toni Preckwinkle faces an ad blitz and sagging polls. School starts with undocumented students fearful. And the Bears kick off the season. 

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Springfield finally passes a school funding bill. More taxes for Chicago schools. City Council cracks down on Uber and Lift. And the Bears get ready for regular season opener.

Lawmakers reach a deal on school funding. Gov. Bruce Rauner cleans house again. Chicago sees its most violent weekend since July 4. And the Cubs grow a comfortable lead in their division. 

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. 

A new soda tax angers many Cook County consumers. The governor vetoes part of the school funding reform bill. And a nasty outfield collision injuries White Sox rookies.

Despite Gov. Bruce Rauner’s demands that the school spending bill be sent to him this week, Democrats say they’ll give it to him on Monday. In Chicago, officials are expanding gunshot detecting technology to more high-crime areas.

Cook County layoffs spark a war of words. Chicago drivers get red-light ticket relief. Shakeup in the governor’s office. Revived Cubs are winning again, and the Sox go on a trade tirade.

Lawmakers finally pass a budget, but Illinois bonds may still face a junk rating. Holiday weekend violence despite increased police presence. Can the underperforming Cubs right the World Series ship?

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno resigns. Three more cops are indicted in the Laquan McDonald case. There’s talk of a high-speed tunnel to O’Hare, and Miguel Montero is out at home.

Still no budget out of Springfield. Shootings and murders dip in May. The Chicago Bulls ship Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a rare allergy puts Chicago Blackhawks’ Marian Hossa out the for season—and perhaps permanently.

Police kill the Belleville gunman who fired on GOP congressmen. A lawsuit aims to force federal oversight of Chicago Police reform. And Dwyane Wade could make a deal to return to the Bulls. 

Comey says Trump lied about his firing. More candidates jump into the governor’s race. And the MLB investigates an abuse claim against the Cubs’ Addison Russell. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

No budget for a third consecutive year. J.B. Pritzker caught on FBI tapes seeking a political appointment. And will Tiger Woods’ DUI derail his Chicago golf course plans? These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

A heated debate over affordable housing in Jefferson Park. Restrictions eased on local gun ranges. Population decline in Chicago … again. And could the end of Illinois’ budget impasse be near? These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.