Chicago's Week in a Nutshell: Snow, Politics, and Sports

Chicago kicked off the week with a wintry surprise, as lake-effect snow blanketed the city and its suburbs. While the snowfall was a taste of winter, the real chill came from political drama. The Federal Aviation Administration's shutdown caused a domino effect at O'Hare, grounding hundreds of flights. But by Wednesday, a bipartisan effort led by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin helped reopen the government, sparking both praise and criticism. Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee dug into Jeffrey Epstein's controversial past, releasing emails that hinted at possible connections to high-profile figures. The committee also welcomed new member Adelita Grijalva, who quickly pushed for transparency regarding the Epstein files. In a separate development, Chicago's immigration landscape saw shifts, with Border Patrol agents relocating and ICE conducting raids in Northbrook. The political heat didn't stop there. Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh and others faced federal conspiracy charges related to protests at an immigration facility. Governor JB Pritzker found himself in a heated debate with Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez over budget and immigration issues. The City Council's Finance Committee chair, Ald. Pat Dowell, also clashed with Mayor Brandon Johnson over his budget plan, particularly the proposed head tax on businesses. Sports fans had a mixed week. The Chicago Bears continued their winning streak, bringing hope to the city. However, the Blackhawks and Bulls faced setbacks, ending their winning streaks and suffering losses. In a surprising turn, Alinea, one of Chicago's most renowned restaurants, lost a Michelin star, marking a shift in the city's dining scene.