A salmonella outbreak across multiple states in the United States has been linked to certain packaged home delivery meals, prompting a nationwide health alert. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person in Illinois and more than a dozen others across the country were sickened after consuming meals distributed by Metabolic Meals. Sixteen confirmed cases, including seven hospitalizations, have been reported across ten states, though officials warned the actual numbe

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on Sunday that the Trump administration is moving forward with plans to expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Chicago as well as other major American cities. Her comments came as residents and local officials gathered to denounce the administration’s latest immigration crackdown, underscoring the deepening tension between the federal government and city leaders who have declared Chicago

A new ranking of the most livable small cities in the United States has placed the Midwest at the center of attention, with a strong majority of the top cities located in the region. The list, which evaluated more than 270 cities with populations between 65,000 and 100,000, highlights how the heartland of America continues to stand out for its affordability, accessibility, and quality of life. According to the study, 12 of the top 15 cities on the list were in t

The ongoing political clash between federal power and state authority has intensified as President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy military troops in Chicago has sparked fierce opposition from Illinois leaders. Reports indicate that the Pentagon has been quietly preparing for weeks to mobilize thousands of National Guard troops, along with the possibility of active-duty military, to Chicago in September as part of the administration’s broader crackdow

In a historic achievement for the sport of skydiving, hundreds of athletes gathered in LaSalle County, Illinois, this week and successfully set a new world record. After days of battling unpredictable weather conditions, 174 skydivers joined together in the skies to break the previous vertical world record, a feat that had stood unchallenged for a decade. The accomplishment drew international attention, with participants and organizers alike celebrating the mom

Hundreds of skydivers from around the world have gathered in Illinois this week with one shared mission, to set new skydiving records that could go down in history. The event is taking place in Ottawa, near the scenic Starved Rock State Park, where the skies have become the stage for some of the most daring aerial attempts. The participants have been eagerly awaiting clear weather to begin their record-breaking jumps.

Illinois residents are rushing to secure rooftop solar installations before a major federal incentive expires at the end of the year. The 30 percent federal tax credit for clean energy systems, which was introduced under a legislative package signed earlier this year, will come to an end on December 31. For many homeowners and businesses, this looming deadline has created a sense of urgency, with installers reporting an overwhelming demand that has stretched th

The Illinois Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for its annual Snowbird program, an initiative that brings on seasonal snowplow drivers to ensure the state’s roads remain safe and accessible during winter storms. These drivers, referred to as Snowbirds, are responsible for clearing snow and ice from highways and interstates, helping maintain more than 45,000 lane miles statewide during the harshest months of the year. Applicants are being considered f

The state of Illinois has officially changed the age requirements for senior drivers when it comes to renewing their licenses, marking a significant update to long-standing driving regulations. Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed House Bill 1226, a measure that unanimously passed the General Assembly earlier this year, bringing forward a new framework for how older drivers will demonstrate their fitness to remain behind the wheel. The bill raises the age at w

Three Illinois high schools have been ranked among the top 100 public high schools in the nation in a new report that evaluated more than 24,000 schools across the United States. The list considered state assessment scores, college readiness, and overall student performance, highlighting schools that consistently provide outstanding academic outcomes. All three Illinois schools to make the top 100 are located in Chicago, underscoring the city’s strong track record of deliver

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport has officially begun construction on a major new concourse project aimed at easing air traffic congestion, improving passenger experiences, and preparing for the city’s future travel needs. Groundbreaking on Concourse D, a $1.3 billion expansion project located just south of Terminal 1, took place this week following what officials described as the busiest June in the airport’s history. With summer

Winter in Chicago has always been a subject of fascination and constant discussion for residents who are accustomed to dramatic seasonal changes. As predictions begin to emerge for the upcoming season, the Farmers Almanac has issued a bold outlook that paints a picture of a traditional winter with harsh conditions across the region. The publication has suggested that the Chicago area and much of the Midwest will experience what it calls a “classic winter w

Residents across the Chicago area spent Sunday in cleanup mode after a powerful storm system swept through late Saturday night, leaving widespread destruction in its path. Strong winds, heavy rain, and hail battered communities across the suburbs, destroying homes, causing flooding, and knocking out power to tens of thousands of households. Among the hardest hit was a large condominium building in Mount Prospect, where dozens of residents were displaced after t

A new ranking of the most in-demand ZIP codes for real estate in the United States has placed several Illinois communities, including one Chicago suburb, among the hottest locations in the country. The latest report highlights how the Midwest is leading the national housing market when it comes to areas with fast-selling homes and strong buyer interest. Out of the nation’s top 50 ZIP codes, an impressive 26 are in the Midwest, and three of those even secured spots in the top 10.

Traffic on Interstate 80 in the southwestern suburbs of Illinois was severely disrupted Tuesday evening after a serious crash involving a semi truck resulted in extended lane closures. The Illinois State Police confirmed that the crash, which occurred near Ridge Road in Minooka, led to all westbound lanes being closed, along with the left lane of the eastbound side, as troopers worked to investigate and clear the scene. Authorities said they expected the disrup

Several neighborhoods in Schaumburg are under a boil order following an emergency water main break that caused widespread service disruptions and required an overnight shutdown. Crews worked through the night to make repairs after the break forced road closures and left multiple areas without water. Village officials confirmed that the incident affected properties across more than a dozen locations, including a major entertainment venue on North Roselle Road. Water service was res

After closing its long-running riverboat casino along the Des Plaines River, Hollywood Casino’s brand-new $185 million land-based facility in Joliet, Illinois, will officially welcome the public on Monday. The expansive new property, located at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 55, marks a major shift from the riverboat era to a modern entertainment destination designed to draw both local and regional visitors.

Kristi Noem, speaking in the Chicago suburb of Lombard on Friday, sharply criticized Illinois officials for what she described as a lack of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. She claimed that since the beginning of the year, city authorities have approved only 8% of the detainers lodged by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the region. A detainer is a request from ICE asking another law enforcement agency to notify them before releasing a s

Authorities in Wood Dale, Illinois, are continuing their search for a man who went missing while swimming in the restricted waters of a suburban reservoir. The man, identified by relatives as Hipólito “Polo” Hernandez, a father of five, disappeared Tuesday evening under circumstances described by witnesses as chaotic and frightening. Recovery efforts have intensified as officials confirmed that the search has shifted from a rescue to a recovery operation. The inci

Democratic lawmakers from Texas have traveled to Illinois to prevent the Republican-led Legislature in their home state from advancing a controversial plan to redraw congressional districts. This dramatic move marks the latest chapter in the long-standing national debate over gerrymandering, the practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one political party. Their arrival in Illinois has intensified political discussions, particularly as Illinois itself faces criticism fo