National

3 days ago

Couple charged with felonies for Empire State Building climb-turned-proposal

A skyscraper-scaling daredevil told police that he and his girlfriend climbed the Empire State Building's antenna and unfurled a banner about love and peace because he wanted to "do something special" for their engagement, prosecutors said Thursday at the couple's arraignment on felony reckless endangerment, burglary and other charges.

3 days ago

Speaker Welch to Rep. Harry Benton: Resign or be expelled

House speaker’s demand of fellow Democrat comes after months of silence over sexual harassment allegations.

3 days ago

Developer withdraws rezoning request for controversial data center in Hoffman Estates

The project conjured statewide questions about the role of neighboring communities in data center decisions.

3 days ago

Sweeping review of grand jury presentations underway in Chicago following misconduct revelations

Andrew Boutros, the U.S attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said the massive review will include all pending grand jury proceedings in his district as well as other presentations by prosecutors going back almost 20 years.

3 days ago

Head of the Chicago Police Department to retire after 3 years in the position

Murders and shootings, which are typically the focal points for crime in Chicago, have fluctuated over the last few years, but so far they are down this year by 32% and 41%, respectively, compared to 2023, according to the most recent department crime statistics.

3 days ago

The Onion’s new parody of Alex Jones’ Infowars starts with $100,000 to Sandy Hook families

The satirical news site The Onion isn't waiting to take possession of Infowars to launch a parody of Alex Jones ' conspiracy platform. More than a year after first trying to buy Infowars, The Onion on Thursday will debut a send-up under its own website with plans to give some of the revenue to families of the victims in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

3 days ago

US employers pull back on hiring in June amid elevated inflation, global turmoil

U.S. employers slowed hiring last month and added only 57,000 jobs, less than half the previous month's total and a sign companies still have a cautious economic outlook.

4 days ago

Bailey campaign embraces artificial intelligence in new era of politics

State lawmakers consider requiring campaigns to disclose AI-generated ads.

4 days ago

Supreme Court will consider whether laws known as assault weapons bans violate the Second Amendment

The ban in Cook County, Illinois, was first passed in 1993.

4 days ago

Spieth returns to John Deere with an eye on Royal Birkdale practice and FedEx Cup standings

For only the second time in the 11 years since he last won the John Deere Classic, Spieth is returning to the Deere and will skip the Scottish Open the following week.

4 days ago

NBA free agency: Norman Powell to Chicago in another All-Star move as teams continue shaping rosters

Powell spent this past season in Miami, where he became an All-Star for the first time and averaged 21.7 points in 58 games with the Heat.

4 days ago

Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram agrees to a $75 million, 6-year extension

The 25-year-old Byram was acquired in a trade with Buffalo on June 23.

4 days ago

Americans step out for their nation’s 250th in a proud moment sown with division and doubt

One of the stars of the American firmament once advised citizens of all stripes how to express their love of country. Mark Twain's long-ago words capture how Americans are stepping out this week to wish their nation a happy milestone birthday.

4 days ago

IL Department of Early Childhood officially launches Wednesday

State officials have worked with teachers, parents, providers and stakeholders to design the best framework for the agency.

5 days ago

Forecasters cite ‘dangerous’ conditions as heat scorches Midwest while on its way to the East

Nature's oven was on high Tuesday for millions of people in the Midwest and Great Lakes states as intense heat and humidity baked the regions with no immediate relief before the misery shifts to the eastern U.S.

5 days ago

Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s proposed limits

A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump's executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens.

5 days ago

Vermilion County woman sentenced for voting twice in federal election

Brenda Knuth, 61, was sentenced on June 26 to 3 years probation and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine. 

5 days ago

Polish star and former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski comes to MLS with the Chicago Fire

The Fire announced a two-year contract with Lewandowski on Monday.

5 days ago

Sweltering Midwest heat cancels outdoor plans as cooling centers open and the East braces

About 56 million Americans are under an extreme heat watch as hot and humid weather is expected to move farther east later in the week.

Recent Headlines

3 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

The best movies of 2026 so far, from ‘Project Hail Mary’ to ‘Rose of Nevada’

It's been a curiously seesawing first six months. The movies have been dominated as much by 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Curry Barker as they have 79-year-old Steven Spielberg.

3 days ago in Sports, Trending

U.S. beats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to round of 16 and keep its World Cup dreams alive

Malik Tillman stepped up for a free kick with a bloody sock and a new right boot after being stepped on by an opponent as the United States scrambled to protect a one-goal lead, down a man in a World Cup knockout round.

3 days ago in Entertainment

California to institute Bruce Lee Day, a first for a Chinese American in the state’s history

Martial arts icon Bruce Lee, who was born in San Francisco, will become the first Chinese American in California history with an annual namesake day.