Retired Chicago political reporters talk about today's polarized country
Mike Flannery, Derrick Blakley, and Craig Dellimore are three of Chicago's most respected journalists.
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Mike Flannery, Derrick Blakley, and Craig Dellimore are three of Chicago's most respected journalists.
Jim Williams recently sat down for a roundtable discussion with his former CBS News Chicago colleagues Derrick Blakley and Mike Flannery, and the recently retired Craig Dellimore of WBBM Newsradio, to discuss their careers, today's politics in their splintered and hostile state.
Former CBS News Chicago Political reporter Derrick Blakley joins Jim Williams and Marie Saavedra to discuss a new poll placing Vice President Kamala Harris ahead in Iowa, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s race, and other issues in the 2024 election.
Johnson is neck-and-neck with Paul Vallas in the mayoral runoff. CBS 2 Political Analysts Derrick Blakley and Ald. Leslie Hairston have analysis. Meanwhile, Dana Kozlov and Chris Tye are live at Johnson headquarters, while Jim Williams and Marie Saavedra are live at Vallas headquarters.
The race is 50-50 with most of the precincts reporting. CBS 2 Political Analysts Derrick Blakley and Ald. Leslie Hairston have analysis.
CBS 2 Political Analysts Derrick Blakley and Ald. Leslie Hairston have analysis.
CBS 2 Political Analysts Derrick Blakley and Ald. Leslie Hairston join us for analysis in this mayoral runoff election now that the polls have closed.
"When Derrick Blakley was there, you knew the adult was in the room," former co-anchor Mary Ann Childers said.
Two CBS 2 legends received a special honor Friday night.
"I've been really fortunate to receive the support here and the reception I've had, most importantly, from the viewers of Chicago, who have been absolutely wonderful to me for a very, very long time. I hope I have kept their trust and I am grateful to have enjoyed their support."
The next step comes in November 2020. That's when the jail will have an actual, on site voting booth on Election Day. And that will allow the jail to provide same-day voter registration, as well.
The Aviary is being praised by Trump opponents for being part of the resistance. At the same time, it's being vilified by Trump supporters for undue disrespect to the first family,
"I have a work permit and I have to renew every year, but they can deny any year that they want to. Like they can say, we're not gonna renew your work permit any more. So I'm a risk for deportation."
Police confirmed that Anthony Riccio, CPD's First Deputy Superintendent, took a family holiday earlier this month, just after the Memorial Day weekend that resulted in 43 shootings and seven murders.
"Just as March 31 of this year, the program had approximately 1,300 open claims, many of which dated back several decades. Which means we were paying people, taxpayer dollars, without resolving their claims."
In her first city council meeting, Mayor Lori Lightfoot took on indicted Ald. Ed Burke. Wednesday she tangled with an executive of the Fraternal Order of Police.
"We don't know who she is, never seen her at any events on the West Side of Chicago and for her to be representing us a judicial appointment is a slap in the face to residents of the West Side."
President Trump is threatening to impose a 5% tariff, or tax, on all Mexican imports starting Monday, unless Mexico does more to stop Central American migrants from reaching the U.S. Border. But last minute talks continue.
A media war on the issue is expected to cost hundreds of millions in TV and direct mail, because the stakes are so high. To scrap the flat tax, 60% of Illinois voters, not just a simple majority, must approve the change.
"This is a substantial package and this will address a substantial portion of the maintenance needs that we have in this region."
Lightfoot said what makes this indictment extraordinary is the number of instances in which Burke is allegedly using his position to line his pockets.
The indictment also details a rather petty form of extortion by Burke. He allegedly threatened to oppose an admission fee hike for a Chicago museum, unless that museum hired the child of a personal friend for an internship.
With the bang of the gavel, Mayor Lightfoot took control of her first City Council meeting. But it was a verbal confrontation with Ald. Bruke that really showed who's boss.
"They don't just have to look for a police car. They can look for a neighbor."
"Turning and giving us all the evil eye, mean mugging us to try to make it feel like she's trying to intimidate us, was completely uncalled for."
A local developer envisions replacing the historic building with a five-story condo building with 39 units. That comes down to a vote on Monday night by village trustees.
Bears fans are already making plans for where to watch the playoff game against the Rams, who to watch it with, and what they'll be wearing for the big game.
The group of journalists who won a preliminary injunction over federal agents' use of force have filed to have the same judge hear the state's new lawsuit against the Trump administration.
Some members in the community said they haven't heard from family since last week.
Does the Chicago Bears' dramatic improvement this season, culminating in their first playoff run in five years, change the discussion about where they will build a new stadium?
The group of journalists who won a preliminary injunction over federal agents' use of force have filed to have the same judge hear the state's new lawsuit against the Trump administration.
Does the Chicago Bears' dramatic improvement this season, culminating in their first playoff run in five years, change the discussion about where they will build a new stadium?
The state of Illinois and city of Chicago are suing the Trump administration and Department of Homeland Security for unlawful use of force and dangerous tactics in immigration raids.
The subpoenas threatened a criminal indictment related to Jerome Powell's testimony before the Senate Banking Committee in June 2025, according to the Fed chair.
This weekend, CBS News Chicago's Jermont Terry hosted a forum with Democratic candidates hoping to fill the seat of retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
Police in the west Chicago suburb of Geneva are warning of a scam involving spoofed phone numbers.
Protesters on Tuesday were cranking up the heat on Peoples Gas over a recently proposed rate hike that would add an additional $10 to $11 a month to utility bills.
A lawsuit filed late last month took Chicago-based McDonald's to task over the McRib sandwich, calling its name a form of false advertising.
As this holiday season nears its end, Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias issued a warning Tuesday about text scams.
A new report shines a light on electricity shortages that Illinois could face in less than 10 years.
January is Radon Action Month, and the Cook County Department of Public Health is urging residents to test their homes for radon.
Severe flu season is sending many people to hospital emergency rooms across the country, including in the Chicago area.
Unionized health care workers this week took aim at Northwestern Medicine, saying the health care system needs to hire more people before expanding the emergency room at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that its recommendations for childhood vaccines will not be affected by a change in federal guidelines.
The first pediatric flu death for this year's flu season has been reported, Illinois health officials said, as flu cases across the state continue to rise.
The Piggery, a popular barbecue restaurant and bar in the northwest corner of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, announced Thursday that it is going out of business.
The Lincolnwood Town Center mall in the north Chicago suburb of Lincolnwood has been sold to a developer, the village announced Wednesday.
They do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but a longtime Chicago fried chicken institution said imitation went too far after a new business opened with a very similar name.
A lawsuit filed late last month took Chicago-based McDonald's to task over the McRib sandwich, calling its name a form of false advertising.
American Airlines announced Monday that it is adding 100 more departures from Chicago early next year as it continues its expansion at O'Hare International Airport.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch and stream the 2026 Golden Globes.
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Chicago Theatre Week brings value-priced tickets for shows from Feb. 5 until Feb. 15 at Chicago's stage venues. Tickets can sell for $30, $15, or even less.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
It marks the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of leveraging his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances.
The idea for the five-story multi-unit building to take the place of the Jackson Square Antique Mall is getting mixed reactions from renters inside.
Get Covered Illinois announced on Monday it is pushing back the deadline to Jan. 31 for coverage starting February first. The previous deadline was Jan. 15.
Sources inside Iran said that some people were able to connect to Starlink for just a few minutes to send quick messages before things went dark again.
Temps will be in the upper 20s for Monday night, followed by another round of 40s for Tuesday.
The Bears are still waiting to find out what time they'll host the Rams for an NFC Divisional Round playoff game at Soldier Field on Sunday, but their fans are already making plans for where to watch it, who to watch it with, and what they'll be wearing for the big game.
The body of a Chicago Public Schools teacher who has been missing for more than a week has been found, her family confirmed.
Does the Chicago Bears' dramatic improvement this season, culminating in their first playoff run in five years, change the discussion about where they will build a new stadium?
The state of Illinois and city of Chicago are suing the Trump administration and DHS for unlawful use of force and dangerous tactics in immigration raids.
A local developer envisions replacing the historic building with a five-story condo building with 39 units. That comes down to a vote on Monday night by village trustees.
Bears fans are already making plans for where to watch the playoff game against the Rams, who to watch it with, and what they'll be wearing for the big game.
Fire department officials in Chicago's western suburbs said drone technology has been helping keep firefighters safe and make a major impact on public safety.
With the stores becoming a common target for thieves, some of the stores in the Chicago area are taking new steps to fight back.
As thousands of people are expected downtown for New Year's Eve celebrations, Mayor Johnson, the Chicago police, and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications are trying to get out ahead of any safety concerns.
Cameras not working, video evidence missed by police and a psychic that leads a hit and run victim's son to a clue that changes the case
Some Chicago area hospitals are at risk of significant flooding both in and around the buildings, according to new KFF Health News/Fathom models.
The Chicago Cubs on Monday announced the schedule for the 2026 Cubs Convention, set for this coming weekend at the Sheraton Grand Chicago along the Chicago River.
Sunday of this week was the anniversary of the appearance of "The Super Bowl Shuffle" on the Billboard music charts.
The NBA has rescheduled a game between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat due to a slippery court issue.
The Chicago Bears will face the L.A. Rams at Soldier Field for the NFC Divisional round playoffs game at Soldier Field next weekend.
Fans were jubilant this weekend after the Chicago Bears sent the Green Bay Packers packing in a stunning victory in an NFC Wild Card playoff game.
The state of Illinois and city of Chicago are suing the Trump administration and Department of Homeland Security for unlawful use of force and dangerous tactics in immigration raids.
A man and a 6-year-old boy were stabbed in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood Sunday night.
A woman who works at Rush University Medical Center was critically wounded in a drive-by shooting early Monday morning in the middle of the hospital's campus on the Near West Side.
A man was due in court Monday in a shooting that left one man dead and another wounded on a CTA 'L' train in downtown Chicago last month.
Burglars targeted two businesses on Clark Street in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood overnight Sunday into Monday.
