Vehicle crashes into dealership in Berwyn, building evacuated, officials say
Police are investigating after an SUV crashed into a KIA dealership in the west suburbs.
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DuPage County measles case prompts exposure alert at Chicago's O'Hare airport
Chicago and DuPage County health officials are urging people who may have been exposed to measles to watch for symptoms after what officials describe as a rare breakthrough case involving a vaccinated DuPage County resident.
Caleb Williams outduels Drake Maye on Mike Ditka Night at Soldier Field
CHICAGO (WGN) — Faux mustaches, fake cigars and headbands honoring a legendary man in an iconic sweater vest served as sources of good vibes and positive energy for the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football. The Bears won, 30-24, behind a 308-yard, 2-touchdown pass performance from Caleb Williams and a gutsy…
Bears TE Cole Kmet carted off with right knee injury
Bears tight end Cole Kmet was carted off the field in the fourth quarter Thursday night after hurting his right knee.
Person hospitalized after being pulled from Chicago River downtown: CFD, witnesses
A person was taken to a hospital after being rescued from the Chicago River downtown. Witnesses say he was struggling to swim, and they yelled to the crew of a boat on the river.
Cairo Santos ties Bears' record with epic field goal vs. Patriots
Cairo Santos made Chicago Bears fans groan when he missed a field goal Thursday, but he made up for that miss in a massive way.
Bears' handoff to G Joe Thuney on trick play disallowed
The Bears were flagged for an illegal forward handoff on a trick play in the second quarter of Thursday night's game against the Patriots at Soldier Field.
Cole Kmet carted off field in Bears' game vs. Patriots
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet was carted off the field after taking a hit to his legs in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game against the New England Patriots.
Your next Airbnb stay may come with fewer chores. Here's why
Dolly Parton's sister claims Tennessee voting machine changed her vote to Republican
"Don't let them rig this election."
Former suburban police officer convicted of sexually abusing woman during traffic stops
A former suburban police officer was convicted by a jury of sexually abusing a woman after pulling her over on two separate occasions, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said on Thursday.
Chicago Bears' rushing offense having its best start in decades
The Chicago Bears have one of the NFL’s most electrifying quarterbacks, but it’s their rushing attack that’s off to an incredible start.
All elevated CTA stations in the Loop to be closed this weekend for track repairs
A big change this weekend in the Loop for all elevated stations could impact CTA riders.
Can you be scared to death?
Chicago Dr. Jeff Ziffra explains the impact of fear on your heart.
Illinois State Police responding to US-45 crash in Douglas Co.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- Drivers on US-45 in Douglas County are being re-routed due to a crash that happened in the area Thursday evening. In an email sent to WCIA shortly after 7:30 p.m., Illinois State Police said the crash happened on US-45 just north of the US-36 junction, which is the east edge
Friday: Abnormal late October warmth, 8th straight day of abundant sunshine
High pressure centered west of Quebec will allow for a more southerly flow to develop which will allow the current mild spell to continue uninterrupted.
'Wild Horse Nine': Steve Buscemi teases if fans should 'root' for characters in new political movie
"Should you be rooting for them?" Steve Buscemi asks the important questions about Martin McDonagh's new political comedy movie, "Wild Horse Nine."
Chicago man found guilty of murder in 2020 stabbing of woman at Walgreens store in Wicker Park
A guilty verdict was reached for the Chicago man charged with stabbing a Walgreens worker to death in September 2020.
Champaign School District's support staff union votes to ratify new contract
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- The support staff union for Champaign schools has voted to ratify a new three year contract after six months of negotiation. Around 800 Champaign Education Support Professionals members had been working without a contract since July. Union President Jim Flaningam shared new details of the…
Video captures apparent road rage shooting that left mother fighting for her life
Surveillance video caught the moment a woman was shot in broad daylight while driving with her husband and kids in an apparent road rage incident that left her fighting for her life on Thursday.
Prosecutors cite DNA evidence, defense questions investigation as Faith Hedgepeth trial goes to jury
Miguel Salgureo Olivares' guilt or innocence in the Sept. 2012 death of Faith Hedgepeth is now in the hands of 12 jurors.
CPS approves $300,000 for family of girl who endured years of racist bullying
The mother of a Black student who endured racist bullying for more than two years at a predominantly white Northwest Side elementary school is set to receive a $300,000 settlement from Chicago Public Schools.
DHS watchdog refers its Corey Lewandowski investigation to DOJ for review
The Department of Homeland Security inspector general has referred its investigation of former “special government employee” Corey Lewandowski to the Justice Department , according to a person familiar with the investigation.
Chicago Bears Honor Mike Ditka before and during Thursday Night Football game vs. New England Patriots
CHICAGO (WGN) — Before the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams square off against the New England Patriots and Drake Maye — and later during halftime — Soldier Field played host to a number of celebrations in honor of Da Coach, Mike Ditka. Thursday marked the first home game for the Bears since Ditka's family confirmed
Hooters Restaurant In River North Closes After 35 Years
The national chain cited "increasing development and neighborhood changes" in making the decision to close.
Oakwood's Johnson named WCIA 3 Athlete of the Week
FITHIAN, Ill. (WCIA) -- It's been a record-setting senior year for Oakwood running back Kyler Johnson. "He's a tone setter," Oakwood head football coach Cameron Lee said. "His physicality, his consistency. It really just gets our offense going and allows us to do the other things that we need to do, but first thing you
The art of beer brats is alive and well for one suburban butcher
I find casing a beautiful blank canvas. The art created? Sausage. It’s a gorgeous medium, one as old as time. Every country offers its own take: endless combinations of meats and spices, encased in a link. A satisfying snap.
NIPSCO COO addresses criticisms over storm restoration response
In his first sit-down interview since the August 11 storms, NIPSCO President and COO Vince Parisi discusses the frustrations over the utility's response to the storms with WGN's Emmy Victor.
Powerful earthquake in China’s Tibet region collapses hundreds of homes and kills at least 16 people
BEIJING (AP) — A magnitude 7 earthquake hit China's Tibet region on Thursday evening, killing at least 16 people, injuring 54 and collapsing hundreds of homes in the northern regional city of Nagqu, official media said. Search and rescue efforts continued following the collapse of at least 339 homes and 20 livestock…
Powerful earthquake in China’s Tibet collapses hundreds of homes and kills at least 16 people
It was the biggest earthquake in the region in the last five years, China's national broadcaster CCTV said.
Bears pay tribute to Mike Ditka on 'Thursday Night Football'
There’s been no plan made for a public memorial for Mike Ditka. Thursday night, then, might have to suffice.
Bears should focus on modest upgrades with trade deadline fast approaching
The Colts were 7-2 and in first place in the AFC South when they decided to go all-in last November.
Bears hang on to beat Patriots 30-24 as Cairo Santos seals victory with career-long 58-yard field goal
It was choppy and certainly could’ve been more definitive, but the Bears captured their most impressive victory of the season Thursday by beating the Patriots 30-24.
CPS board approves new lunchroom workers contract that raises wages
The Chicago Board of Education on Thursday approved a new contract with lunchroom staff after more than a year of negotiations, raising worker’s wage floors and warding off a strike.
Thieves caught on video breaking into more businesses on Chicago's 95th Street
Burglars were caught on camera breaking into businesses along 95th Street again early Wednesday morning as several storefronts remain boarded up from previous thefts.
Proposed closing of 4 low-level prison facilities draws sharp rebuke in Du Quoin
IDOC says the four closures will save a combined $35.9 million in capital costs and $6.5 million in annual operating expenses.
ComEd's Lincoln Park substation shouldn't be built, judges say
ComEd appears to have hit a setback with its proposal to build a substation in Lincoln Park — a plan that has drawn fierce pushback from neighborhood groups.
Kansas School District names new superintendent
KANSAS, Ill. (WCIA) -- Kansas Community Unit School District 3 has officially named its new superintendent. District administrators announced via Facebook that after "an extensive search and interview process," the board of education selected Richard Stuart as the next superintendent. "The board carefully considered…
Springfield crisis nursery gets land donation to support future building addition
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery in Springfield is getting a new addition to its facility thanks to a land donation. The organization announced the donation on Thursday. Officials said it will enable an addition that will double capacity for children from 10 to 20 spaces. They are currently…
From the Farm: High soil temperatures pose problem for anhydrous ammonia application
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- The calendar may say it's not too early for farmers to be applying anhydrous ammonia to their fields. But according to the soil temperature, it definitely is. Soil temperatures are too high to absorb the ammonia, and that means wasted dollars for farmers applying it today. Stu Ellis met with…
Mahomet-Seymour hosts open house to meet community members, answer questions
MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) -- Community members had the chance to visit Mahomet-Seymour Junior High on Wednesday to tour the building, ask questions and learn more about a referendum on the ballot. The special referendum asks community members to vote for or against issuing $84 million in School Building Bonds. If it…
Should you be raking your leaves this fall? Why one Champaign nonprofit says no:
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- One Champaign nonprofit is saying to leave your leaves be as they fall this time of year. Prairie Rivers Network is urging residents not to blow or rake as leaves provide habitat for wildlife, increase soil fertility and help reduce waste and pollution. Staff said while there is often…
Workers Rally Outside Austin Seat Manufacturer To Demand Better Pay, Working Conditions
Organizers are calling for a community benefits agreement with Austin-based Freedman Seating Company, a leading supplier of seating for the CTA.
Illinois regulators move to bring video gambling under self-exclusion program
The new rules would also allow new options for cashless wagering.
CTA To Close Loop ‘L’ Tracks This Weekend For Repairs
Brown, Green, Orange and Pink line trains will be affected by the closure between 4 a.m. Saturday and 4 a.m. Monday.
Bears Honor Mike Ditka With Mustache Giveaway As Prices Skyrocket For Thursday’s Game
The cheapest resale tickets to Thursday's game against the Patriots were going for more than some Bears playoff tickets last season.
New Schwinn Bicycle Documentary Examines Rise And Fall Of ‘Iconic’ Chicago-Born Brand
"No Hands: The Wild Ride of the Schwinn Bicycle Company" will screen at The Chicago International Film Festival this weekend. Tickets are still available for a Sunday showing.
Bill aims to study how self-driving vehicles can be integrated into Illinois transit
The study would look at how driverless vehicles could be used at the beginning and end of mass transit systems.
UChicago Public Safety Council In ‘Early Stage’ Of Exploring Policy Changes Around Sexual Violence
The advisory council shared resources for sexual violence prevention but didn't discuss two reported sexual assaults at fraternities near campus or commit to drafting policy recommendations.
Retired Beverly Couple Loses $350K In Elaborate Gold Bar Scam
David and Cheryl Becker are looking to spread awareness about a phone scam that wiped out their life savings, much of it life insurance proceeds after their son’s death.
Mayor’s Proposed Package Tax A Mixed Bag, Shoppers And Businesses Say
Mayor Brandon Johnson is proposing to charge 15 cents for each package delivered to Chicago addresses.
Stratton, Tracy clash over Trump, affordability in lone U.S. Senate forum
Democratic Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton vowed to serve as a check on President Donald Trump while Republican Don Tracy largely defended the president’s positions in their only face-to-face meeting in the race to succeed retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Funding shortages and growing demand stall Illinois conservation efforts
For 20 years, Kara Downin has been puzzling out the perfect conservation program or partner for landowners in Knox County, Illinois, who come to her seeking help with their land. As a resource conservationist at the county Soil and Water Conservation District, Downin's goal and passion is to protect natural resources…
Illinois Democrats eye suburbs in push to expand supermajorities
The region features a rematch of the closest 2024 contest and the only match-up between two incumbents.
Study finds Illinois’ Displaced Energy Workers Bill of Rights falls short
Researchers found that limited enforcement authority leaves workers vulnerable when employers fail to comply with current laws.
Documents show state’s disaster request met FEMA’s threshold
Some counties, including Cook, did not meet the standards by themselves.