Good morning, Chicago.
Former House Speaker Michael Madigan must report to federal prison today to begin serving his 7½-year sentence on corruption charges, an ignominious end for a man who for decades was considered the most powerful politicians in the state.
Madigan, 83, must turn himself in no later than 2 p.m. at the institution assigned by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. At Madigan’s sentencing in June, his lawyers asked that he serve his time at the medium-security facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, but as of today it was unclear if he was granted that request.
If he does land at Terre Haute, he’ll join Jay Doherty, the former lobbyist and City Club of Chicago leader who recently started serving his one-year sentence there for his conviction in a scheme by utility giant Commonwealth Edison to bribe Madigan in exchange for his help with legislation in Springfield.
The Terre Haute prison is a medium-security, male-only facility with about 1,400 total inmates, situated about 180 miles south of Madigan’s home on Chicago’s Southwest Side. There about 270 inmates serving time at an adjacent minimum-security prison camp, which is likely where Madigan would land, given his age.
Over the years, a veritable who’s who of notable Chicago felons have served time there, including former Gov. George Ryan, who transferred to Terre Haute in the final months of his 6½-year sentence for corruption.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Jason Meisner.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including: what Illinois legislators will tackle in this week’s fall veto session, how Chicago aldermen are fighting Trump’s immigration blitz in Chicago and what to watch for at this year’s Open House Chicago.
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People wave Israeli flags on a street in southern Israel near the borders with Gaza as they celebrate the release of the hostages from the Gaza Strip, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Living hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released as part of ceasefire in Gaza
Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza today, while Israel began releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire pausing two years of war that pummeled the territory, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, and had left scores of captives in Hamas’ hands.
Gov. JB Pritzker answers questions during a news conference about the current state of federal deployments to Illinois and the ongoing federal activity in Chicago at his Chicago office in the West Loop on Oct. 6, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Gov. JB Pritzker points to Trump inconsistencies in deployment of National Guard to Chicago
Gov. JB Pritzker called out the Trump administration yesterday for defending its decision to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago as necessary to fight violent crime in the city, even though the federal government has emphasized in court and Pentagon memos that the mission is mainly to protect federal immigration enforcement agents and federal property.
Gov. JB Pritzker’s win on National Guard could be short-lived as Trump keeps pulling levers of power
Appeals court denies Trump administration request to halt judge’s ruling on National Guard pending appeal
A bus moves along West Wacker Drive as the sun sets on Sept. 14, 2025, in Chicago. COVID-19 relief money for transit networks is running out and 40% cuts in service across all three agencies could occur by next year, increasing fares and laying off employees if substantive state funding doesn’t come to the rescue. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Illinois legislators poised to grapple with trains and insurance and Bears
While Illinois continues to battle the Trump administration over deploying National Guard troops, the nuts-and-bolts world of state government will keep on turning in the capital as lawmakers head back to potentially tackle high energy and insurance costs, legislation that could affect a new Chicago Bears stadium and the uncertain future of public transportation.
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, 33rd, keeps watch for ICE outside Carl Von Linné School in the Avondale neighborhood during dismissal with community members on Oct. 8, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
Fighting Trump’s immigration blitz in Chicago, ward by ward
Chicago aldermen have traditionally measured success by potholes filled, block party bounce houses delivered, votes counted.
But with President Donald Trump’s deportation blitz in full swing, some are adding once unimaginable duties: getting tear-gassed and handcuffed, organizing legions of volunteers, leading local patrols and standing guard near elementary schools.
Jorge Villegas holds a framed portrait of his brother, Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, during a procession honoring his memory in Irimbo, Michoacán, on Oct. 1, 2025. Villegas Gonzalez’s remains were repatriated from the Chicago area as requested by his family and he was buried on Sept 26. (Fernando Espinal Moreno)
Family of Chicago-area man killed by ICE seeks to reunite with his children who are now in foster care in Idaho
On a recent humid morning in Michoacán, Mexico, hundreds gathered to mourn Silverio Villegas Gonzalez. His body had finally come home after getting shot and killed by an ICE agent in Franklin Park after he allegedly tried to run him over.
A family walks past Libby Frank, right, a concerned neighbor, and Carson Bell, whose wife works at Funston Elementary, as they hold signs to support the students, staff members and families at Funston as school gets out on Oct. 7, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
ICE fears ripple across Chicago Public Schools and suburban districts
Monica Perez scanned the street as she left Funston Elementary, five of her children in tow. She kept her head down, her family close. After school pickup was once a familiar routine — in recent weeks, though, fear had crept into the family’s life and festered.
“Rápido,” Perez told her children, ushering them along Logan Square sidewalks. “Quickly.”
Bears defensive end Montez Sweat sacks Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the fourth quarter Sept. 21, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Column: Chicago Bears need DE Montez Sweat to regain top form — or the ‘Tez Effect’ will have been short-lived
The “Tez Effect” has become difficult to distinguish for the Bears defense this season, which should be a growing concern.
That’s the term former coach Matt Eberflus used to describe the impact defensive end Montez Sweat had after the club acquired him at the trade deadline in 2023. General manager Ryan Poles referred to Sweat as a “multiplier.”
5 things to watch in Bears-Commanders game on ‘MNF’ — plus our Week 6 predictions
Bears have lost 10 of last 11 after a bye. Will an early week off — and a new coach — reverse the trend?
Natalia Diaz stops while running in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12, 2025 to get a hug from her grandmother Consuelo Herrera on 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Supporters turn out for Chicago Marathon runners despite fears about immigration crackdown
Overall support for runners in the 47th annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon could be seen and heard throughout the race route, including as the runners headed east on 18th Street through Pilsen. Viewers yelled, celebrated and cheered on the sidewalks, marking a stark contrast to the more subdued than usual Mexican Independence Day Parade that rolled through the neighborhood in September.
A crowd reacts to the TV during a “Survivor” watch party at Pizza Lobo in Chicago on Oct. 8, 2025. (Nate Swanson/for the Chicago Tribune)
For some Chicago bars and restaurants, reality TV watch parties are a new way to build community
Bars with televisions are no longer just a place to catch the latest football or baseball game. Businesses from New York to Los Angeles to Chicago are tapping into other programs to view during their weekday watch parties: reality television.
People walk past the Hilliard Towers Apartments in Chicago on Oct. 7, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
More than just pretty architecture: Open House Chicago 2025 includes public housing, urban agriculture
The art deco clock tower of the Board of Trade building in the Loop. The gilded ceiling of a Ukrainian church in West Town. The bright blue mural of Nat King Cole at the Forum in Bronzeville. Open House Chicago’s upcoming 15th annual festival offers a chance to visit these unique architectural treasures.
But this year’s event will also give residents the opportunity to visit 30 new sites, including a public housing complex on the Near South Side and an indoor mushroom farm in the West Loop.
