Maudlyne Ihejirika appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Dec. 8, 2022. (WTTW News)

A longtime Chicago journalist just stepped away from her job after 30 years of covering crime, politics, education and urban affairs.

In this file photo, a young student wears a mask indoors. (WTTW News)
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A surge in COVID-19 infections prompts indoor mask mandates. Democrats and Republicans campaign at the Illinois State Fair. Officer Ella French is laid to rest. And a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan has President Joe Biden on the defensive. 

A line of Chicago police officers watch a demonstration at Division and Larrabee streets on June 2, 2020. (Evan Garcia / WTTW News)

Mayor Lightfoot pushes for changes to the elected school board bill that already passed. City violence spikes again. Aldermen battle the mayor over liquor sales. And renaming Lake Shore Drive.

A file photo shows Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson, nephew to former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and grandson of Richard J. Daley. (WTTW News)

A current and former alderman indicted. Another police shooting video released. Trouble over renaming Lake Shore Drive after DuSable. And the Bears shock the NFL Draft and land quarterback Justin Fields.

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Mayor Lightfoot announces a plan to prevent looting as the Chicago Police Department seeks the public’s help in apprehending additional suspects. As Election Day draws closer, the Postal Service issues a warning about mail-in ballots.

Chicago City Hall (MIke / Flickr)

The Chicago Police Department missed 70% of reform deadlines set out in a consent decree. A landmark week at the U.S. Supreme Court and the Chicago City Council recognizes Juneteenth.

Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle will face off in a historic mayoral runoff. Surprises in several aldermanic races. And what role will identity politics play in the election?

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. 

Mayor Emanuel says the city is safe for this weekend’s Chicago Marathon. A moment of truth for looms for the Cook County soda tax. All eyes are on the Cubs, and Mitch Trubisky makes his NFL debut Monday night.

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.

Gov. Bruce Rauner gets a big gift from billionaire Ken Griffin. A rash of carjackings. Will the mayor find money to keep schools open? And a Cubs sweep reassures worried fans.

Trump says there’s “no excuse” for hundreds of Chicago shootings. Mayor Emanuel proposes a municipal ID program for undocumented immigrants. Rauner launches a campaign ad, while Democrats push their own “comeback agenda.” 

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.

A Chicago alderman is indicted. Jesse Jackson Jr. files for divorce. Joel Weisman and guests discuss these stories and look back at the biggest of the year, from soaring gun violence to the Lucas Museum and the World Champion Cubs. 

Donald Trump’s transition in turmoil as Mayor Emanuel defies the president-elect on immigration. Rauner and Madigan meet. Budget sails through City Council, and the Bears bad season gets worse. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

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Chicago's new top cop calls ongoing violence "unacceptable," while more Chicagoans disapprove of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's leadership. Host Eddie Arruza and guests discuss these stories and more in this week's show.