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Mary Ann Ahern: The Legacy of Chicago’s Definitive Political Reporter in 2026

"For more than three decades, the landscape of Chicago political journalism was defined by the sharp, unrelenting reporting of Mary Ann Ahern. As the longtime political reporter for NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV), Ahern established herself as a formidable force in local, state, and national broadcast media. From her initial signing-on with the station in 1989 through her retirement, her distinctive voice, sharp questioning, and unmatched sourcing made her an essential fixture of Illinois civic life. Looking at the Chicago media ecosystem, Ahern’s absence from the daily beat highlights the profound transition occurring within local broadcast journalis..."

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