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Pritzker wants Illinois to be latest state to ban cellphones in classroom

Pritzker proposed legislation during his State of the State speech in February that would call for banning cellphones during classroom learning time. However, his proposal would not ban cellphones in school entirely, meaning students may still be allowed to use their devices between classes. Private schools would not be included in the ban.

What's next for Illinois flag after statewide vote produces overwhelming winner?

After weeks of voting amongst 14 total choices, the Illinois public has decided to keep the state’s flag the same. But what happens next? Earlier this year, the public had the chance to vote on 10 new designs — finalists from more than 5,

Illinois' largest fireworks show cancelled for 2025, village board says

The suburb of Itasca, located in DuPage County, will not host their iconic fireworks show in 2025, according to a village press release. The fireworks celebration, held at Hamilton Lakes Business Park, has taken place for nearly three decades.

Illinois’ emergency reserves lowest in nation

Illinois is dead last of the 50 states in its ability to handle a financial crisis. It couldn’t last a month. The rainy-day fund that should be its primary reserve, and that Gov. J.B. Pritzker lauded himself for refilling,

Illinois reports 8.3% drop in overdose deaths, first decline in five years

Overdose drug deaths in Illinois have declined by 8.3% according to new data released by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Illinois voters favor current state flag, reject proposals for redesign

Illinois residents voted to keep the existing state flag design in a contest aimed at updating and replacing the flag.

Where to find Chicago's best Lenten Fish Frys in the city and suburbs

The Lenten season, which began on March 5, is a 40-day period of reflection, prayer, and fasting leading up to Easter.

Chicago gets a brief winter break before snow and rain return

Chicago is enjoying sunshine and seasonable temperatures today before snow and a rain/snow mix move in early Friday.

Fire erupts from residence on Chicago's North Side

Firefighters were on-scene of a large fire at a residence in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood Thursday afternoon.

Best arts and crafts supplies

Kids and adults alike can find joy and a sense of accomplishment in arts and crafts, whether their chosen pursuit is scrapbooking, paper crafts or pottery.

Terry Savage: Tariffs 101

Let’s talk about how tariffs work to impact the economy — without any political considerations — just considering the potential economic consequences of tariffs, and how they impact the trade

I visited Chicago’s Midway Airport's first-ever lounge: Here’s what it’s like

Find out more about the location, seating, food and beverage options, and amenities at The Club MDW, as well as how to get access.

Chicago weather: Gradual warmup ahead after bitter cold stretch

Chicago is experiencing bitter cold today with wind chills near -20 in some areas and a chance for flurries this afternoon.

2 hurt at music venue on Chicago's Southwest Side: 'It was a freak accident'

Two people were hurt after something fell from the roof of a music venue early Saturday morning on the city’s Southwest Side.

Projected Lineup: January 30 vs. Chicago

RALEIGH, N.C. - Forward Sebastian Aho will be a game-time decision for the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday when they take on the Chicago Blackhawks.

Chicago TikToker weighs in on potential app ban

Social media users are taking advantage of what could be their last days of scrolling on TikTok as a potential ban looms.

Cook County woman arrested in North Carolina, extradited to Chicago on murder charges

Makayla Mitchell, 23, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to a fatal shooting on Chicago’s South Side in October 2024. Police say the incident occurred in the 7300 block of South Greenwood, where Mitchell allegedly shot and killed a 23-year-old man. Mitchell was arrested in North Carolina and extradited to Chicago.

Chicago mayor, CFO react to S&P Global dropping city’s debt rating

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his chief financial officer are talking about revenue as the city suffers a reduced credit rating.

Here are all the Chicago arts organizations that won coveted 2025 NEA grants

The National Endowment for the Arts, the most prominent federal arts funder, will give nearly $2 million to 80 groups in Illinois.

Seth Jones’ struggles hit new low while Blackhawks cut his ice time. Now what?

In 11 games since returning from an injury, Seth Jones' play has looked terrible whether by analytics or by the eye test.

Bitter cold to continue in Chicago area, with snow possible in south suburbs

The Chicago area will continue to see bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills, but a warm-up is on the way for later this week.

Can cold render salt ineffective on roads? Here's what to know

It’s a rite of winter in the Chicago area on par with “dibs” and skating at Millennium Park, as residents pull out shovels and salt to deal with wintry weather.

'I’m already pre-pissed off about it' Bears fans sound off on stunning news

The Dallas Cowboys have chosen not to re-negotiate Mike McCarthy’s contract, essentially making the former head coach a free agent available for any team to hire.

'Real Housewives' star Erika Jayne says her recent weight loss is due to this 1 activity

Erika Jayne is ready to hit the stage. Whether the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star is rehearsing for her Los Vegas residency or reprising her role as Roxie Hart in Broadway’s “Chicago” on Jan. 20, getting performance-ready works up a sweat, and with that, she says, her weight fluctuates.

‘Jeffrey Dahmer type stuff’: Young coyote stomped to death in Mt. Greenwood

A young coyote was stomped to death Saturday in Mt. Greenwood and neighbors are upset. Officers responded to the 10600 block of South Sacramento Avenue at around 3:45 p.m. on the report

Report: Rōki Sasaki, Blue Jays Meet amid Dodgers, Padres, Mets, Cubs, Rangers Rumors

The Toronto Blue Jays met with Japanese pitcher Rōki Sasaki last week, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Andy McCullough. Rosenthal and

Retrofitting Chicago’s Bungalows For Their Next 100 Years

Bringing a classic Chicago bungalow up to 2025 standards regarding energy use and traffic flow required innovative solutions and material science breakthroughs.

Pros, cons of weight loss drugs

We have made this January "wellness month" here on the ABC7 and we are tackling a hot topic - weight loss drugs. The pros, cons and who can benefit.

How Commodities Brought Me From Wisconsin to Chicago—and Back

What was newfound joy going to do to my life? Would provide for my future, or would it take me down a bad path? Back in the early 1980s, I wasn’t so sure.

Kohl's closing stores • Portillo's new restaurant • Deadly Oak Lawn crash

CHICAGO - Kohl's announced it plans to close 27 "underperforming" stores across the country, including two in the Chicago area; Portillo's will open its third pick-up-only restaurant in south suburban Orland Park; and a Chicago man was accused of driving under the influence and crashing into another car in Oak Lawn.

Bulls’ Zach LaVine on Trade Rumors: I’ve Done a Better Job of Canceling Out the Noise

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is in his second full season of being at the center of NBA trade rumors. Not surprisingly, he’s seeing and reading the same things the rest of us are.

Sabonis stars as DeRozan and the streaking Kings beat the Bulls 124-119

Domantas Sabonis had 22 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, and the Sacramento Kings beat the Chicago Bulls 124-119 on Sunday to extend their season-high win streak to seven games.

Packers' Josh Myers Carted Off Field After Suffering Apparent Leg Injury

Green Bay Packers center Josh Myers has been carted off the field after an apparent leg injury during the Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Chicago outdoors: Where frogs go in winter and a buck in winter

A question on where frogs go in winter and a Catherine Chevalier Woods buck are among the notes from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.

Ron Rivera, the former Chicago Bears linebacker and defensive coordinator, will interview for head coaching job

Former Chicago Bears linebacker and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has emerged as a candidate to become the team’s head coach. Rivera is expected to interview with the club Sunday, according to NFL sources,

DraftKings NBA Pick6 Picks for Today: Fantasy Basketball Lineup for Jan. 12

Quinn Allen's best NBA picks and lineup for playing DraftKings' NBA Pick6 on January 12, featuring Jalen Brunson odds, Damian Lillard odds, and Nikola Vucevic odds odds.