We're pulling out our crystal ball and previewing some of the storylines that could emerge in Chicago politics this year.

Here's what we're watching:

Brandon Johnson

The mayor had a rough 2024, starting with intra-party fighting over migrant funding and the March defeat of his homeless initiative Bring Chicago Home.

• His popularity hit new lows during a bruising budget season when his property tax hike was unanimously rejected by the City Council.
• The mayor's chaotic reshuffling of the Chicago Board of Education and the ongoing strife over the Chicago Teachers Union contract have turned a solid union town against one of its own.

Yes, but: Amid all the missteps, the city's violence numbers improved, again. If Johnson can prove his anti-violence measures are working, it could make 2024 a distant memory.

The governor's mansion

Gov. JB Pritzker is a rising national star with possible ambitions to run for the White House in 2028. One problem: There is a gubernatorial election between now and then in 2026.

The vibe: Will Pritzker run for a third term or step aside to focus on bigger ambitions? The governor is extremely popular among Democrats, and Republicans have yet to find a candidate to unite their party.

What's next: If Pritzker doesn't run for reelection, look for current statewide officeholders to make waves in 2025, including Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

Senate musical chairs

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin will turn 81 this year and could decide to retire instead of running for another six-year term in 2026. This opens yet another statewide seat for Illinois politicians. Republicans like former statehouse leader Jim Durkin could be in play, as well as statewide Democrats, including Stratton and Mendoza.

Go deeper

In a stunning move more often seen in fictional courtroom dramas, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan took the stand in his own federal corruption trial Tuesday.

Why it matters: The once-powerful Illinois politician is facing several years of jail time for 23 charges, including racketeering and a host of other crimes.

The big picture: The testimony was more like a long-ranging sit-down interview about the politician's life than the usual question-and-answer session between a lawyer and client.

• Madigan talked about his childhood, being assigned to a garbage truck in his youth, and being abused by his alcoholic father before regaling the courtroom with short stories from his political career in Springfield.

Zoom in: He also defended his actions central to this case, including his directive to create legislation to help ComEd build a "smart grid." Prosecutors argue that Madigan gave favorable legislation to the energy company in exchange for jobs for his political cronies.

Zoom out: Politician accused of corruption rarely testifies at their trials because they are under oath and the prosecution gets to cross-examine. The testimony can be used against them after the trial for things like appeals and sentencing.

Between the lines: What makes this move even more stunning is that when Madigan was in office, he rarely spoke in public or gave interviews to the press.

What's next

Childhood flu vaccinations are down so far this season in every state but Iowa, per new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

• In Illinois, our coverage was 37.6% by mid-December, down 7.9 percentage points from the same period in 2023.

Why it matters: Flu shots can help prevent kids from getting sick, but they appear to be getting swept up in a broader wave of vaccine skepticism that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

🚬 Gov. JB Pritzker blames the death of his hemp bill on "special interests" and House Speaker Chris Welch's "irresponsible" failure to call a vote. Meanwhile, a City Council committee advanced a hemp ban in two wards. (Tribune)

The Illinois General Assembly passed "Karina's Bill" which protects domestic violence victims by removing guns from alleged abusers. (Capitol News)

🐐 A South Side farm is collecting Christmas trees to feed to Nigerian pygmy goats. (Sun-Times)

🌱 Discover new local events.

First Bites Bash at Field Museum on Jan 23: Guests can enjoy tastings from top Chicago restaurants, plus wine, beer, and spirits. Keep the party going and join us for the official First Bites Bash after party at Hubbard Inn. $115-$200.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

Last winter the Axios crew took a river cruise in a hot tub boat, but this year we matured and graduated to a heated Duffy boat.

Why it matters: For novice boaters who want to try captaining a vessel on the Chicago River, the Duffy can offer a fun low-stress water outing during these cold months when few others are on the water.

How it works: Passengers book a date and time on the Chicago Electric Boat Company website where Duffy boat rentals cost $156-$191 per hour.

• The designated "captain" must watch a safety video and sign several documents including one promising not to drink any alcohol right before or during the ride.

The amenities: The heated boat covered in clear plastic flaps offers 11 comfy seats, a decent blue tooth speaker system and a cooler.

• Guests can pack their own food, drinks and yacht rock playlists.

The experience: Even with its flaps and heater, the boat got a little chilly so we kept our coats on for the scenic two-hour tour past some of the finest architecture in the world.

Yes, but: If the temperature dips below 20 degrees, your trip will need to be rescheduled.

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Only 60% of you guessed correctly that Justin is at Doolin's in West Town.

The party decoration store, located on Halsted Street just north of Grand Avenue, has been blowing up balloons and serving up shiny headgear and plasticware for New Year's Eve revelry for over 50 years.

• So as we bemoan the end of Party City, perhaps help out small local businesses that also rent fog and bubble machines.

Want to test more of your local knowledge? Check out our archive here.