Katherine Langford

2 young adults from Elgin killed in Boone County crash; child in car seat survived

Two young adults from Elgin were killed in a Boone County crash over the weekend.The Boone County Sheriff’s Office said Monday the crash happened shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday in the area of Poplar Grove Road and Business Route 20 in the Belvidere area.Authorities identified the driver as David...

Freight train looted on West Side; BNSF services delayed, Metra says

BNSF service continued after hours of disruption during the morning commute due to police activity, Metra said Tuesday.

West Aurora wins fourth-ever playoff game amid RB injuries: Kane County Chronicle Football Notebook

Nate Eimer knew when to defer to his players. The West Aurora coach saw his team give up a 42-yard touchdown to Leyden on the first play of the fourth quarter last Friday, giving the Eagles a 14-13 lead in their opening round playoff game. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, had won only three postseason...

'Who am I tipping here?' Self-service kiosk at airport prompts customer to tip 18%, viral video shows

The airport authority has since responded to the video, claiming the kiosk operator should not have been soliciting tips.

Illinois sales tax holiday saved families more than $11M

An Illinois sales tax holiday saved families an estimated $11.4 million during the 2026 back-to-school season.

Dutch zookeeper dies after leopard attacks her in the animal's enclosure

An investigation is underway to determine why the woman was in the enclosure with the leopards.

Removal of near 1,000 trees central to Seventh Street Commons housing project in St. Charles

While the 93-home, 12-townhouse Seventh Street Commons project gained favor from City Council, neighboring St. Charles residents argued the plans cannot see the forest for the trees - namely, near 1,000 trees facing removal.The City Council, as the Committee of the Whole on Oct. 19, recommended...

Montez Sweat striving to move past PED suspension after return to Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears pass rush was without Montez Sweat for two games as he served a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.He spoke for the first time since his reinstatement, and vowed to move forward."I take everything that comes with it," Sweat said. "The only thing I can do now is move...

Escaped Tennessee inmate's vehicle found in Illinois, manhunt continues

Authorities are searching for an escaped Tennessee inmate after the vehicle he was believed to be traveling in was found Tuesday morning in Marion, Illinois.Jacob Allen Morley is wanted by the Tennessee Department of Correction and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation after escaping from the...

Health Dept. continues investigation into link of E. coli cases to Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen

No new E. coli cases have been tied to Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen beyond the five reported Friday, a Will County Health Department spokesman said Monday, as county inspectors returned to test animals and surfaces.The county also continues to survey visitors to the farm.The health...

‘The Prophecy Show – A Holiday Rock Spectacular’ coming to Dixon Historic Theatre Nov. 27

The Dixon Historic Theatre will kick off the holiday season with The Prophecy Show, a premier tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. Known for its powerhouse vocals, intricate electric guitar solos, and elaborate visual effects, The Prophecy Show brings TSO’s iconic...

Bourbonnais man facing firearm charges after gun battle in Kankakee

A 28-year-old Bourbonnais man is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and felon in possession of a weapon after exchanging gunshots with a Kankakee man Monday morning, according to Kankakee Police Chief Christopher Kidwell.Dezuan S. Turner-Owens is currently being held at Jerome Combs...

What to do if poll workers say you aren't registered to vote

You may be able to update your registration or cast a provisional ballot.

Molly's Cupcakes among several businesses targeted in wave of Lincoln Park smash-and-grabs

Chicago police are investigating a series of smash-and-grab burglaries targeting at least 12 businesses along Clark Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

New 'ACOTAR' book 6 released: 'A Court of Splintered Harmony' by Sarah J. Maas is here; how to read series in order

The new "ACOTAR" book 6 was released. "A Court of Splintered Harmony" by Sarah J. Maas is here; here's how to read the series in order.

Small typo costs Brooklyn man Philip Walters thousands in unemployment benefits

A simple one-digit typo cost a Brooklyn man thousands of dollars, causing his unemployment benefits to be sent to someone's account.

Sycamore’s Chauncey Carrick honored for lifetime of service to Illinois wrestling

Every time Chauncey Carrick sat down to write his speech for receiving the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award from its Illinois Chapter, he came up with dozens of anecdotes to tell.By the time of the organization’s banquet Oct. 18 in Alsip, the Sycamore athletic...

AARP Driver Safety program coming to Streator on Nov. 2-3

The AARP Driver Safety program will run at 8:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 2-3 at Liberty Village Estates, 2322 N. Eastwood Ave.To register, call 815-672-1900According to a news release, the driver safety program is a classroom and online driver refresher course designed for drivers 50 years and...

Friday Night Drive Podcast, Episode 412: Western Suburbs Round 1 IHSA football playoff preview

Listen to "Podcast: Western Suburbs Round 1 IHSA football playoff preview" on Spreaker. Join hosts Josh Welge, Skyler Kisellus and Matt McGowan as they preview the first round of the IHSA football playoffs in the western suburbs.Subscribe to us here in Apple PodcastsSubscribe to us on Spotify

Recalled butter sold in 10 states receives risk warning: FDA

A popular plant-based butter has been recalled due to yeast, mold and E. coli, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now assigned it a risk level.

Juvenile allegedly caught with gun while entering South Side high school

CHICAGO — Charges are pending against a juvenile after he was allegedly caught with a gun while entering a South Side school on Monday morning. Chicago police said the incident occurred at Corliss High School, located in the 800 block of East 103rd Street in Pullman. According to police, the male...

La Salle to buy former hotel Kaskaskia for $20,000, plans demolition

The La Salle City Council on Monday authorized the purchase of the former Hotel Kaskaskia property for $20,000, with the city intending to demolish the long-vacant downtown landmark and bring a years-long legal dispute over the building to an end.The council voted 6-1 on an ordinance authorizing...

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders sue My Chemical Romance

The legal dispute stems from the band's opening-night performance on Oct. 21, when backup dancers appeared onstage wearing outfits resembling the cheerleaders' signature blue-and-white uniforms during the group's 2006 hit "Teenagers."

Photos: Rochelle freshman football against Belvidere

Elements Massage in Geneva is ready for giving season

Every holiday season, we search for gifts that feel thoughtful and personal. We want to choose something our loved ones will enjoy, something that shows we see them and appreciate everything they do. This year, consider giving them a gift they may rarely give themselves: time to relax, recharge,...

Save the date to visit Paramount Theatre

It’s hard to top the old-school charm of this restored 1930s Art Deco movie palace, especially with its lineup of Broadway productions, concerts, comedy shows and other special events. Located at 23 E. Galena Blvd., the Paramount Theatre opened in 1931. Visit www.paramountaurora.com for more...

Freight train robbed; some BNSF trains experiencing extensive delays, Metra confirms

BNSF trains experienced extensive delays on Tuesday following a robbery of a freight train near Chicago's 24th Street and Marshfield Avenue.

This Midwest city ranks as the best place to retire in the US

When you think of the nation’s most popular places to retire, warmer climates might come to mind. But the country’s best place to retire is anything but warm for much of the year, and it’s not the first time the community has earned the honor. Midland, Michigan, took the top spot on U.S. News and...

Stars and director of 'The Mosquito Bowl' talk to WGN

WGN News sits down with the director and cast of the new movie, "The Mosquito Bowl."

Susan Saint James of 'McMillan & Wife,' 'Kate & Allie' dies: Reports

The Emmy winner had previously been diagnosed with cancer.

Noah Wyle named People Magazine's 2026 Sexiest Man Alive

People has officially revealed its 2026 Sexiest Man Alive.

1 killed, 1 injured after driver crashes into tree in Rolling Meadows

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. — Authorities say one person is dead and another is recovering in the hospital following a single-car crash in the northwest suburbs overnight. According to police, the crash occurred just before 2:30 a.m. in the 2100 block of Kirchoff Road in Rolling Meadows. Officers were...

Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show

The man who has helped produce the Super Bowl halftime show is stepping into the spotlight.

'Ah! Leah!' singer Donnie Iris dies at 83: Reports

Pittsburgh rock legend Donnie Iris has died at the age of 83, according to multiple reports.

White Sox announce TV play-by-play announcer John Schriffen won't return for 2027 season

The Chicago White Sox announced Monday afternoon that they will not extend the contract of John Schriffen, 42, who signed a three-year deal prior to the 2024 season to be the team's main play-by-play announcer on television.

Days will get way shorter in November: How much daylight we'll lose

We're about to have fewer daylight hours as the calendar flips to November.

7 displaced in apartment building fire on Chicago's West Side

A fire damaged part of a West Side apartment building Tuesday morning, displacing seven people as investigators worked to determine what caused it.Chicago apartment fireThe fire was reported around 5:15 a.m. near Adams Street and Central Avenue in the South Austin neighborhood.Crews arrived to find...

7 displaced after West Side apartment fire

CHICAGO — Officials say seven people are without a place to stay after a fire erupted at an apartment building on the city's West Side on Tuesday morning. According to officials, the fire broke out at an apartment building located in the 200 block of South Central Avenue in Austin. SkyCam 9 was...

Toyota recalls more than 228,000 vehicles over seat back safety concerns

Toyota is recalling more than 228,000 vehicles due to a potential issue with the second-row seat backs, which may fail to stay secured in the event of a crash. The recall impacts certain 2022 through 2026 Toyota Sienna Hybrid vehicles. According to a recall notice posted by the National Highway...

Police search for suspect after girl escapes attempted assault on West Side

CHICAGO — Authorities are asking for help in the search for a man who officers say allegedly battered a young girl who was walking on the city's West Side on Monday morning. Chicago police say the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Monday in the 3900 Block of West Washington Boulevard in West...

Chicago weather: Warm stretch continues through Halloween

There have been only two days this entire month which have been cooler than normal. There will be no more.Today under partly sunny skies, afternoon highs will be flirting with 70°. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with low in the 50s.Chicago warm weather continuesWednesday will be even warmer with...

Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America to see changes after deadly Georgia coaster accident

Six Flags Great America’s Raging Bull roller coaster in Gurnee will have seat belts for riders following an incident at Six Flags Over Georgia, where a 42-year-old man died after being ejected from a similar coaster. Raging Bull is one of three Six Flags roller coasters that will add seat belts,...

Shooting inside 7-Eleven in Chicago Loop leaves 2 hurt

Chicago police were investigating after a shooting inside a 7-Eleven in the Loop Monday night. About 9:45 p.m., a 26-year-old man was inside the convenience store, in the 0-100 block of East Adams Street with someone with a gun came in and pointed it at the man. A brief physical fight ensued,...

Oregon volleyball beats Mendota 25-14, 35-33: Monday’s Sauk Valley Sports Roundup

VolleyballOregon def. Mendota 25-14, 35-33: The Hawks (2-24) finished off an exciting win and snapped a 16-game skid to open the postseason. Oregon advances to face top-seeded Winnebago in Tuesday’s Class 2A Winnebago Regional semifinal at 6 p.m.St. Bede def. Newman 25-21, 20-25, 25-22: The Comets...

Incarcerated women make history after earning bachelor's degrees from Northwestern University

A group of 18 women became the first incarcerated students in the United States to earn bachelor's degrees from a Top 10 university through Northwestern University's Prison Education Program at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center.

Cook County State's Attorney's Office to open new digital forensics lab in 2027

In 2027, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office is set to expand its digital forensics capabilities with a brand-new lab. It aims to streamline the process of analyzing digital evidence and help move criminal cases through the court system more efficiently.New digital forensics labFrom cellphone...

Race for Chicago Mayor takes shape as national leaders focus on midterm elections

With just eight days until the midterm elections, the contests that could determine control of Congress are taking over local airwaves. But in Chicago, what happens after November is getting all of the attention. Monday was the final day for candidates to file petitions to get on the 2027 mayoral...

Brainstacking: Can the latest TikTok trend actually reverse brain rot?

TikTok's latest trend claims to help combat brain rot and reduce doomscrolling with analog hobbies.

Caleb Williams fined $11,000 for his cleats, shoe company picks up the tab

CHICAGO (WGN) — Caleb Williams helped lead the Chicago Bears to a primetime victory over the New England Patriots last Thursday, earning him and his team well-deserved national praise for their performance. But off the field after the game, something much more inconspicuous played out over the...

Suspect killed in shooting involving FBI agents in Pilsen

A shooting involving federal agents is under investigation Monday evening on Chicago’s Lower West Side.

Shooting involving federal agents under investigation on Chicago's Lower West Side

A shooting involving federal agents is under investigation Monday evening on Chicago’s Lower West Side.

Chicago police launch investigation into license plate reader misuse

The news comes as CPD invites residents to fill out an online survey — about a proposal that would tighten up the agency's rules surrounding any internal and external automated license plate readers.

DOJ charges Comey for third time

Former FBI Director James Comey has been charged again by the Justice Department (DOJ) for allegedly disclosing sensitive national defense information in 2016, according to newly unsealed court documents. Comey was charged with two counts of transmitting information and conspiring to transmit...

Quincy man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress in Chicago

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A 37-year-old Illinois man is charged with sending threatening letters to members of Congress containing a white powder, including one with a note reading “HAH enjoy the gift,” according to federal court records. The criminal complaint unsealed Monday claims Matthew...

Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A 37-year-old Illinois man is charged with sending threatening letters to members of Congress containing a white powder, including one with a note reading “HAH enjoy the gift,” according to federal court records. The criminal complaint unsealed Monday claims Matthew...

Illinois man accused of mailing letters with suspicious substance to Chicago-area congressional offices

A Quincy man has been arrested on federal charges accusing him of mailing letters containing a suspicious white substance to members of Congress, including letters recovered from congressional offices in Chicago, officials said.Matthew Unglesbee, 36, appeared in federal court Monday after being...

Alan Dysert of ‘All My Children’ fame dies

“My heart is broken as I share that my beloved husband, Alan, passed away on October 23, 2026," his wife said.

North Avenue Beach tops Chicago's 10 best places to 'crash out,' survey finds

Between Chicago Transit Authority delays, unpredictable weather and the everyday chaos of city living, sometimes Chicagoans just need a good cry.A new survey from DoorDash reveals where Chicago residents would go to "crash out," a popular term for reaching an emotional breaking point after dealing...

Family speaks out after Chicago mother was shot in head during alleged road rage incident

The family of a Chicago mother who was shot in the head in a suspected road rage incident is speaking out as she remains in a medically induced coma.

Chicago weather: A few showers could impact trick-or-treaters on Saturday

Chicagoland has been in and out of the clouds today with mid-afternoon temperatures ranging from upper 50s near the lakefront to near 70 degrees inland.Looking aheadTonight will be mostly clear to partly cloudy with areas of fog expected to develop. Some dense fog may develop in the early morning...

Illinois ranks No. 1 for producing pumpkins

Illinois once again ranks as the nation's top pumpkin producer. New USDA data shows the state produced 533 million pumpkins in 2025. That total is more than three times California, which ranked second with 162 million. Illinois also led the country in pumpkin acreage, with nearly 15,000 acres,...

Concerning 'hijack' text prompts United flight to turn back, cockpit audio indicates

A United Airlines flight returned to Las Vegas shortly after takeoff on Saturday night due to a "potential security concern," the airline has confirmed.

Frankfort mother accused of killing her 2-year-old appears in court

JOLIET, Ill. — The Frankfort mother accused of killing her 2-year-old son had another court date Monday morning. Corie Walsh pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity back on Sept. 24. In court on Monday, Will County judge Amy Tomczak subpoenaed documents from both the state and her defense team...

34 chains with Halloween deals and seasonal specials: Chipotle, Pizza Hut and more

These Halloween food deals are so good, it’s scary.

Man killed in shooting involving FBI in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood

A man was shot and killed in a shooting involving an FBI agent Monday evening in the Pilsen neighborhood on Chicago s Lower West Side. The FBI said it was reviewing an agent-involved shooting near West 18th Street and Union Avenue, but did not provide details about what led up to the incident....

Budget hearings begin Monday for Mayor Johnson's $17.6B budget proposal

Chicago city leaders are debating Mayor Brandon Johnson's controversial $17.6 billion budget proposal, which aims to address an $882 million deficit through measures such as a new equitable employer tax and increased spending.

Motorcyclist dead following accident in River Grove

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — A motorcyclist died early Monday following an accident in River Grove. Just after midnight, River Grove police discovered a down motorcycle in the westbound lanes of Grand Avenue near the Des Plaines River Bridge in the 8700 block of Grand Avenue. Police found a 26-year-old man...

Walmart just leaked details on its 2026 Black Friday sale events

Shop early Walmart Black Friday deals now!

WGN-TV Family Charities & McCormick Foundation to partner with Greater Chicago Food Depository for food drive; match campaign

CHICAGO — Today, WGN-TV announced it is kicking off its annual campaign by WGN-TV Family Charities, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Starting today, viewers can make donations online at WGNtv.com/food with the McCormick Foundation...

Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm remains open amid investigation into E. coli cases

With fall festivities in full swing across the Chicago area, a popular suburban pumpkin farm is reminding the public it remains open, even while its petting zoo stays closed out of an abundance of caution over a potential link to several recently confirmed E. coli cases. Bengtson s Pumpkin Farm, in...

Student sexually assaulted in Illinois State University residence hall: Police

A student was sexually assaulted by a masked assailant inside of a residence hall at Illinois State University Monday morning. According to an alert sent out by ISU Police, at approximately 1 a.m. a student was on the lower-level service area of the Watterson Towers residential building in Normal...

Gen Z may love Dictionary.com's Word of the Year for 2026

A Gen Z-related term has, once again, been named the Word of the Year by Dictionary.com.

15-year-old arrested in connection with shooting near Florida A&M stadium

The suspect faces 11 counts of second-degree murder, according to police.

Illinois bill requires data centers to report electricity use

A bill in Illinois would make data centers account for all the electricity they use. The Data Center Energy Accountability Act (House Bill 5826) would require data centers to report power use hour by hour and make or buy clean energy credits to cover it all. Centers that fall short would pay a fee,...

Chicago area trick-or-treat times: What are the hours when Halloween falls on a Saturday?

For the first time since 2020, Halloween falls on a Saturday. And in some parts of the Chicago area, that means trick-or-treat times are a bit different for the holiday this year. Many cities and villages release details about their trick-or-treat times for Halloween as the candy-filled holiday...

Woman critically injured after being hit by CTA bus on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, according to Chicago police

A woman was critically injured after being hit by a CTA bus on DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Lakeview late Sunday night, according to Chicago police.

Open enrollment begins: What Medicare beneficiaries need to know for 2027

From GLP-1 drug prices to higher deductibles, several Medicare changes could affect seniors' wallets in 2027.

Pioneering industrial band Ministry is done. Take it from founder Al Jourgensen: 'It's time to go'

NEW YORK (AP) — Before there was Nine Inch Nails or Marilyn Manson or Fear Factory or Rammstein, before the term industrial rock was being used to describe music that combines electro-collages of avant-garde mechanical sounds with that of rock ‘n’ roll and metal: There was Ministry. And after 45...

Where can I vote early? What to know as Election Day draws near

Early voting is continuing across the Chicago area, and dozens of locations are currently open for those looking to cast their ballots. Many locations are open through the day before the election, and in most counties you can cast ballots at any early voting location so long as you are a resident...

Caleb Williams fined nearly $12K for cleats, but could he be fined again?

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been flying high in the team’s last two victories, but his wallet is a little bit lighter these days. Williams recently returned to the field after missing three games, leading the Bears to wins over the Atlanta Falcons and most recently the New England...

Red Cross offers incentive for blood, platelet donors after 2nd ever national blood supply crisis

The American Red Cross is offering a cash incentive to donate blood ahead of the winter holidays after the organization declared its second-ever national blood supply crisis this year. As we lean into fall activities, keeping blood and platelet donation appointments on the books is crucial to...