Stories by CNN
Is Drinking Alcohol Bad for Your Health? New Dietary Guidelines Will Weigh Risks and Benefits
| CNN
Most adults in the United States drink alcohol, but there is steadily growing public concern about the health effects of moderate drinking.
From ‘Magic Mushrooms’ to Prison Alternatives, Illinois House Lawmakers File More Than 1,800 New Bills
| Capitol News Illinois
The vast majority of the ideas won’t make it to the desk of Gov. J.B. Pritzker or become law, but the list of proposals offers some insights into the issues members of the lower chamber are concerned about as they kick off their new terms in office.
Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan Will Not Run for Reelection, Opening a Key Senate Seat in 2026
| Associated Press
The 66-year-old’s unexpected decision Tuesday to step aside after just two terms comes as a surprise and poses a challenge for Democrats in Michigan during a turbulent period, likely dividing their strong bench between the gubernatorial and Senate races in 2026.
Donald Trump Fills His Government With Billionaires After Running on a Working-Class Message
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump's second White House is looking a lot like the inside of Mar-a-Lago, with extremely wealthy Americans taking key roles in his Republican administration.
Six Active Duty Service Members File First Lawsuit Challenging Trump’s Transgender Troop Ban
| Associated Press
Six transgender active duty service members and two former service members who seek re-enlistment on Tuesday filed the first lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order that calls for revising policy on transgender troops and probably sets the stage for banning them in the armed forces.
Egg Prices Are Soaring. They Are Predicted to Increase Another 20% This Year
| Associated Press
The average price per dozen nationwide hit $4.15 in December. That’s not quite as high as the $4.82 record set two years ago, but the Agriculture Department predicts prices are going to soar another 20% this year.
‘The Story Isn’t True’: Attorney for Madigan Co-Defendant Rejects Bribery Allegations in Closing Arguments
| Matt Masterson
Of the 23 total charges in the indictment, Michael McClain faces six counts including racketeering conspiracy, federal program bribery and wire fraud. He has pleaded not guilty.
Searching for Tranquility? Here Are 5 Places in the Chicago Area That Summon Serenity, Peace and Quiet
| Marc Vitali
Here are five excellent places to reflect and recharge. Just don’t everybody go at once.
What Has Changed With Immigration Under Donald Trump and What’s Still Playing Out?
| Associated Press
Much of what Trump can do will boil down to money. Congress is expected to consider additional support soon. Trump may use emergency powers to tap the Defense Department, as he did for a border wall in his first term.
Illinois Joins Other States in Asking Courts to Block Donald Trump’s Federal Funding Pause
| Amanda Vinicky
The freeze on federal funding and grants has wide-ranging implications and impacts everything from funding for child care, university research and roads and bridges.
Immigration Raids Detained 100 People in Chicago Area, Top Cop Says, But He Doesn’t Know How Many Have Criminal Records
| Heather Cherone
Despite the top cop’s attempt to reassure the tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants and their relatives who live in Chicago, Trump administration officials have repeatedly vowed to deport everyone who is in the United States without authorization.
CTA Says Federal Funding for Red Line Extension Still Expected Despite Freeze
| Nick Blumberg
The Chicago Transit Authority says the $1.9 billion in federal funding it’s been promised for the Red Line Extension should be secure, despite the Trump administration’s sweeping freeze of grant money Tuesday.
Johnson Declines to Immediately Respond to Request to Testify to Congress About Sanctuary City Status
| Heather Cherone
If Mayor Brandon Johnson refuses to appear as requested, it could open a new front in the ongoing battle with the GOP-controlled U.S House and the Trump administration, which is attempting to strip self-proclaimed sanctuary cities of all federal funding.
Jan. 27, 2025 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Could a blanket pardon for Jan. 6 rioters lead to more political violence? And a tool to file taxes for free hits Illinois — what that means for taxpayers.
UChicago Terrorism Expert Says Jan. 6 Pardons ‘Normalized Major Political Violence’
| Abena Bediako
More than 1,500 people received a “full, complete, and unconditional” pardon from the president last week. The assault on the Capitol — which injured more than 140 police officers — has been one of several displays of political violence in recent years.
Republican State Sen. Dan McConchie to Resign, Launch National Disability Nonprofit
| Amanda Vinicky
“I am the first paraplegic to be elected to state office in Illinois history,” said Dan McConchie, who suffered a spinal cord injury during a 2007 hit-and-run crash. “I recognize some needs of things that needed to be done.”
Welcome to Tax Season. What to Know Before You File
| CNN
The IRS Direct File program, which lets eligible taxpayers file their taxes directly with the IRS for free, is now available in Illinois.
Restorative Justice Programs in Chicago Aim to Break Cycles of Recidivism
| Medill School of Journalism
To reduce the number of formerly incarcerated citizens returning to prison, some communities are turning to restorative justice — a practice promoting accountability and healing for all parties affected by crime.
David Schwimmer Celebrates Return of Lookingglass Theatre Company After COVID Hardships
| Amanda Vinicky
A ribbon cutting was held Monday for the Lookingglass Theatre Company's new multi-purpose lobby at its home in the Water Tower Water Works building on Michigan Avenue.
A ‘Malignant Tumor’: Madigan Defense Takes Aim at Disgraced Ex-Ald. Danny Solis in Closing Arguments
| Matt Masterson
Monday marked the fourth day of closing arguments in Michael Madigan’s landmark corruption trial at the Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago.
What to Know About Trump’s First Executive Actions on Climate and Environment
| Associated Press
Experts say President Donald Trump’s moves to step away from global climate action, ramp up domestic oil and gas production and remove incentives for electric vehicles are worrisome as the planet continues to heat up.
Under Fire, Ald. Jim Gardiner Used $122K in Campaign Funds to Pay Legal Fees: State Records
| Heather Cherone
Ald. Jim Gardiner spent nearly three times as much on legal fees during 2023 and 2024 than any other member of the Chicago City Council, according to a WTTW News analysis of records filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Donald Trump’s ‘Border Czar,’ Other Top Officials in Chicago for Start of Immigration Enforcement Crackdown
| Associated Press
Few details of the operation were immediately made public, including the number of arrests. But the sheer number of federal agencies involved showed President Donald Trump’s willingness to use federal law enforcement beyond the Department of Homeland Security to carry out his long-promised mass deportations.
Secret Service, Not ICE Agents Turned Away From Back of the Yards Elementary School
| Heather Cherone
A statement from the Secret Service said the agents were investigating a threat against an official they are charged with protecting.
Week in Review: Donald Trump Returns to the White House; Bears Hire New Head Coach
| Paul Caine
Donald Trump returns to the White House and immediately exercises his executive powers. And the Chicago Bears name a new head coach.
Hoo-hoo Needs Some Good News? Injured Snowy Owl Is Rescued Near O’Hare, and There’s a Happy Ending
| Patty Wetli
Snowy owl sightings have been thrilling people across northern Illinois this winter, but these occasional visitors from the Arctic face a lot of hazards — including humans and cars — when they venture outside their normal isolated tundra environment.
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