Good morning, Chicago. A police union and a group of Arlington Heights police officers filed suit against the village, claiming that officials are violating state law by preventing officers from forming a union for sergeants. At issue is a state constitutional amendment that guarantees the right to unionize, and a subsequent change in Arlington Heights’ method of promoting officers to the rank of sergeant. Read the full story from the Tribune’s Robert McCoppin. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan becoming the latest Illinois Democrat to pitch Trump for clemency, the White Sox win the 2026 MLB draft lottery and a look at the best theater and best dance of 2025. Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles Games | Today in History Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after being sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison and fined $2.5 million during his post-trial sentencing hearing on June 13, 2025, in Chicago. He's flanked by daughters Tiffany, left, and Nicole. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan latest Illinois Democrat to pitch Trump for clemency Imprisoned former House Speaker Michael Madigan has become the latest high-profile Illinois Democrat to officially ask President Donald Trump for clemency on a corruption conviction. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, right, greets people arriving at the treasurer's office at Chicago City Hall Nov. 20, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Federal judge rules Cook County tax sale system unconstitutional Three years after a group of homeowners and community organizations filed suit claiming the county’s tax sale system robbed them of their home equity, a federal judge has ruled the system unconstitutional. Mayor Brandon Johnson takes questions during a news conference about his recently proposed budget, Dec. 8, 2025, at Chicago City Hall. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune) Mayor Brandon Johnson tweaks head tax plan to target bigger companies, opponents balk The mayor is now pushing a $33-per-employee monthly tax on companies with over 500 Chicago employees. He included in his initial 2026 budget a $21-per-employee tax on companies with over 100 employees, but has been unable to get a City Council majority to agree to it. CTA board vacancy an opportunity for Mayor Brandon Johnson before he loses mayoral control of transit agency Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss attends a rally at Federal Plaza in Chicago, Aug. 12, 2025. The AFL-CIO endorsed Biss for the 9th Congressional District Democratic nomination. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Illinois AFL-CIO withholds primary endorsements for Senate, comptroller and most open-seat races for Congress The Illinois AFL-CIO, the umbrella organization representing most of the state’s organized labor, opted not to make endorsements in several critical races for the March 17 primary, including competitive open-seat contests for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, state comptroller, and some congressional slots. The Rev. Michael Woolf in front of a Nativity scene outside Lake Street Church of Evanston, Dec. 4, 2025. The Nativity scene depicts masked centurions wearing federal immigration agent vests, surrounding baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph. Woolf said someone likely stole the zip ties binding Jesus' hands and the respirator worn by Mary. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Lake Street Church of Evanston updates its Nativity scene: ‘Joseph didn’t make it’ Joseph has been replaced in an Evanston church’s Nativity scene by a memorial to victims of injustice committed by federal immigration agents, church officials said. Greg Amsinger, MLB Network host, announces that the Chicago White Sox will have the number one pick in draft during a broadcast at the Major League Baseball's winter meetings, Dec. 9, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Chicago White Sox win the 2026 MLB draft lottery, will have the No. 1 pick for the first time in 49 years The White Sox are on the clock. The Sox received the No. 1 pick for the 2026 Major League Baseball draft after winning yesterday’s draft lottery, held during the annual winter meetings. Caleb Williams, Connor Bedard, Derrick Rose and more: The 11 No. 1 draft picks made by Chicago’s pro sports teams Anthony Kay lost his confidence, but the new White Sox pitcher found his groove again in Japan Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) is congratulated by quarterback Caleb Williams after a touchdown reception against the Steelers on Nov. 23, 2025, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago Bears QA: Could going up-tempo from the start spark Caleb Williams? What’s with DJ Moore’s role? The stretch run is here for the Bears, who are hunting their first playoff berth since 2020 with four games remaining in the regular season. Coming off a 28-21 loss in Green Bay that dropped them out of first place and behind the Packers in the NFC North, the Bears (9-3) will look to bounce back Sunday at Soldier Field against the Cleveland Browns (3-10). But first, the Tribune’s Brad Biggs reaches into his weekly Bears mailbag. Bears announce ticket plan for potential home playoff games Photos: Bears players serve meals at the Salvation Army The West, or yellow, parking lot at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Dec. 9, 2025. (Addison Wright/Daily Southtown) Tinley Park’s Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre adds parking charges for first time in venue history Concertgoers at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park will face parking fees for the first time since the venue’s opening in 1990. The move sparked concern from customers who said the parking lot needs improvements, venue prices have increased in recent years and additional fees may hurt the popularity of the amphitheater, known as one of the more affordable venues in the area. Nicki Rossi as The Angel in "Part Two: Perestroika" from "Angels in America" by Invictus Theatre Company at the Windy City Playhouse. (Aaron Reese Boseman) Best theater of 2025: Storefront shows and Court Theatre reign in our top 10 Angels hovering anew over Chicago’s North Side. The return of Brian Friel. And a “Raisin” we could call our own. Chris Jones compiles our annual celebration of the best Chicago shows of the year, in order, with an additional 10 that almost made our list. Trinity Irish Dance Company members rehearse at Katten Landau Studios in the Loop on April 13, 2025, in preparation for performances at the MCA in May. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Best dance of 2025: From Joffrey to Trinity, a year of big swings for Chicago dance As long as Lauren Warnecke has tabulated this list of the best in Chicago dance, she doesn’t think any year has been quite as gratifying as this one. Frankly, she loves an underdog. So, to witness the exhilarating culmination two people quite literally wrestling with each other for five years in the studio, or to see a company like Chicago Repertory Ballet now reaching its full potential, is such a pleasure and privilege. ...read more read less