A look back at Chicago's biggest stories of 2014

CHICAGO (WLS) -- In 2014, Chicago saw ups and downs, lost some greats and gained some new faces in the news. Here are the top stories of 2014.

As 2014 began, even hardened cold-weather Chicagoans were saying "enough already," wanting to send the polar vortex back to where it belongs.

In June, the law allowing same-sex marriage in Illinois became official.

It was a cold day in November when Chicago Catholics welcomed their new archbishop Blase Cupich and gave a farewell 'thank you' to Francis Cardinal George.

A week later, there were protests in downtown Chicago for the lack of charges in Michael Brown's death in Ferguson, Mo. Then, barely two weeks after that, the same decision in the Eric Garner case in New York City brought protestors to the streets again. The Bulls' Derrick Rose made a statement with a shirt that read, "I Can't Breathe."

Chicago lost some local legends in 2014. The entertainment world lost beloved director Harold Ramis, as well as radio and TV legend Roy Leonard.

In politics, the city lost former mayor Jane Byrne who was, earlier this year, immortalized when both the Circle Interchange and the park around Chicago's historic Water Tower were renamed in her honor.

In December, Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka passed suddenly and Chicagoans mourned her colorful quips.

Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis suffered a health scare in October that was revealed to be a brain tumor. It forced her to drop out of consideration for the race for mayor, though Mayor Rahm Emanuel will have plenty of company on the ballot in February.

Governor Pat Quinn saw his term coming to a close on Election Night, though it took some time for him to admit it. And Governor-Elect Bruce Rauner will have more than post-holiday bills to pay when he deals with state finances.

The Cubs dug deep into their pockets to sign pitcher Jon Lester and begin the multi-million dollar renovation of Wrigley Field.

Also in December, the ice skating ribbon opened at the new Maggie Daley Park with more to attractions to open in spring of 2015.

IN 2014 we also got a look at what may become a new landmark on the lakefront: The George Lucas Museum. Its future is unknown, however, as a parks preservation group opposed its placement and has gone to court to block the museum's construction.

A new high rise tower in Lakeshore East was announced. At 88 storeys, it will add a new pinnacle to Chicago's skyline when complete.

We celebrated champions: North Shore native Julia Collins scored the second-longest winning streak on Jeopardy!

Nik Wallenda had us on the edge of our seats as he walked the high wire over the Chicago River and then, blindfolded, between the marina city towers.

But our entire city was on its feet for the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars Little League team. They gave us reason to celebrate, taking the national championship title with humility and grace. For one glorious day, we followed them from the South Side, Washington Heights, all the way to Millennium Park and were reminded that there's great promise when Chicago shows its best.