Federal judges are appointed and confirmed, something the nation has witnessed via televised hearings as the nation’s high court has gone through turnover in recent years. But Illinois elects most judges. 

Illinois lawmakers on abortion, crime and more. Three deaths at a Rogers Park assisted living facility. Congress hears testimony about UFOs. And putting the brakes on the Carvana tower in Skokie.

Tuesday, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Ronald Moultrie and Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Scott Bray testified for more than 90 minutes before House lawmakers, and later went into closed session to discuss information related to unidentified aerial phenomena(UAP) they won’t yet make public.

Governor J.B. Pritzker has emphasized that Illinois will remain a safe state for people to access abortions even if federal abortion protections are removed.

Construction of Carvana’s controversial 14-story car vending tower in Skokie, approved just three months ago by the Village Board of Trustees despite widespread community opposition, is now on hold due to the temporary suspension of Carvana’s dealer’s license in Illinois.

A current production on Broadway in Chicago is offering a blend of live theater, comedy and community. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu introduces us to two Chicagoland actors who say their roles are unlike anything they’ve ever done.

Three women were found dead Saturday at the James Sneider Apartments in Rogers Park shortly after multiple heat complaints from residents as Chicago temperatures hovered around 90 degrees last week.

The city’s response to violence at Millennium Park and alderpeople discuss Chicago’s newly-approved ward map. Plus, the rise in racist hate crimes and white supremacy, and business headlines from Crain’s.

In a brief announcement on social media, news was shared Friday evening by monitors that Monty the piping plover has died.

Hate crimes have been on the rise in the U.S. Last fall, the FBI reported that hate crimes surged to their highest level in 12 years. The Anti-Defamation League says 2021 saw the highest number of antisemitic incidents ever recorded by the organization.

McDonald’s is “de-arching” in Russia and leaving the country after more than 30 years; as the baby formula crisis deepens, a local congressman is putting pressure on Abbott Labs; and Boeing leadership faces criticism from an Ireland-based airline.

WNBA star Brittney Griner has been in Russian custody since just before Russia invaded Ukraine. Her pre-trial detention was extended another 30 days last week — a sign some experts say could actually provide a glimmer of hope.

The value of commercial properties increased 56% from 2018 to 2021, compared with 10% for single-family homes and small apartment buildings, according to the data released by the Cook County assessor’s office. That could result in a consequential change in how Cook County’s property tax burden is carved up.