Local News

Pritzker Begins Campaign for Third Term, Says 'We’ve Got More Work to Do' in Illinois

Pritzker Begins Campaign for Third Term, Says ‘We’ve Got More Work to Do’ in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS — With more than a year left until the 2026 general election, Governor J.B. Pritzker has officially kicked off his campaign for ...

|
Northern Illinois Teachers Bring Indigenous Stories Into Classrooms for First Time

Northern Illinois Teachers Bring Indigenous Stories Into Classrooms for First Time

ILLINOIS — For the first time in state history, Illinois teachers are now required to include Native American history and stories in their curriculum ...

|
Illinois Train-Related Deaths Reach 46 in 2025, Safety Advocates Sound Alarm

Illinois Train-Related Deaths Reach 46 in 2025, Safety Advocates Sound Alarm

ILLINOIS — Train-related fatalities across the state are raising alarms among safety officials, with 46 deaths reported so far in 2025, according to new ...

|
Illinois Unemployment Rates Rise in Several Central Counties, May 2025 Data Shows

Illinois Unemployment Rates Rise in Several Central Counties, May 2025 Data Shows

ILLINOIS — Unemployment in several Central Illinois counties saw a noticeable increase in May 2025, according to new data released by the Illinois Department ...

|
Chicago Trans Migrant Who Escaped Violence Now Faces Deportation Risk

Chicago Trans Migrant Who Escaped Violence Now Faces Deportation Risk

CHICAGO — Tere, a 39-year-old transgender migrant from Venezuela, came to Chicago in 2023 to escape brutal anti-LGBTQ+ violence in her home country. She ...

|
Alaina Ford Crowned 2025 Western Illinois Fair Queen, Follows Sister’s Royal Path

Alaina Ford Crowned 2025 Western Illinois Fair Queen, Follows Sister’s Royal Path

ILLINOIS — In a moment filled with family pride and pageantry, Alaina Ford, 19, of Franklin was crowned the 2025 Miss Western Illinois Fair ...

|
CPS Faces $730M Budget Deficit as Interim CEO King Urges Transparency; Teachers Union Rallies for Funding Fix

CPS Faces $730M Budget Deficit as Interim CEO King Urges Transparency; Teachers Union Rallies for Funding Fix

CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools is facing a staggering $730 million budget deficit, according to newly appointed interim CEO Dr. Macquline King, who addressed ...

|
No Official Downtown Fireworks in Chicago for Fourth of July Again This Year

No Official Downtown Fireworks in Chicago for Fourth of July Again This Year

CHICAGO — There will be no official city fireworks in downtown Chicago this Fourth of July, continuing a now-annual trend despite the holiday falling ...

|
‘The Freeze’ Sign Returns in Logan Square Ahead of Small Cheval Burger Spot Opening

‘The Freeze’ Sign Returns in Logan Square Ahead of Small Cheval Burger Spot Opening

CHICAGO — The iconic Freeze sign has been reinstalled at 2815 W. Armitage Ave., much to the relief of Logan Square residents who feared ...

|
Field Museum’s ‘Reptiles Alive!’ Exhibit Celebrates Chicago’s Cold-Blooded Creatures — Including Chance The Snapper

Field Museum’s ‘Reptiles Alive!’ Exhibit Celebrates Chicago’s Cold-Blooded Creatures — Including Chance The Snapper

CHICAGO — The Field Museum’s newest exhibit, “Reptiles Alive!”, invites families to explore the world of snakes, lizards, turtles — and even Chicago’s own ...