Americans' credit card debt reaches nearly $1.3 trillion
Americans are carrying a record amount of credit card debt, totaling nearly $1.3 trillion, according to a new report.
Illinois
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State Rep. Kam Buckner says he's the right person to succeed Chris Welch as House speaker
State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) on Wednesday made his case to replace his ally Emanuel "Chris" Welch as Illinois House speaker, arguing that it doesn't have to take a woman to clean up Springfield’s entrenched culture of sexual harassment.
Bears QB Caleb Williams celebrates platinum glove with Pete Crow-Armstrong
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams joined Pete Crow-Armstrong this week to celebrate the Cubs star winning the Platinum Glove for his work in center field.
2 lawsuits allege Salvation Army youth pastor sexually abused three children in Chicago suburbs
Three women came forward Wednesday to say they've carried the lasting effects of sexual abuse they endured as children at the hands of a Salvation Army youth pastor for nearly three decades — along with the burden of what they describe as the institution’s failure to protect them.
Public Toilet That Cleans Itself Now Open In Wicker Park — A First In The City
The automated toilet, which opened Wednesday as part of a pilot, could pave the way for a series of public toilets to be installed across the city in the coming years.
LaPorte County deputy leaves Shirley Ryan Ability Lab nearly 6 months after shooting
CHICAGO — LaPorte County Sheriff's deputy Jon Samuelson is headed home from Shirley Ryan Ability Lab nearly six months after being shot. The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office wrote a note on social media that opened with the following. "Imagine, for a moment, leaving the comfort and peace of your home on a Friday…
Gies College of Business, Salt & Light seeking volunteers for annual tax assistance program
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- The University of Illinois' Gies College of Business and Urbana's Salt & Light are looking for volunteers to help staff their tax assistance program in February. The two groups partner each year to operate the IRS-sponsored VITA program, which is designed to help lower-income households, older…
Family of Susan Watford, MSC Seascape cruise murder victim, describe her as devoted mother who had difficult upbringing, left Amish community
The family of Susan Watford, the MSC Seascape cruise murder victim, described her as a devoted mother who had a difficult upbringing and left the Amish community.
Hulu drops first look at 'The Circle' hosted by Tinx
Hosted by Tinx, the new trailer for Hulu's "The Circle" previews a high-stakes mix of celebrities, civilians, catfish and live audience voting. Tune in Nov. 17.
Chicago celebrates 1st flush of self-cleaning public toilet on NW Side
Chicago is celebrating the installation of the city's first automated public toilet.
4 grizzly bears linked by DNA to deadly attack on mother and daughter in Canada
Officials say four grizzly bears were responsible for killing a mother and her adult daughter in what investigators believe was a rare predatory attack.
Do you need an antibiotic? Doctor weighs in on when to seek out medication
If you’re not feeling well but aren’t sure if it’s just a lingering cold or something that might require antibiotics, experts say there are some signs to watch for.
Chicago marks Veterans Day with ceremony at Soldier Field
CHICAGO — The city marked Veterans Day with its annual commemoration ceremony at Soldier Field. This ceremony is a chance to recognize the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces, but also to highlight the importance of supporting veterans long after they return home. The program included a…
'Totalmente evitable’: hombre del área de Chicago muere tras vuelo de deportación
Un hombre del área de Chicago que no tenía antecedentes penales y padecía múltiples afecciones crónicas murió poco después de un vuelo de deportación a Pakistán, dijo su abogado el martes.
Trump shouts out Hegseth to applause in Veteran's Day speech: 'He loves you'
President Trump shouted out Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s attendance at a Veteran’s Day wreath-laying ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery, prompting applause from the assembled crowd. “I had a feeling that was going to happen,” Trump said of the reaction. “He’s done a fantastic job, and he loves you and…
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent moved to a military base, sources say
Bessent is the latest administration official to move to a military base.
Child with autism rescued from Passaic River after escaping from Totowa, New Jersey home
A child with autism was rescued from the Passaic River after escaping from a Totowa, New Jersey home.
Docs: Northwest Indiana correctional officer accused of smuggling marijuana into prison, sex with inmates
LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. — A correctional officer in Northwest Indiana is facing multiple felonies after allegedly trafficking marijuana into prison and having sex with two inmates. An investigation into Karen Holt, 61, of Valparaiso, began on Friday afternoon at the Westville Correctional Facility. According to court…
Apple employee charged with murder after crashing into car at nearly 100 mph killing toddler
An Apple employee was charged with murder in connection with a crash that killed a 2-year-old girl outside the tech giant's headquarters.
Illinois Republicans Assess Damage From Nationwide ‘Blue Tsunami’
In the governor’s race, Gov. JB Pritzker set a modern-day record for a Democratic candidate with about 60% of the vote. And in state legislative races, Republicans lost more seats than expected.
Lame, suffocated and dead: The drug supersizing America’s cattle
In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviewed a first-of-its-kind cattle drug. Elanco Animal Health was seeking approval for Experior, a drug that contains an active ingredient from a controversial class of growth-promoting pharmaceuticals. These drugs can make farm animals gain more weight from the same…
Wildly popular building toy Magna-Tiles to build new suburban Chicago headquarters
If you’re not feeling well but aren’t sure if it’s just a lingering cold or something that might require antibiotics, experts say there are some signs to watch for.
Chicago is getting a new toilet — but it's not just any toilet. Here's why
If you’re not feeling well but aren’t sure if it’s just a lingering cold or something that might require antibiotics, experts say there are some signs to watch for.
Former NFL coach Rex Ryan charged with striking pedestrians with truck
Former NFL Coach Rex Ryan turned himself into police custody Wednesday morning after he hit two pedestrians last week.
Ferrara Candy Co. to close Little Village plant, lay off 154 workers
Ferrara Candy Co. will shutter its Little Village manufacturing plant and lay off more than 150 employees in April.
New resolutions introduced in Sangamon Co. to cut down on plastic waste, recall Sheriffs
SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- Sangamon County board member Sam Cahnman is trying once again to allow recall elections in Sangamon County. The effort has failed three times before, but Cahnman hopes a new resolution could help convince the board to adopt the measure. The new resolution is hoping to answer a question…
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie reopens after lengthy closure for renovations
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in north suburban Skokie reopened Wednesday morning after being closed for nearly a year-and-a-half for renovations.
3 women dead, 2 others critically injured in North Hollywood Metro Station crash
The vehicle came to rest beneath the canopy of a food vendor's tent.
Taylorville Police investigating scam involving cell phone deliveries
TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Taylorville Police Department is warning of a suspected scam as part of an ongoing, multi-state investigation. Department officials posted on Facebook that the scam concerns the shipment of cellular phones through Roadie, a third-party delivery platform. Last week, the department…
Longtime Chicago arts leader Michelle T. Boone to retire from Poetry Foundation top role
The Chicago-based Poetry Foundation announced Tuesday that its president and CEO, Michelle T. Boone, will retire at the end of 2027. Boone, who previously served as the city’s cultural commissioner, led a period of change at the foundation, which is among the largest funders of poetry organizations nationally.
4-year-old girl shot in Auburn Gresham
Police are trying to figure out how a 4-year-old girl was shot Wednesday morning in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood on the South Side.
What are childhood vaccination rates in your community and schools?
If you’re not feeling well but aren’t sure if it’s just a lingering cold or something that might require antibiotics, experts say there are some signs to watch for.
Fire departments warn of longer ambulance trips, less coverage amid issues Vista hospital
If you’re not feeling well but aren’t sure if it’s just a lingering cold or something that might require antibiotics, experts say there are some signs to watch for.
O’Hare may continue to feel slow, outdated during lengthy terminal construction, report warns
An aging O'Hare Airport may continue to face low satisfaction ratings and sky-high taxi times over the next seven years of terminal construction unless the city takes additional measures to address congestion, according to a new report.
From the Farm: USDA releases November crop report
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- Tuesday was a big day in the agriculture community, as the USDA released its November crop report. Stu Ellis broke it down during his latest report From the Farm.
Decatur Fire Dept. investigating after two cars catch fire overnight
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Decatur Fire Department is investigating after two cars caught fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The fire happened at around 2:30 a.m. in the area of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Decatur Street. Decatur Police said arriving officers and firefighters found a "large…
Hundreds of students, veterans gather at Mt. Zion school for Veteran's Day celebration
MT. ZION, Ill. (WCIA) -- Tuesday, Nov. 10 marked the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps. -- just one day before Veterans Day. Hundreds of students and veterans gathered in Mount Zion Intermediate School's gymnasium to honor veterans, but officials said the most important thing is to let the students know…
Some I-294 lanes shut down in western suburbs after SUV crashes into median
If you’re not feeling well but aren’t sure if it’s just a lingering cold or something that might require antibiotics, experts say there are some signs to watch for.
Rod Blagojevich on new memoir, time in prison and what he'd do differently
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich released a memoir chronicling his political career, corruption conviction, and time in prison following a full pardon from President Donald Trump.
Devastated Family Of Slain Student Calls For Justice At Logan Square Vigil: ‘Santino Is Not A Statistic’
Santino Delgado’s family and neighbors gathered for a memorial walk a week after the City Colleges student was killed in a drive-by shooting while making a food delivery.
3-Hour Waits For Matcha? Here’s The Tea On Chicago’s Obsession
The trendy tea drink has enjoyed a surge in demand in recent years thanks in part to social media, with long lines at pop-ups and stores like Nichi, Match-A and Noble Fat.
Ald. Michelle Harris Faces 4 Challengers In 8th Ward Race
Harris is seeking a sixth term in office and could face four opponents — although two of those candidates could get tossed off the ballot as their nominating petitions were challenged.
Ald. Monique Scott Faces 2 Challengers In 24th Ward Race
Jamesenna Anderson and Kiisha Smith have filed to run against Scott, who is seeking her second full term representing the West Side ward.
‘The After Hours Artists’ Exhibit Explores How Chicago Creators Balance Art With Day Jobs
After forming a queer-friendly collective for people pursuing their passions outside of work hours, Nathan Alston curated their work for the show at Austin’s Third City Studio.
Mark Heller, Logan Square Skate Park Founder And Community Activist, Dies At 73
A celebration of life for Heller will take place 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Logan Boulevard Skate Park.
Second half rally not enough for Illinois, drops first road game
LUBBOCK, Tex. (WCIA) -- Illinois cut it to a one-point game in the second half, but was unable to take over after a 20-point halftime deficit, falling on the road to No. 16 Texas Tech. Down 49-29 at the half, Illinois rallied coming out of the locker room, but poor free-throw shooting all game was
Champaign discusses emergency plans for city's homeless population
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- City council discussed a proposal Tuesday night aimed at keeping Champaign’s unsheltered homeless population warm and indoors this winter. Council documents show the “Proposed Winter Emergency Shelter Program” suggests the city use $500,000 of its Homeless Prevention Blueprint fund to pay for…
Child was found on cruise ship where Texas man allegedly killed wife, FBI says
If you’re not feeling well but aren’t sure if it’s just a lingering cold or something that might require antibiotics, experts say there are some signs to watch for.
2 dead, 1 hospitalized after Amtrak train hits car in western suburb; major Metra delays expected
If you’re not feeling well but aren’t sure if it’s just a lingering cold or something that might require antibiotics, experts say there are some signs to watch for.
Peoples Gas customers to see $56 back in November bill credits
Customers will receive additional $42 credits in 2027 and 2028.
Illinois Republicans assess damage from nationwide ‘blue tsunami’
Aaron Del Mar is calling for a convention to revamp the party's operations and platform.
Illinois police with credibility issues have arrested hundreds of people and testified in court at least 1,700 times
Prosecutors have a constitutional obligation to disclose when officers have a history of misconduct, lying, or displaying bias.
BJC HealthCare, Aetna agree to extend access for southern Illinois retirees
A one-year deal allows thousands of Illinois retirees to maintain in-network access to BJC HealthCare hospitals and providers.
IDOC worker who embezzled $125K sentenced to 2 months in prison
Maggi Tudor, 34, pleaded guilty in July to a monthslong embezzlement scheme.
With new Democratic Congress incoming, Pritzker calls for federal AI regulations
A federal AI framework is needed to prevent states from adopting 50 different laws that would make compliance costly and could hurt innovation.
Pritzker appeals FEMA’s decision to deny Illinois disaster aid
Pritzker calls on Congress to ensure FEMA will continue assisting states after disasters.