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Top Illinois schools • Mom accused of stabbing son • CosMc's to close

CHICAGO - Two Illinois districts were ranked among the top 10 in the nation in a new study; a Chicago mother was accused of stabbing her 7-year-old son after he made a mess in their Rogers Park home, police said; and McDonald's will close its short-lived CosMc's experiment, including in the southwest suburbs.

In 2025, Tornado Alley has become almost everything east of the Rockies|The Conversation

The U.S. has had more reported tornadoes than normal – over 960 as of May 22, according to the National Weather Service’s preliminary count. That’s well above the national average.

After winning state in cross country, Sunny Weber goes distance twice for Sandwich in track. ‘Just pushed through.’

Completing the long distance triple crown, Sandwich’s Sunny Weber won 1,600 and 3,200 state titles in girls track.

Sebastian Castro on joining Steelers: "The perfect spot"

The Pittsburgh Steelers added several undrafted free agents following the 2025 NFL Draft, the most notable of which was Iowa safety Sebastian Castro. The former All-American and All-Big Ten selection joined Behind The Steel Curtain for a sit-down to discuss his journey from Oak Lawn, Illinois, to Iowa, and ultimately landing with the Steelers.

Congrats! Staten Island mom of 4, who supports military families as a volunteer, selected ‘Military Spouse of the Year’

She is Jaime Billert, 33, and has just been named 2025’s Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. Billert is a former educator, mother of four, dedicated military spouse and a community leader. “I’m just amazed and honored that my community sees good leadership qualities in me,” Billert said.

After the LA Fires, Scientists Study the Toxins Left Behind

Researchers from Harvard and universities in California and Texas are studying the long-term effects of the Eaton and Palisades fires on air, water, soils and surfaces of properties that didn’t burn.

Man arrested after road rage incident in Urbana

A 25-year-old Urbana man was arrested Saturday after allegedly threatening another motorist with a handgun during a road rage incident.

Uncertainty reigns as Illinois lawmakers enter the final week of session

Uncertainty reigns as Illinois lawmakers enter the final week of the spring legislative session without a budget deal in place — and several other significant issues also remain unresolved.

Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race set for June 7 on Fox River

First held in 1961, the event sponsored by the Fox Valley Park District features multiple categories for participants in both competitive and recreational divisions.

Ty Rhoades triples, scores winning run as Little Rock wins OVC title

Ty Rhoades hit a two-out triple in the 8th inning, he would score the winning run later as the Trojans beat #1 seed Eastern Illinois 2-1. Little Rock battled through the bracket as an #8 seed to secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Can't Wait For Saturday Hot off the presses: Athlon ranks Illinois No. 17

It's not quite as cool as "Navin Johnson's" "the new phone book is here" but it is in the ballpark. In this case, it's "the new Athlon magazine is here." And like with Navin, I'm in it. The longtime annual produced by Athlon Sports hit the stands this week.

Illinois lawmakers pass bill to end mandatory road tests for drivers under 87 years old

A bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker desk would roll back some of the strictest testing requirements in the nation for older drivers.

Best homeowners insurance in Illinois in 2025

While every homeowner's needs are different, our top picks for homeowners insurance in Illinois are Amica, Allstate, Erie, Chubb and USAA, based on cost, customer service, coverage options and more.

In the Garden | Let it pour

Homeowners looking to enhance their landscape this year while managing stormwater have options available. Green infrastructure options include permeable pavement, rain barrels, large trees, green roofs,

Attorney General Kwame Raoul Triumphs in Court to Block Trump Administration’s Education Department Layoffs

AG Kwame Raoul won a court order against the Trump administration's bid to cut the Education Department's workforce.

Suspect in shooting outside Jewish museum in DC faces local, federal charges: What we know

An affidavit released in the criminal complaint against shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez says he fired at the embassy workers several times.

Illinois plan tracking firefighter cause of death heads to Pritzker's desk with unanimous support

The Illinois House unanimously passed a bill Wednesday to provide important data surrounding firefighter deaths.

Recalled cucumbers linked to salmonella outbreak in Illinois, 14 other states. What to know

Florida-based Bedner Growers, Inc., voluntarily recalled a batch of cucumbers after they were linked to a multi-state outbreak of salmonella.

Illinois football sells out public season tickets for first time in 20 years

The Illinois football program has achieved a milestone by selling out of public season tickets for the first time in at least two decades. The program has sold

May 20 Walmart boycott: What to know about dates, Illinois locations and more

The People's Union USA organized another boycott against Walmart from May 20-26. Here's what Illinois shoppers should know.

Illinois town moves to seize Pope Leo XIV's childhood home through eminent domain, convert to historic site

Dolton, Illinois, may use eminent domain to purchase Pope Leo XIV's boyhood home, intending to preserve it as a historic site amid ongoing sale efforts.

Illinois launches 'Click It or Ticket' campaign ahead of Memorial Day weekend surge

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and over 200 law enforcement agencies across the state are joining forces for the National Hig

Carlos Medlock Jr. to transfer after helping Wayne boys basketball reach state title game

Medlock, the son of former Eastern Michigan guard Carlos Medlock, has informed Wayne head coach Steve Brooks of his intention to attend a prep school.

Illinois House passes school hazmat emergency preparedness bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House passed legislation Tuesday to help schools be prepared for hazmat emergencies. This plan calls on the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security to work with the State Board of Education to develop guidance for local emergency responders and school districts.

Shortage of overnight truck parking contributed to deadly Greyhound bus crash in southern Illinois, regulators say

A shortage of overnight parking for truckers at interstate rest stops was a key contributor to a 2023 Greyhound bus crash in southern Illinois, regulators said.

In the Fight for Youth Transgender Health Care, Illinois Remains at the Forefront

Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Patient and Provider Protection Act into law in 2023, after lawmakers passed it following the overturning of Roe v. Wade; it solidified access to abortion and gender-affirming care in Illinois and protects physicians who treat out-of-state youth.

Illinois quick hits: Fatal 2023 bus crash findings released; 'Cheers' actor dies

Federal regulators said a shortage of overnight parking for long-haul truckers at interstate rest stops was a key factor in a 2023 Greyhound bus crash in southern Illinois that killed three people. The National Transportation Safety Board also cited the bus driver's fatigue as a contributing factor.

Illinois Tollway Expects 8M Travelers During Extended Memorial Day Weekend

The busiest travel day is expected to be Friday, when 1.9 million vehicles are expected to be on the tollway, according to the Illinois Tollway agency.

Shortage of overnight truck parking contributed to deadly Greyhound bus crash, regulators say

Overnight parking for long-haul truckersat interstate rest stops is critically short and was a key contributor to a 2023 Greyhound bus crash in Illinois that killed three people, federal regulators said Tuesday.

CTU President Stacy Davis Gates honored at U.S. Capitol by Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramirez

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates was honored by Rep. Delia Ramirez at the U.S. Capitol for her dedication to educational equity in Chicago.

Cook County top prosecutor pushes for changes in Illinois law after California fertility clinic bombing

Eileen O’Neil Burke wants to amend the Illinois criminal code to consider attacks on reproductive health clinics terrorism. But the ACLU of Illinois is opposed, saying it could be used against people who protest pro-life clinics.

No Trump, No FEMA? Tornado Ravaged City’s Mayor Pleads for Federal Assistance

At least 28 people across three states were killed when tornadoes struck Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia on Friday, with a governor and a mayor calling them among the worst they’ve ever seen. Unseen,

More severe storms possible with heavy rain

Severe storms are possible overnight along with some very heavy rain. While the storms moving in this evening and tonight will be weakening, we could still experience damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes. Another round of severe storms is possible Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Winning numbers drawn in Sunday’s Illinois Pick 3 Evening

The winning numbers in Sunday evening’s drawing of the "Illinois Pick 3 Evening" game were:

Letters: The opposition to Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown was quiet during the Obama years

Why does this opposition wish to retain immigrants in our country illegally over the security of American citizens?

Illinois earns No. 11 seed in Big Ten Baseball Tournament

Illinois Baseball took a bit of a step back this year in a loaded Big Ten — dropping from 2024 regular season champions, to the No. 11 seed in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament.

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