Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. didn't get a presidential pardon, but he is getting a new gig in Chicago media.

The latest: WVON-AM, Chicago's historic Black radio station, announced Jackson will host afternoons Monday through Thursday. He started yesterday.

Why it matters: Jackson brings baggage to the airwaves, but the familiar voice could make waves weighing in on the city's political climate.

Flashback: After serving 17 years in Congress and running for Chicago mayor, the rising political star was convicted of misusing campaign funds in 2013 and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

State of play: He lobbied President Biden for a last-minute pardon, which did not happen.

The intrigue: This isn't WVON's first foray into hiring felons. Former Ald. Cliff Kelley enjoyed huge afternoon show ratings before he retired in 2019. He was convicted of taking a bribe in 1987.

In other media news: Chuck Goudie, Chicago media's dean of investigations, is no longer on the air at ABC7.

The latest: The award-winning broadcast journalist hasn't been seen on the station's newscasts this year, and the station has confirmed they have parted ways.

What they're saying: "Chuck Goudie was a valued member of our ABC7 team for many years and we thank him for his groundbreaking contributions," spokesperson Jayme Nicholas tells Axios.

Context: Goudie started as a general assignment reporter at ABC7 in 1980. A decade later, he was promoted to chief investigative reporter.

Between the lines: Goudie, who did not respond to Axios' request for comment, has been silent about his departure, which could suggest that the 69-year-old isn't retiring and instead could resurface at another station.

• He told the Tribune last May he expected to be at ABC7 for "many years to come."

More on Goudie's departure ... more on Jackson Jr.'s new gig

The Bears didn't waste any time finalizing plans to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their next head coach, according to multiple reports.

Why it matters: Johnson was considered the best head coaching candidate this offseason after guiding the explosive Detroit Lions offense.

Context: This move brings a young, offensive-minded coach to Chicago to pair with quarterback Caleb Williams.

• The 38-year-old Johnson is expected to call plays for the Bears as the head coach.

The intrigue: The Bears had yet to interview Johnson in person. The head coaching candidate was sought after as reports say he was also offered contracts by the Raiders and the Jaguars.

• The teams entered a frenzied bidding war after the Lions were surprisingly eliminated in the NFC Divisional playoff round Saturday.

By the numbers: Johnson supercharged the Lions offense under head coach Dan Campbell, making them the second-best offense in the league.

• The Detroit offense scored 33.2 points per game last season while averaging 409.5 yards per game.

The other side: In comparison, the Bears offense was close to dead last with only 18.2 points per game and just 283.5 yards per game, which was the worst in the league last season.

Zoom out: The Bears entertained almost 20 candidates, including Ron Rivera, Mike McCarthy and Pete Carroll.

What's next: The Bears are reportedly interested in hiring former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen to run the defense.

Go deeper

Illinois ranks 4th in the U.S. for "Do Not Call" complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

By the numbers: There were 810 complaints per 100,000 residents from October 2023–September 2024.

• 54% were robocalls and 32% were live callers.
• Medical and prescription-related calls were the topics that garnered the most complaints.

🚨 President Trump's incoming "Border Czar" Tom Homan is reportedly backing off immediate plans to send hundreds of ICE officers to Chicago. (Block Club)

✍️ Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of 1500 defendants involved in the January 6th, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including dozens from Illinois. (Tribune)

🏡 The Housing Rights Initiative filed a major discrimination case against some of the largest real estate companies after an undercover investigation revealed agents illegally discriminated against people posing as potential renters using housing vouchers. (Sun-Times)

🏈 Notre Dame fell short in the national championship game, losing to Ohio State 34-23. (SI)

⚾️ Former White Sox manager Jeff Torborg died this weekend after a long bout with Parkinson's. Torborg was named AL manager of the year in 1990, after leading the Sox to 94 victories. (AP)

Last year was Chicago's warmest in history, but many aren't feeling it this week, especially petite dogs like Monica's Belle and Carrie's Zuzu.

Why it matters: The recent frigid temps can make outdoor excursions rough and even dangerous for local pooches.

• But we have a few tips to share.

Bosly's Backyard: Monica recently visited this private indoor dog park in North Center where owner Kim Theobald offers group and 1-on-1 sessions for dogs and their human pals.

What they're saying: "I wanted to create a safe, stress-free, clean space for dogs, especially those who don't do well in other environments," Theobald tells Axios.

How it works: Folks book time online for $38 to $55 per half-hour session.

• Group play requires proof of vaccinations and demonstration that your dog plays well with others.
• Bosly's also hosts parties and offers training sessions.

South Loop (indoor) Farmers Market: Carrie brought Zuzu to Water Tower for salmon treats, pup portraits, live music and a play area. The market is every Sunday through March 30 on the fourth floor.

The good news: Our single-digit temperatures are expected to rise throughout the week.

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Can you guess where Carrie is this week?

• This brick building on the near west side
• Was one of the first public housing buildings to reside.
• A museum is planned here with stories and artifacts
• And even rooms with living quarters intact.

Guess where Carrie is