Chicago News

Daywatch: Illinois Democrats rally on final campaign weekend while top Republicans stay quiet

By baiduhai

November 2, 2026 at 6:50 a.m.

Good morning, Chicago. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your...

Cranes lift wrecked train carriages as rescuers search for victims following a collision between two trains in Urda, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

4 Americans and 1 Canadian among the 69 dead in Spain’s train collision

By Associated Press

November 2, 2026 at 6:23 a.m.

Four Americans and one Canadian were among the 69 people killed in last week’s high-speed...

A yard sign stands outside the home of Dan J. Sullivan, a candidate running to unseat Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, R-Alaska, in Petersburg, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Joshua Goodman) Photo taken with smartphone.

In Alaska fishing community, the Dan Sullivan episode takes an ominous turn as FBI comes knocking

By Joshua Goodman

November 2, 2026 at 6:16 a.m.

Dan J. Sullivan's rustic Alaska home stood dark a day after FBI agents visited friends...

People leave Orland Square Mall after a shooting there Jan. 21, 2019. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Jury finds man guilty of murder in 2019 Orland Square mall shooting

By Olivia Stevens

October 26, 2026 at 4:26 p.m.

Jakharr Williams was convicted of first-degree murder Monday in the shooting death Javon Britten at...

A redacted photo from the criminal complaint against Matthew Unglesbee, 37, of Quincy, shows a letter received at the Chicago-area office of an unidentified member of Congress on Oct. 21, 2026, with a white granular substance spilling from the unopened envelope. (U.S. District Court records)

Downstate man charged with sending threatening letters to Congress members in Chicago

By Jason Meisner

October 26, 2026 at 2:57 p.m.

A Quincy man has been charged in federal court in Springfield with sending a series...

Rayon Edwards asks a question during a town hall on the situation at Vista Medical Center East on Friday in Waukegan. (Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun)

Vista Medical’s future uncertain after losing trauma designation: ‘It is unacceptable’

By Steve Sadin

October 26, 2026 at 2:48 p.m.

The hospital lost its Level II Trauma Center designation for the second time in 31...

An Aztec dance group will be among the highlights of the Dia de los Muertos Festival on Nov. 1 in Oak Park. “I think the community is ready to celebrate again," said organizer Alma Martinez. "The community is asking to get together to honor our ancestors.” (Daveed Holmes, Aperture Photography)

Oak Park Dia de los Muertos Festival returns a year after being canceled by immigration enforcement fears

By Myrna Petlicki

October 26, 2026 at 2:07 p.m.

Public ofrendas are returning to Oak Park for a Dia de los Muertos Festival that...

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Afternoon Briefing: Chicago mayoral candidates turn in ballot petitions with flair

By baiduhai

October 26, 2026 at 2:04 p.m.

Good afternoon, Chicago. Here's what is happening today.

License plate readers attached to Chicago police vehicles on June 4, 2024. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

CPD unveils new policy on license plate reader cameras

By Sam Charles

October 26, 2026 at 2:01 p.m.

The Chicago Police Department has unveiled a draft of a new policy governing officers’ use...

FILE – Children ride their bicycles to the Dollar General store, Aug. 21, 2025, in Nashua, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Dollar General sued by FTC, Illinois and other states for ‘deceptive pricing practices’

By Anne D'Innocenzio

October 26, 2026 at 2:39 p.m.

The Federal Trade Commission has sued the bargain chain Dollar General for what it characterized...

GoFundMe for Maclaine Schmidt, the youngest victim in last week's mass shooting in Mundelein. (GoFundMe/Adriano Bruzzone, Anthony Nunnery)

Youngest Mundelein mass shooting victim remembered as a ‘brilliant and passionate chef’

By Russell Lissau

October 26, 2026 at 1:38 p.m.

The youngest victim in last week’s mass shooting in Mundelein is being remembered as a...

Messler, Pimentel seeking fresh approach in the Lake County Auditor’s office

By Michelle L. Quinn

October 26, 2026 at 1:37 p.m.

Lake County Recorder Regina “Gina” Pimentel, of Crown Point; and Charles “Chuck” Messler, of Lowell,...

The planned Amtrak maintenance facility near Rate Field Tuesday includes railroad tracks around West 35th Street between White Sox parking lots and the surrounding Bridgeport community, Oct. 6, 2026. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Controversial Amtrak yard proposal to get environmental assessment by Federal Railroad Administration

By Brian J. Rogal

October 26, 2026 at 3:48 p.m.

It’s potentially a big turnaround from earlier this year, and comes after passionate outcry against...