Stories by Associated Press

How John Denver’s ‘Country Roads’ Became the Soundtrack of the US Team’s World Cup Run

It’s become one of the enduring scenes of the U.S. team during this World Cup: jubilant U.S. players joining tens of thousands of fans in singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

Did the Milk Expire? California Moves Away From ‘Sell By’ Food Labels to Cut Food Waste

Manufacturers selling food in California must now use two standardized labels — a “Best if Used By” label for peak quality and “Use By” label for product safety.

US Attorney Andrew Boutros Touts Scores of Arrests in Violence Disruption Operation Amid ‘Broadview Six’ Fallout

Chicago’s U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros on Thursday announced the results of “Operation New Dawn,” a 60-day law enforcement enforcement initiative that included 11 federal agencies working together in a “cohesive, unified partnership” targeting dangerous criminals.

O’Hare Expected to See Busiest Ever Fourth of July Travel Period, City Says

O’Hare’s busiest day of the six-day holiday travel period is expected to be Sunday, when more than 300,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport.

Meet Marian and Migizi, Chicago’s Historic Pair of Baby Bald Eagles Now Have Names

The eaglets are the first born in a Chicago park in 100 years.

Top FBI Agent in Chicago Abruptly Leaving Post After Being Pushed to Retire, AP Sources Say

The head of the FBI’s Chicago field office is abruptly leaving his position, according to a resignation message he sent to colleagues and multiple people familiar with the situation who said he was told to retire.

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.

‘Awesome.’ ‘Sad.’ ‘Let’s Keep Democracy Going.’ Americans Weigh In on State of a 250-Year-Old Nation

Across the United States, many Americans are celebrating their country’s 250th birthday by closing their ears to all the partisan shouting. Instead, in varied ways, they are tuning into their own personal concepts of America the Beautiful.

Shootings, Homicides in Chicago Remain Slightly Above Last Year’s Historically Low Pace

According to Chicago Police Department data, there were 210 homicides recorded through the end of June, an increase of nearly 6% compared to the first six months of 2025 — a year that ended with Chicago’s lowest homicide total in 60 years.

Illinois House 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.

A Family-Friendly Film and a Women’s Suffrage Musical: 4 Arts Picks for Your Week

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

July 1, 2026 - Full Show

Chicago’s top cop, Larry Snelling, announces his retirement. And the separation of church and state is under fire from a White House commission.

Faith Leaders React to Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission Targeting Separation of Church and State

A report from the Presidential Religious Liberty Commission calls for a clawback of the separation of church and state, a fundamental American legal principle for more than two centuries. President Donald Trump created the commission via executive order last May.

Developer Withdraws Rezoning Request for Controversial Data Center in Hoffman Estates

State lawmakers failed to pass a legislation this spring that would help the state regulate the growing data center industry, and Gov. JB Pritzker suspended state incentives for new data center projects.

CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling to Retire This Month

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced Wednesday he plans to retire this month after three decades with the department and three years as its leader.

Feds Accuse Teen of Conspiracy, Fraud in Connection to ‘Scattered Spider’ Criminal Cyber Hacking Group

Federal prosecutors in Chicago announced conspiracy and fraud charges against a teenager with alleged involvement in a criminal cyber hacking group accused of committing dozens of “network intrusions” resulting in more than $100 million in ransom payments.

Bailey Campaign Embraces Artificial Intelligence in New Era of Politics

Republican Darren Bailey’s campaign for governor is embracing images made with artificial intelligence in social media posts. Gov. JB Pritzker’s campaign manager said the governor’s campaign has a policy against using AI in public-facing content.

New Department of Early Childhood Launches Full Operations

Gov. JB Pritzker called for creating a new agency in 2023 to consolidate and streamline services for infants and toddlers under one roof.

IDOT Warns Drivers to Stay Alert for Road Buckling During Heat Wave

Pavement failures, buckling and blowouts can occur with little warning during periods of prolonged heat and humidity, resulting in uneven driving surfaces, according to IDOT.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for July 1-7

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

As Chicago Swelters Under Heatwave, ComEd Asks Customers to Immediately Conserve Energy to Avoid Outages

It felt like 106 degrees in Chicago Tuesday, and more of the same is expected for Wednesday and Thursday as the combination of heat and humidity continue to create dangerous conditions.

Norman Powell to Chicago Bulls in Another All-Star Move as Teams Continue Shaping Rosters

Norman Powell has agreed to a two-year deal that could be worth up to $45 million with the Chicago Bulls, a person with knowledge of the talks said Wednesday.

June 30, 2026 - Full Show

The U.S. Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship but gives President Donald Trump a big win for his immigration agenda. And Native American leaders share their feelings about America turning 250.

Reflecting on Native American Experiences as the US Celebrates 250th Anniversary

Americans nationwide are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, marked by the signing of the Declaration of Independence. However, the country’s origins started before English settlers claimed the land as their own.

Longtime Illinois Residents at Risk of Deportation After Supreme Court Ruling on Protections for Haitians, Syrians

TPS designations are chosen for foreign nations with conditions that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, when the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. The program allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. legally.

Nursing Gains ‘Professional’ Label for Student Loans After Judge’s Ruling, But Theology Now Dropped

Previously, graduate students had been able to take out federal loans up to the full cost of their degree. Trump officials pushed for new loan caps to rein in student debt and lower tuition prices that they said had grown out of control.
 

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