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| Good morning, Chicago. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino praised Chicago and Evanston police departments for “assistance” yesterday as he and federal immigration agents drove through Chicago and the suburbs, prompting elected officials and residents to criticize police for alleged cooperation. Chicago and Evanston police denied helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement as Bovino and his agents drove around for hours, appearing to make few arrests on their second day of the enforcement surge. Read the full story from the Tribune’s Rebecca Johnson, Caroline Kubzansky and Gregory Royal Pratt. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including the diminishing options as Mayor Brandon Johnson enters the final budget stretch, why the Bears say they’re looking into a new stadium in northwest Indiana and what to do in Chicago this weekend. Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
 President Donald Trump speaks during an address to the nation from the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (Doug Mills/The New York Times) In prime-time address, President Trump insists the economy is stronger than many voters feelPresident Donald Trump delivered a politically charged speech yesterday carried live in prime time on network television, seeking to pin the blame for economic challenges on Democrats while announcing he is sending a $1,776 bonus check to U.S. troops for Christmas.
 U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, center, attends the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Illinois Republicans in Congress urge President Donald Trump not to pardon ex-House Speaker Michael MadiganIllinois’ three Republican members of Congress are urging President Donald Trump not to use his pardon powers to grant clemency to imprisoned former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Pardoning Madigan, a Southwest Side Democrat who for decades was arguably the state’s most powerful politician, “would send a dangerous message that public officials can betray the public trust with impunity,” U.S. Reps. Mike Bost of Murphysboro, Darin LaHood of Peoria and Mary Miller of Hindsboro wrote in a two-page letter to Trump.
 A baby is held by his mother as lead pediatric medical assistant Symatha Williams administers vaccines,
including Hepatitis B , DTaP, and rotavirus at Friend Family Health Center in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, June 24, 2021. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) In a break with federal guidance, Illinois will continue recommending hepatitis B vaccine for newbornsIllinois will continue to recommend that nearly all newborns receive hepatitis B vaccines in a break with federal guidance, the state health department announced yesterday.
 Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, asks questions during a meeting of the Budget Committee of the City Council at City Hall, Dec. 17, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Mayor Brandon Johnson enters final budget stretch with diminishing optionsTo veto, or not to veto? That is the question facing Mayor Brandon Johnson as an alternative budget plan from defiant aldermen marches toward a vote. And his public absence yesterday spoke volumes.
 U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino walks with agents after detaining
a person while conducting an immigration enforcement operation in Little Village on Dec. 16, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Lead prosecutor in Bovino murder-for-hire case unexpectedly leaving US attorney’s office ahead of trialThe federal prosecutor heading up a high-profile case alleging a Chicago gang member solicited the murder of Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino announced he’s leaving the U.S. attorney’s office just weeks ahead of a scheduled trial.
 The Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge, a common path for Chicagoans to travel to Indiana, shown from South Ewing Avenue in South Chicago, Dec. 17, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) Chicago Bears say they’re looking into building a new stadium in northwest IndianaThe Bears are considering a move to northwest Indiana amid growing concerns that Illinois lawmakers will not approve the financial incentives needed to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights, a top team official told the Tribune. In an exclusive interview, Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren confirmed the possibility of crossing state lines, but said the organization also would consider sites in other parts of Illinois. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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