1stHeadlinesBreaking News Headlines
Chicago IL · RSS · up to 100 stored headlines · Visit site
WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WGN) — Police in Waukegan are investigating after a mother found foreign objects, including sewing needles and copper wire, inside her child's Halloween candy over the weekend. Police said the investigation began on Halloween night after the Waukegan Metropolitan Emergency Communications Center…
Halloween is over, and McDonald’s is ready to move on. Its holiday drink lineup includes cookie butter coffee and cranberry drinks topped with cold foam.
It's already the 10th-largest Powerball jackpot of all time, and it will only continue to grow if no one wins on Wednesday night.
The 2026 midterm elections turned out to be a big win for Democrats and a rough night for Republicans on Tuesday, both in Illinois and around the country.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on a staff call Wednesday that he will not run for minority leader, according to two GOP staffers, heading off what will likely be a bitter fight over the party’s future in the next Congress as Republicans reel from a seismic election defeat. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise…
Dorian Kevon Robertson has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Walmart employee Dakota Norwood during an altercation at a Hammond, Indiana, store.
CHICAGO — A teen boy is dead after he was shot while inside a residence on the Far South Side early Wednesday morning. Chicago police said the deadly shooting unfolded just after 7 a.m. in the 9700 block of South Avenue L, in the East Side neighborhood. According to officers, the victim, a 16-year-old boy,
CHICAGO — Police are searching for answers after a car crashed into a business on the city's Lower West Side early Wednesday morning. Chicago police said the incident unfolded around 5 a.m. at a business located in the 1100 block of West Cermak Road in Pilsen. According to police, during the incident, a group of
For the first time in 59 years, the Illinois and Notre Dame football teams will meet on the gridiron in 2027. The two programs announced Tuesday that they'll play a two-year home-and-home series, meeting in South Bend, Indiana, on Sept. 4, 2027, and in Champaign on Sept. 2, 2028.
Dylan Mortensen said reporters and strangers have shown up at her home, followed relatives and invaded her privacy.
Democratic Governor-elect Amy Acton paused to help someone in the crowd Tuesday night.
President Donald Trump partially blamed the ongoing war with Iran for the GOP's sweeping midterm losses in the midterms — but said he would have done it again.
CHICAGO — In the 7th Congressional race, Democrat La Shawn Ford won with close to 90% of the vote on Tuesday night. Ford will succeed longtime Congressman Danny Davis. Ford and Davis joined WGN News by phone on Wednesday morning to discuss the win.
“Democrats did a good job.”
After more than a decade with Donald Trump at the epicenter of U.S. politics, most voters appear exhausted and exasperated by him, according to The AP Voter Poll, a survey of midterm voters in all 50 states.
CHICAGO — A man is dead following a drive-by shooting on the city's Northwest Side overnight. According to police, the shooting occurred just before 10 p.m. in the 3400 block of West Diversey Avenue in Logan Square. Officers said the victim, a 21-year-old man, was inside a vehicle with a passenger. As the victim sat
(The Hill) -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson (R) is projected to defeat Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson in the state's governor's race, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ). Wilson, who has served as the Palmetto State's top prosecutor since 2011, will succeed term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster (R)…
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is projected to win the Michigan Senate race, with El-Sayed defeating Republican Mike Rogers and becoming the first Muslim American elected to the upper chamber, according to Decision Desk HQ. El-Sayed, a doctor and former head of health departments in Detroit and Wayne County, prevailed…
Democrats have won the Senate majority, a feat that seemed unreachable last year but that came to fruition with Republican candidates failing in states won just two years ago by President Trump, whose failing approval ratings was a huge drag on the GOP. Victory in the Senate will deliver additional oversight powers to…
Patty Garcia is projected as the winner of Illinois' 4th Congressional District. Garcia will replace Democratic Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, who is retiring after more than 40 years in politics. Chuy Garcia made the announcement that he would not seek reelection on the same day that petitions ere due to get on the…
A White House official described the mood inside of the White House as “defiant.”
Democrat Melissa Bean is the projected winner in the race for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, defeating Republican Jennifer Davis. WGN-TV's Emmy Victor broke the news to Bean at her campaign headquarters that the race had been called. Here's what Bean had to say: "It's good news. I think we were feeling that…
An expansive AP Voter Poll conducted during the 2026 midterms revealed that young voters shifted away from the Republican Party while most Americans expressed concerns regarding the economy, government corruption, and the need for congressional checks on the presidency.
Democrats on Tuesday seized control of the U.S. House, flipping the chamber after four years in the minority wilderness to usher in a new era of divided government, Decision Desk HQ projects. The change will have immediate repercussions for the workings of Washington next year, slamming the brakes on President Trump’s…
In the Chicago Board of Education’s first-ever election, Jessica Biggs is projected to win the race for president following a historic and contentious campaign.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is soaking in his historic win on Wednesday morning. With the victory, Pritzker becomes the first three-term governor since Jim Thompson and the only three-term Democratic governor in Illinois history. Pritzker's campaign issued the following statement: “Governor Pritzker and Lieutenant…
Chicagoland residents would be well-advised to prepare multiple wardrobes Wednesday, as a cold front will move through and drop temperatures from well above average to more seasonal levels.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WGN) — In a rare open election for a United States Senate seat in the State of Illinois, Juliana Stratton is projected to win the seat over her Republican competitor, Don Tracy. Stratton's projected election to the U.S. Senate would mark a milestone in United States political history. She would join…
On Tuesday, November 3, voters in Chicago, Illinois, and across the country headed to the polls to cast ballots in the 2026 midterm elections. Voters nationwide looked to decide which party would gain or retain control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. 🔴Results for key races in 2026 Illinois midterm…
Chicagoland voters are deciding several key races in the 2026 midterm election. WGN is Your Local Election Headquarters for results, analysis and more.
As candidates wait for votes to come in, a handful of precincts across Chicago have voters waiting.
WGN is Your Local Election Headquarters for the 2026 midterm elections. Follow our full blog for all the latest political news, developments and more.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held another press conference on Tuesday to share updates into its investigation of the Learjet 60 aircraft that crashed in Palm Beach County on Sunday.
A Boil Water Order is in effect for the Village of Robbins as crews work to repair a massive water main break.
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Illinois General Assembly comes back to work later this month for a six-day session that ends Dec. 3 which could result in a deal to keep the Chicago Bears close to their ancestral home and leave Indiana on the outside of a new stadium looking in. ”I think sometimes the tortoise beats
As Americans from California to New York head to the polls, some freebies and discounts are available to those who choose to vote. Here’s what’s available: Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut on Election Day On Tuesday, guests who visit a participating U.S. shop and say they voted or show an "I Voted" sticker
The stakes in Tuesday's election — which party will control Congress — are crystal clear. But when that will be known is impossible to say.
The red, white and blue sticker was initially created to encourage voter turnout but evolved into a badge of civic pride.
First lady Melania Trump will be hosting representatives from Russia and Ukraine at the White House, according to a Tuesday press release.
Trump said in an interview with “Fox & Friends” that he and Netanyahu made a deal “months ago” for Washington to end its aid to Israel.
"We ache for her, we cry out for answers, we cannot move forward," Guthrie wrote.
Decision Desk HQ gives Democrats an 84% chance to control Congress and Republicans a 16% chance.
The weather may effect voter turnout on some of the nation's most closely watched races.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has announced the capture of Jacob Morley, a convicted killer who escaped a Tennessee prison in October.
Advocates are enthusiastic about the potential for increased youth voter turnout in key races in Tuesday's midterms. The economy, the Trump administration, AI and data centers have all sparked a fire in young Americans, according to youth voter groups that have knocked on thousands of doors across the country ahead of…
The Chicago Cubs' offseason task is very simple: How can they finally catch the Milwaukee Brewers? Well, adding one of the best starting pitchers in the game would help.
WGN News sits down with the star and director of the new film "Being Heumann," Ruth Madeley and Sian Heder.
LOMBARD, Ill. — More than 30 cats were pulled to safety on Sunday night after an animal shelter caught fire in west suburban Lombard. According to officials from the Village of Lombard, the fire broke out just before 8:30 p.m. in the 900 Block of East St. Charles Road, at a home that was being
Lettuce celebrate the return of National Sandwich Day on Nov. 3.
Two Los Angeles residents arrested in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of Christina Downer, the sister of "Saturday Night Live" writer Jimmy Fowlie, have been formally charged.
Mediators are pushing the U.S. and Iran to reach a deal to end the war in the Middle East as President Trump mulls military strikes as early as this week. Trump has predicted the war will quickly draw to a conclusion after the midterms on Tuesday, though he’s been ambiguous about how that will happen.
CHICAGO (WGN) — Jeffery Simmons looked like he was born to be a Chicago Bear, at least for one night. He had the big No. 99 in blue with orange outlines on the front and back of his white Bears road jersey. And he was wearing the blue pants and the blue helmet with the
So-called "undervoting" is permitted.
CHICAGO — Felony charges have been filed against a man accused of battering a Chicago firefighter during a confrontation involving first responders on the city's South Side over the weekend. According to Chicago police, 32-year-old Lamar Brown has been charged with one felony count of aggravated battery of a judge or…
The victim was a child, the health department said in a joint statement with the Lewis County Public Health agency.
Projections from Decision Desk HQ show that the Democrats have taken control of the House and Senate Tuesday after a landslide of victories in key battleground states.
Voters across Chicagoland are headed to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots for Illinois governor, decide several key House and Senate races, and select the first-ever president of the Chicago Board of Education.
Key Senate races are unfolding across states including Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Texas.
CHICAGO — An investigation is underway on Tuesday morning after a man was found dead on the city's Northwest Side after suffering burns to his body and injuries to his head. According to police, the victim was discovered just after 12 a.m. Tuesday, in the 5300 block of West Irving Park Road in Portage Park.
Illinois voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide several high-profile races, including those for U.S. Senate, governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state comptroller, and state treasurer.
The Chicago Bears defeated the Seattle Seahawks 34-17 on Monday night behind strong performances from Caleb Williams, D'Andre Swift, and Jeffery Simmons.
13-year-old Brigid Bazlen helped WGN-TV win its first Peabody Award, starring in the children’s primetime program “The Blue Fairy.”
A heated confrontation on Chicago’s South Side late Sunday afternoon was captured on video, showing a Chicago firefighter striking a shirtless man with a Halligan tool as the situation escalated.
CHICAGO (WGN) — After leading a miraculous turnaround on the South Side, Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable is among the finalists for American League Manager of the Year. Venable was one of three finalists named for A.L. Manager of the Year, joining the Boston Red Sox's Chad Tracy and the Tampa Bay Rays' Kevin
The Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area near Cresthaven in Palm Beach County, Florida.
It was an unseasonably mild Election Day as gusty southerly winds pumped 70 degree-plus temperatures into the region at a time of the year when 54 degrees is considered normal.
‘The Point’ airs on WGN and streams on WGN+ each weeknight at 6:45 p.m. CT.
Anyone with information may leave an anonymous tip with CPDtip.com.
OAK PARK, Ill. (WGN) — An early morning shooting in Oak Park on Sunday is believed to be an isolated, targeted domestic dispute, police said Monday. The shooting occurred just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, in the 1100 block of Lyman Avenue. Arriving officers found a woman with multiple gunshot wounds. First…
Sixty young men attended the 'His Field, His Game' flag football clinic at the Obama Presidential Center, an event organized through a partnership between the Chicago Bears, the Obama Foundation, and My Brother's Keep Alliance.
Several key House and Senate races are up for grabs in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Giana Dettloff, 19, of Carol Stream, is being remembered for her contagious smile, passion for cheerleading, positive energy and dedication to mentoring younger athletes.
Gov. Mike Braun said he would follow the Indiana Parole Board's recommendation to let the death sentence stand for Jeffrey Weisheit.
For Monday, Nov. 2, WGN’s Dina Bair has the latest on new medical information.
The Supreme Court on Monday quickly rejected the Trump administration’s effort to force California officials to set aside 20,000 ballots it claims belong to likely noncitizens and must be investigated. The court’s one-sentence order contained no explanation and had no noted dissents. California and immigration rights…
The manufacturer has urged any customers who may be in possession of the recalled supplements not to take them, but to throw them away.
You can get everything you need for the big day delivered to your door with the $25 Amazon Thanksgiving dinner.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Parts of a business jet appear to have broken off before the aircraft crashed in South Florida and erupted into a ball of flames, killing all nine people on board, a federal investigator said Monday. Video recorded by a passersby captured the terrifying moment on Sunday afternoon when the
A new bill in Illinois could send financial help to pharmacies and grocery stores. House Bill 5828 creates the EDGE Essentials for Pharmacies and Grocery Stores Act to create a tax credit and incentive package to support independent grocery stores and pharmacies in underserved and rural areas. The proposal would also…
Republican Darren Bailey and Democratic incumbent J.B. Pritzker made final campaign pushes ahead of Tuesday's Illinois gubernatorial election as early voting concluded on Monday.
The Bloomington Police Department and the McLean County Coroner's Office are scheduled to brief the media following a mass shooting early Sunday that left one person dead and seven others injured.
Michael Wilbon is taking a break. The longtime ESPN commentator and co-host of the network's popular “Pardon the Interruption” talk show alongside good friend Tony Kornheiser announced Monday he is taking a leave of absence because of what he described as “multiple health issues.” Wilbon, who turns 68 later this…
Two men were shot and killed outside a bar in East Chicago, Indiana, over the weekend, according to police.
A pilot aboard the Learjet that crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Friday had reported issues with ice and turbulence before declaring the plane’s imminent crash, according to chilling Air Traffic Control recordings.
The former head of the FBI in Chicago has filed a bombshell lawsuit against the city's top federal prosecutor and top Justice Department officials, accusing them of engaging in a politically motivated prosecution and then scapegoating him when it fell apart.
A 21-year-old female Walmart employee was fatally shot by an 18-year-old male following a physical dispute at a Hammond, Indiana, store on Monday.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Sunday said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into a deadly plane crash in Florida, killing all onboard.
Not registered to vote yet? You may still have an opportunity to cast your ballot.
Not every state supports taking a photo with your ballot.
Here are the complete second-round brackets for the Illinois High School Association football playoffs, along with game times and locations, if they've been announced.
WGN Morning News’ Robin Baumgarten is back in the kitchen! She’s up to her old tricks with some retro recipes. Today, she’s cooking up a Tuna Jell-O Pie. Full recipe at midcenturymenu.com.
WGN News sits down with actor Anthony Ippolito on playing the role of Rocky Balboa in the new biographical drama film, "I Play Rocky."
Martha Stewart says she's "very sorry" that her Halloween costume, in which she appeared to be dressed as a "hungry" homeless person, offended people, calling the move insensitive when "many people are suffering economically."
Big changes to the exchange include expiring financial assistance, rising rates, potential delays in working with a broker, new restrictions on immigrants, and stricter enrollment checks.
President Donald Trump will make his final pitch to voters Monday ahead of Election Day at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, using the Washington landmark to tout his administration’s beautification projects in the nation’s capital.
The warning comes after several reports of toddlers experiencing complete airway obstruction while eating the bars.
Chicago will host its 113th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park on November 20, followed by the 35th annual Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 21.
President Donald Trump said his strategy if the GOP loses control of the House and the Senate would be to “become Mr. Veto.”
CHICAGO (WGN) — The history of the Chicago Bears is a tale littered with monsters on the defensive side of the ball. Jeffery Simmons is poised to be no different and he knows it. Talk to any football fan in Chicago about the history of the Bears and you will hear their names. Some will