Chicago Weather: Tips To Lower Your Gas Bills As Temperatures Drop
The bitter blast means many of us are trying to stay warm inside and that means higher gas bills.
Citizens Utility Board
ComEd Admits Failed Underground Line Caused Power Outage That Shorted Out Woman's Sump Pumps, But Utility Won't Pay For Damages
Cathryn Harris' power went out, her sump pumps broke, then her basement flooded - and ComEd admitted the outage was because of a failed underground power line. But that's not enough to get the utility giant to pay for damages.
Citizens Utility Board Reminds Public That Help Is Available If You Can't Pay Utility Bills Amid Pandemic
If you're struggling to pay your utility bills during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Citizens Utility Board, or CUB, wants to remind you there is help available.
Watchdog Expects Electric Rate Ripoffs Ahead Of New Consumer Protection Laws
Get ready for a summer of ripoffs. In the last four years, Illinois residents have overpaid more than $600 million for electricity, and it's about to get worse.
Consumer Group Offers Guide To Reduce 'Robocalls'
CUB said technology is allowing scam artists to make thousands of calls a minute, and the calls have reached an "alarming level." The telecom services firm YouMail estimates there were a record 47.8 billion automated calls in 2018 -- most scam calls or telemarketers.
Utility Board Pushes For Consumer Protections For Alternate Energy
A consumer advocacy group is pushing a proposal to protect customers shopping for alternative electric and gas companies.
Opposition Arises Against 2 Proposals Allowing AT&T To Stop Landline Service
The Citizens Utility Board, AARP and the Illinois Public Interest Research Group are teaming up in opposition to proposed legislation in the Illinois General Assembly to would let AT&T get rid of traditional landline phones.
Heating Cost Complaints Spiking This Winter, Utility Watchdog Says
The Citizens Utility Board said it has seen a 65% increase in complaints and questions this winter about unregulated natural gas suppliers.
Citizens Utility Board Release Guide To Help Pay-TV Customers Save Money
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) released Tuesday its first-ever guide to help TV viewers cut costs.
Complaint: Peoples Gas Officials 'Misled' Regulators About Cost Overruns
Top officers of Peoples Gas "knowingly misled" state regulators about the ballooning cost of a multibillion-dollar upgrade program to pave the way for a 2015 merger, according to a complaint filed by Attorney General Lisa Madigan and a utility watchdog.
Utilities, Watchdog Warn Customers Of Scams
It's unusual for three utilities and the Citizens Utility Board to come together for a single news conference, but they did just that Friday to try to prevent customers from being scammed.
Whistleblowers Prompt Investigation Into Peoples Gas Program
The Illinois Commerce Commission on Wednesday announced an investigation into Peoples Gas' controversial and pricey gas-main replacement program in Chicago after allegations by two whistleblowers.
CUB: Energy-Efficiency Programs Save More Money Than Alternate Suppliers
A couple years ago, you could save decent money on your electric bill merely by switching to an alternate energy supplier, but Citizens Utility Board spokesman Jim Chilsen said not anymore. That is because those companies have started hiking rates, and ComEd has gotten out from under an expensive contract.
Watchdog Group Raises 'Serious Concerns' About Plan To Help ComEd
Illinois lawmakers have introduced legislation that would allow ComEd to charge customers about $2 more per month to cover the costs of its nuclear power plants, drawing criticism from a utility watchdog group that says ComEd's parent company already makes plenty of profit.
ICC Approves Rate Hike For Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas Customers
People's Gas and North Shore Gas customers can expect to see an increase in their monthly heating bills, reports WBBM's Mariam Sobh.
Citizens Utility Board Holding Customer Service Horror Story Contest
Have a customer service horror story that involves dealing with a utility company? The Citizens Utility Board wants to hear from you on social media.
Wisconsin Utility To Buy Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas For $9B
Illinois state regulators and a consumer watchdog group were looking at a $9 billion deal for the sale of two local natural gas suppliers to a utility company in Wisconsin.
City, CUB Seek Probe Of Alternate Power Suppliers' Rates
City officials and a utility watchdog group have requested a state investigation into some alternative power that may be tricking or confusing Chicago customers with their prices.
Citizens Utility Board: Rising Complaints About ComEd Rivals
Ahead of an energy rate hike at ComEd next month, a utility watchdog group said it's seen a dramatic increase in complaints about some of the practices of several alternative electricity companies.
ComEd Raising Energy Rates Next Month
ComEd customers will be getting socked with higher electric bills this summer.
CUB Promises To Fight Potential ComEd Rate Hike
ComEd is asking for another rate hike, but the Citizens Utility Board says it will fight it every step of the way.
ComEd To Increase Rate For Electricity Delivery Charge By $340 Million
The increase amounts to about $5.50 per customer and is on delivery charges so it doesn't matter if you have another electric supplier.
ComEd Getting More Competitive Against Alternative Utilities
The nearly 800,000 customers who switched electric companies have been seeing a savings of about $10 a month.
Utility Watchdog Wants ComEd To Equalize Rates Between Chicago, Suburbs
Power activists will ask Illinois to equalize electrical rates between the city and suburbs. WBBM's John Cody has more.
Smart Phone Users Over Pay For Data Plans: CUB
Smart phone users may want to take a closer look at their data plans.
CBS News Chicago — Watch Live 24/7
Latest News
7 murder convictions linked to disgraced CPD Det. Reynaldo Guevara thrown out
"We no longer believe in the validity of these convictions or the credibility of the evidence of these convictions," Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said.
Many with wrongful convictions linked to disgraced CPD detective go free
The Cook County State's attorney said the detective engaged in a "pattern and practice" of framing suspects and manipulating evidence.
Police Supt. David Brown says crime is down on CTA, but that's only part of story
Brown's exact words Monday were, "Even though there are single incidents happening, we're significantly below 2019 pre-pandemic." Are we though?
Cooper Roberts, boy shot at Highland Park parade, is expected to leave rehab hospital in 6 to 12 weeks
Cooper was released last week from the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital to the AbilityLab, where his medical team is performing tests to determine the appropriate physical and occupational therapy.
Illinois faces 'huge shortage' of teachers, other academic professionals ahead of the school year
"They can go to Amazon or McDonald's and make $21 an hour."
High-ranking Chicago police official no longer with department
The department would not say if Boik was terminated by Superintendent David Brown.
$2,000 worth of liquor stolen from Binny's on West Irving Park Road in smash and grab robbery
Twelve Binny's stores have been hit in the last nine months.
Students and staff ready to start in Central Grade School, site of former haunted house
"They can expect a first of all, beautiful classroom, beautiful school, beautiful furniture, but they can expect a year of great learning in fourth grade."
Mississippi grand jury declines to indict white woman whose accusation sparked Emmett Till's lynching
A grand jury considered evidence and testimony regarding Carolyn Bryant Donham's involvement in the kidnapping and death of Till.
Latest News
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7 murder convictions linked to disgraced CPD Det. Reynaldo Guevara thrown out
"We no longer believe in the validity of these convictions or the credibility of the evidence of these convictions," Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said.
Many with wrongful convictions linked to disgraced CPD detective go free
The Cook County State's attorney said the detective engaged in a "pattern and practice" of framing suspects and manipulating evidence.
Police Supt. David Brown says crime is down on CTA, but that's only part of story
Brown's exact words Monday were, "Even though there are single incidents happening, we're significantly below 2019 pre-pandemic." Are we though?
Cooper Roberts, boy shot at Highland Park parade, is expected to leave rehab hospital in 6 to 12 weeks
Cooper was released last week from the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital to the AbilityLab, where his medical team is performing tests to determine the appropriate physical and occupational therapy.
Illinois faces 'huge shortage' of teachers, other academic professionals ahead of the school year
"They can go to Amazon or McDonald's and make $21 an hour."
CBS 2 Investigators
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Offer to buy timeshare for over $1 million turns out to be elaborate scam
The timeshare owner says the business sent him elaborate emails and documentation, but the requests for money went on and on – until he was out more than $300,000.
$33.5 million verdict ordered against Village of Dolton in deadly 2016 crash involving police
Attorneys say it all started with a driver rolling through a stop sign.
New motion in R. Kelly case claims deceptive practices by former lead prosecutor
With the Chicago federal trial for R. Kelly and two of his associates set to begin in less than two weeks, attorneys for one of the defendants – Derrell McDavid – filed a bizarre motion in court Wednesday.
Englewood building residents go for 12 days without water service
That length of time made for a rough situation for people living in the building, and raised questions about why it took so long.
How did a driver end up going the wrong way on I-90, causing crash that killed six?
The Illinois Secretary of State's office said the women, Jennifer Fernandez of Carpentersville, had a valid driver's license and no offenses on her record.
Politics
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Neighbors push back against proposal for gun shop, shooting range in Long Grove
The Long Grove village manager said he has received hundreds of emails about the proposal for a Range USA shop
Offer to buy timeshare for over $1 million turns out to be elaborate scam
The timeshare owner says the business sent him elaborate emails and documentation, but the requests for money went on and on – until he was out more than $300,000.
Trump says Mar-a-Lago was "raided" by FBI
Two sources confirmed to CBS News that the search warrant was connected to White House records.
Mayor Lightfoot announces plan to switch city facilities to 100% renewable energy by 2025
"The 2022 climate action plan deepens our city's longstanding commitment to climate action, and sets a goal of reducing emissions in Chicago by 62% by 2040," Lightfoot said.
Indiana becomes 1st to approve abortion ban post Roe
The Indiana Legislature on Friday approved the near-total abortion ban with some exceptions, including in cases of rape, incest, and to protect the life and physical health of the mother.
Consumer News
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Illinois AG warns of scam using phony websites to target banking customers
The scammers make the websites look real as they trick customers to enter their information to create a bank account.
Are we in a recession? An expert says yes, but there's a sliver of good news about falling prices
The GDP a measure of total spending on goods and services across the economy, fell at an annual rate of 0.9 percent, the Commerce Department said Thursday.
Inflation is at 40-year high, and one expert says cost of living is even worse than numbers say
The Consumer Price Index reports the price of gas skyrocketed nearly 60 percent over the last year – and it's of course far from the only commodity affected.
Flight delays and cancellations are expected to be a disaster this holiday weekend
Buckle up for a weekend of travel chaos – starting Thursday, mass delays and cancellations are expected just to get worse heading into the holiday weekend.
After losing rental income, Chicago man gets stuck with long wait from state assistance program
Rental income was part of a Chicago man's retirement plan, but that hit a snag when his renters lost their jobs during the pandemic.
Health
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Chicago expecting 20,000 more monkeypox doses in coming weeks.
Chicago's top health official says the rush is on to get more monkeypox vaccine doses to those who need them, as infections continue to rise.
Chicago launches public health plan for monkeypox
The United States now counts more infections from the virus than any other country in the world. Since May, cases have grown from zero to 6,617.
U.S. declares monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency
The declaration could help the federal government respond as the number of cases grows and demand for the vaccine far exceeds supply around the country.
Are "Novids" special or just lucky at avoiding COVID-19?
It's estimated that more than 70% of Americans have had COVID, but we all know someone who says they've never had it.
Northalsted Market Days organizers focus on safety amid monkeypox outbreak
Market Days will be held this Saturday and Sunday along Halsted Street from Addison Street south to Belmont Avenue.
Business
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Neighbors push back against proposal for gun shop, shooting range in Long Grove
The Long Grove village manager said he has received hundreds of emails about the proposal for a Range USA shop
Groupon lays off 500 employees
The departments affected include technology and sales.
Camp Aramoni brings boutique camping experience to site less than two hours away from Chicago
In the town of Tonica – less than two hours away from Chicago and right next to Starved Rock State Park – a hidden treasure sits on 96 acres of preserved land.
New 'first class' theatre at Wheeling Town Center hopes to draw back in-person crowds
Operators of the new theatre hope enhancing the experience will draw back crowds not since since before the pandemic.
Meet Kyriakos 'Carl' Damianides, proudly at the helm of the Sky-Ride Tap downtown for 50 years
Imagine working at a place 50 years and hoping for 50 more – all because of the people.
Sports
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Bears LB Roquan Smith requests trade, says "new front office regime doesn't value me"
"I've been trying to get something done that's fair since April, but their focus has been on trying to take advantage of me," Smith said of the Bears' front office.
White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson out 4-6 weeks with torn ligament in his hand
Surgery is a possibility after Anderson suffered a torn ligament in his hand, reports Russell Dorsey of Bally Sports and Stadium.
Serena Williams hints at retirement, says she's "evolving away from tennis"
The athlete and icon suggested that she's planning to retire in a new Vogue essay published on Tuesday.
Thompson, Velázquez, Morel power Cubs past Nationals
Keegan Thompson pitched six effective innings, rookies Nelson Velázquez and Christopher Morel homered in the third inning, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Washington Nationals Monday night.
Cubs pick up Guardians outfielder Franmil Reyes off waivers
Reyes hit 30 home runs in 115 games last year.
Weather
Entertainment
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Olivia Newton-John, beloved singer and actress, dies at 73
Her husband John Easterling announced her passing on her Facebook page.
Elton John stops to see preview of Broadway In Chicago's 'The Devil Wears Prada'
A preview performance of Broadway in Chicago's new show "The Devil Wears Prada" had a very special guest in attendance this week.
Ambulance transports, arrests at Lollapalooza down this year compared with last
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications said 68 people were transported by ambulance from Lollapalooza this year, compared with 102 last year.
Lightfoot announces 10-year deal extension to host Lollapalooza in Chicago
Lightfoot's office said the deal comes with an "estimated future financial impact of nearly $4 billion for the Chicago economy."
Mary Alice, Emmy and Tony winning actress, dead at 85
She won a Tony Award for her starring role in "Fences" on Broadway, and an Emmy Award for her supporting role in the TV series "I'll Fly Away."
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$2,000 worth of liquor taken from Binny's on West Irving Park Road in smash and grab robbery
Shattered glass greeted store workers at a Binny's Beverage Depot on West Irving Park Road.
Students and staff ready to start in Central Grade School, site of former haunted house
CBS 2's Shardaa Gray reports there are still have a few final touches before the grand opening on Thursday, with the renovation costing $20 million dollars. It's number the district felt it had to spend.
CPD says crime is down on CTA, but there's more to the story
Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said repeatedly that crime is down on Chicago Transit Authority property compared with last year and with pre-pandemic times in 2019, but it turns out that violent crime is actually up. CBS 2's Tara Molina reports.
Cooper Roberts improving after parade shooting
Cooper Roberts, the 8-year-old boy who was shot and severely wounded at the Highland Park July 4th parade massacre – is now undergoing physical and occupational therapy at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Grand jury declines to indict woman whose accusation sparked killing of Emmett Till
A grand jury in Mississippi has declined to indict the white woman whose accusation set off the lynching of Black teenager Emmett Till nearly 70 years ago, despite revelations about an unserved arrest warrant and a newly revealed memoir by the woman, a prosecutor said Tuesday.
Latest Galleries
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62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards Red Carpet Gallery
The best looks from the 62nd annual GRAMMY Awards on CBS.
Apollo 11: 'The Eagle Has Landed'
2019 GRAMMY Awards Red Carpet Gallery
Red carpet looks from the 61st annual GRAMMY Awards on CBS.
2018 Grammy Nominations
Check out some of the exceptional nominees for the 2018 GRAMMYs, only on CBS!
Bears After Dark With Cody Whitehair
