Nonprofit: Number Of Drownings In Great Lakes Jumps In 2021
Data collected by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project shows 32 people have drowned in the Great Lakes as of July 2 compared to 25 by early July in 2020.
Great Lakes
Shedd Aquarium Asks Restaurants To Help Keep Plastic Out Of Great Lakes
The Shedd Aquarium is enlisting the help of restaurants to keep plastic out of the Great Lakes.
Navy Boot Camp At Great Lakes Has Kept Going All Through Pandemic, With Tight Restrictions
While some colleges are shut down and others are only allowing a limited number of people in person, one school in our area has been operating full steam ahead throughout the pandemic.
Congress Approves 5-Year Extension Of Great Lakes Cleanup Program
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat and co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, described it as "a major success story that has been critical to addressing the threats that face our beloved Great Lakes."
Drownings In Lake Michigan Break Record at 53
There have been a record high 53 drownings in Lake Michigan in 2020.
Video Shows Two Kids Nearly Swept Away By Waves On Michigan City Pier
Two children had a close call when they were nearly swept away by some monster waves on the Michigan City pier. But those kids never should have made it onto the pier at all.
Chicago Weather: Air Quality Alert In Effect; Temperatures Continue To Rise
As a high pressure system stays locked over the eastern Great Lakes, the Chicago area will stay dry, and temperatures will continue to rise. An air quality alert is in effect through midnight Thursday night.
Great Lakes Get Extra Funds For Cleanups, Invasive Species
Additional funds provided by Congress for Great Lakes environmental improvements will be used to hasten cleanups of highly toxic sites and step up work on other longstanding forms of pollution, federal officials said Thursday.
Study: Asian Carp Could Find Plenty Of Food In Lake Michigan
Authorities are debating how to keep them out of the Great Lakes, where fishing is a $7 billion industry.
5 Governors Push Presidential Candidates To Aid Great Lakes
"The Great Lakes are a vital natural resource to our entire nation, and ensuring American families have access to clean drinking water and a safe waterway system that supports our economy should be a priority for our next president," Pritzker said.
Army Corps Approves $778M Plan To Block Asian Carp Advance
The plan focuses on the Brandon Road Lock and Dam on the Des Plaines River near Joliet, Illinois.
Pritzker OKs Engineering Of New Project To Keep Asian Carp Out Of Lake Michigan
Gov. JB Pritzker is moving forward with the first steps on a project to fortify a dam and lock system near Joliet, in an effort to confront the state's Asian carp problem, and keep the voracious fish out of the Great Lakes.
Navy Recruit Is Second Woman To Die At Great Lakes Boot Camp In 2 Months
Kelsey Nobles, an 18-year-old Navy recruit from Alabama, died Tuesday after collapsing during training at the Navy Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Great Lakes Conference Explores Adapting To Warmer Climate
A conference at the University of Michigan is bringing together experts to share ideas on dealing with a warming climate in the Great Lakes region.
Chicago Backs Plan To Protect Great Lakes From Asian Carp
The city has joined the Great Lakes Basin Partnership to Block Asian Carp, an initiative established this year.
Spending Bill Rejects Trump Effort To Gut Water Cleanups
President Donald Trump has gotten nowhere in his push to kill federal support for cleaning up some of the nation's most prized waterways.
As Bans On Microbeads Grow, Environmentalists Urge Less Use Of Plastics
Elected officials and activists are celebrating new regulations going into effect to protect the Great Lakes, and they're vowing to do more as the White House and Congress look to erode such protections.
Fast-Growing Ice Coverage On Great Lakes No Big Surprise To Scientists
Reports say overall the Great Lakes went from being about 3 percent covered in ice to nearly 9.5 percent ice-covered within five days.
Hammond Woman Found Dead In Gary's Marquette Beach
A 25-year-old woman has become the 54th person to die while swimming on the Great Lakes this summer.
Coast Guard Seeing An Alarming Increase In Hoax Calls
The Coast Guard Commander said there were 160 hoax calls on marine band radios by the end of June, compared to 55 for all of last season.
Blue Heron Research Vessel Docks At Navy Pier
The research vessel, the Blue Heron, along with a scientific team from the University of Rochester, docked Thursday at Navy Pier to take a short break from an eight-day research expedition funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Great Lakes Clean Water Project In Jeopardy, Officials Warn
As CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports, experts fear the program's elimination could sink Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan Drownings Spike In 2016
The number of drownings in Lake Michigan spiked 84 percent in 2016.
Roskam: Trump Not 'Wise' To Propose Great Lakes Preservation Funds Cut
Peter Roskam favors some parts of Trump's proposed budget, but thinks cutting funds that help preserve the Great Lakes is not "sustainable."
Trump Administration's Budget Proposal Has Big Impact On Chicago
The Trump Administration unveiled Thursday its initial budget proposal.
CBS News Chicago — Watch Live 24/7
Latest News
Police questioning 19-year-old in robbery, shooting of Dakotah Earley in Lincoln Park
Police provided no other details.
Metra UP-W train hits pedestrian near Geneva
Extensive delays are expected.
KN95 masks that failed federal testing for health care workers were given to CPS schools in Omicron surge
A teacher brought concerns about the masks received in schools in January to the attention of CBS 2 News.
Baby formula shortage still leaves families desperate, especially those restricted by federal WIC program rules
Walk into the baby formula aisle at just about any drug or grocery store around the country, and you will still see rows of empty shelves.
ComEd hiring 500 to power up workforce amid increased demand as more electric vehicles hit the roads
Electricity. It powers the device you're using to read this story right now, but will the juice be in low supply as more and more electric vehicles charge up?
Man arrested for pointing gun at CTA passenger at 87th Street Red Line station
A man was arrested overnight after pointing a gun at another man on the CTA Red Line, police said.
How to order 8 more free at-home COVID tests
Families can now order another eight test kits.
Arson investigation underway after explosion damages parked cars in Humboldt Park
Four cars were damaged.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Cooler Tuesday morning
Temperatures will be cooler, in the 60s.
Police search for driver who hit cyclist in Jefferson Park
Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating the driver who hit a cyclist in Jefferson Park.
Dolton Bowl finds new owners, will stay open for business
The bowling alley announced on Facebook overnight a change in owners who are willing to keep the business open.
1 person injured after shooting on I-80 at Torrence Avenue
Illinois State Police said shots were fired around 1:45 a.m.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Rain chances return the next few days
There are rain chances Tuesday through Saturday, with a chance for strong storms on Friday.
Robert powers White Sox past Royals in 10 after Cueto's gem
Luis Robert hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning after Johnny Cueto's impressive Chicago debut, and the White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals on Monday night in the opener of a five-game series.
Woman found shot and killed, man found dead in suspected murder-suicide at Warwick Allerton Hotel
Some guests said they did not hear anything when the shooting happened, and the hotel had not alerted them to what happened.
Chicago Police officer hit by car while chasing suspect in West Englewood
The officer who was struck was stabilized at a local hospital.
Push for parents, community to step up after large group of teens, deadly chaos downtown
Following the chaos downtown last weekend that led to a teenage boy being shot dead in Millennium Park, there is a push for parents and the community to step up.
ACLU, aldermen have doubts about Mayor Lightfoot's curfew and Millennium Park restrictions
Leaders are scrambling to find a way to curb the downtown chaos caused by large groups of kids – which resulted in a 16-year-old boy being shot and killed in Millennium Park this past Saturday.
Lightfoot moving back weekend curfew for minors to 10 p.m., after teen slain at Millennium Park
"I'm urging parents, guardians, and responsible adults in the lives of children to make sure that you know what the rules are, and that you make a plan with your children and young people," Lightfoot said.
Contreras hits 1st-inning slam, Cubs shut out Pirates
Willson Contreras led off with a double and became a rare leadoff hitter with a first-inning grand slam as the Chicago Cubs burst to an eight-run lead and beat the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.
3-year-old hit, killed by school bus in Cary
At the time of the accident, one student was on the school bus in addition to the driver.
Family calls for driver to surrender after hit-and-run left Marine Corps veteran in ICU
Raul Basulto is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who fought in Operation Desert and a father of three – and now he is in the ICU in danger of losing his leg.
Rogers Park residents upset after 3 women died of the sweltering heat inside their apartment
"And now they're sorry and all that. Of course, of course, they're sorry."
Judge to take another look at innocence claims for James Bannister in murder he says he didn't commit
A man who has spent three decades behind bars for a murder he says he didn't commit is now getting one more shot to prove he didn't do it.
Fellow members of CHAMPS mentoring program mourn loss of Seandell Holiday, 16
For the young men in the program at Gary Comer College Prep in Grand Crossing, losing their classmate Seandell was like losing a brother.
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Police questioning 19-year-old in robbery, shooting of Dakotah Earley in Lincoln Park
Police provided no other details.
Metra UP-W train hits pedestrian near Geneva
Extensive delays are expected.
KN95 masks that failed federal testing for health care workers were given to CPS schools in Omicron surge
A teacher brought concerns about the masks received in schools in January to the attention of CBS 2 News.
Baby formula shortage still leaves families desperate, especially those restricted by federal WIC program rules
Walk into the baby formula aisle at just about any drug or grocery store around the country, and you will still see rows of empty shelves.
ComEd hiring 500 to power up workforce amid increased demand as more electric vehicles hit the roads
Electricity. It powers the device you're using to read this story right now, but will the juice be in low supply as more and more electric vehicles charge up?
CBS 2 Investigators
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KN95 masks that failed federal testing for health care workers were given to CPS schools in Omicron surge
A teacher brought concerns about the masks received in schools in January to the attention of CBS 2 News.
ACLU, aldermen have doubts about Mayor Lightfoot's curfew and Millennium Park restrictions
Leaders are scrambling to find a way to curb the downtown chaos caused by large groups of kids – which resulted in a 16-year-old boy being shot and killed in Millennium Park this past Saturday.
Judge to take another look at innocence claims for James Bannister in murder he says he didn't commit
A man who has spent three decades behind bars for a murder he says he didn't commit is now getting one more shot to prove he didn't do it.
Attorney argues before Illinois Supreme Court for release of 50 years of Chicago Police misconduct records
The fight over the release of five decades of Chicago Police misconduct records made it all the way to the Illinois Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Illinois Supreme Court to decide whether landlord who accused former alderman of zoning shakedown can sue the city
Brian Strauss claims former Ald. Proco Joe Moreno had his building at Milwaukee and Damen downzoned in retaliation for evicting the music venue Double Door in 2017.
Politics
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ACLU, aldermen have doubts about Mayor Lightfoot's curfew and Millennium Park restrictions
Leaders are scrambling to find a way to curb the downtown chaos caused by large groups of kids – which resulted in a 16-year-old boy being shot and killed in Millennium Park this past Saturday.
Lightfoot moving back weekend curfew for minors to 10 p.m., after teen slain at Millennium Park
"I'm urging parents, guardians, and responsible adults in the lives of children to make sure that you know what the rules are, and that you make a plan with your children and young people," Lightfoot said.
Aldermen approve new Chicago ward map, avoid ballot referendum on new boundaries
The new map, which sets the boundaries for Chicago's 50 wards for the next 10 years, has 14 Latino majority wards, 16 Black majority wards, one Black plurality ward, and the city's first-ever Asian majority ward.
Biden to travel Tuesday to Buffalo following mass shooting
Ten people were killed Saturday in what officials are calling a hate crime and a case of racially motivated violent extremism.
Gov. Pritzker signs legislation protecting auto accident victims from rogue towing companies
Among its requirements are a "tow rotation list," in which essentially, police agencies will call an approved list of tow companies whenever there's an accident.
Consumer News
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Baby formula shortage still leaves families desperate, especially those restricted by federal WIC program rules
Walk into the baby formula aisle at just about any drug or grocery store around the country, and you will still see rows of empty shelves.
Abbott to resume production of baby formula at Sturgis, Michigan plant after recall
Abbott Nutrition said after its plant in Sturgis, Michigan gets back in operation, product could be back on shelves in six to eight weeks, subject to approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
Chicago gas prices hit new record, at more than $5 per gallon
According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $5.12 as of Tuesday morning.
Parents desperate, searching for options amid persistent nationwide baby formula shortage
Parents are struggling to keep up with the nationwide shortage of baby formula – with several retailers now limiting how much you can buy. So what do you do if you can't find any?
North Chicago man finding himself stuck as he tries to get missing jewelry back from shuttered Sears
A North Chicago man had been saving a diamond ring for a special lady, but now, his dream proposal is ruined.
Health
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Abbott baby formula plant could reopen in two weeks
Sturgis plant will reopen soon as nationwide out-of-stock levels of baby formula rise above 40%.
COVID-19 reaches 'high' community risk level in Evanston
The Evanston Department of Health and Human Service reported 397 new COVID-19 cases over the last seven days – up from 305 the prior week.
Advocate Aurora Health merging with Charlotte-based Atrium Health
Advocate Aurora Health will be merging with Atrium Health.
CPS launches 'Please Stay' campaign to promote mental health and prevent teen suicides
Chicago Public Schools has become the first school district in the nation to launch a new anti-suicide campaign created by Lady Gaga's Born This Way foundation.
Mayor Lightfoot pledges $500,000 for abortion access ahead of possible overturn of Roe v. Wade
"As long as I am mayor, the city of Chicago will continue to take comprehensive approach to reproductive justice," Lightfoot said.
Business
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FTX cryptocurrency exchange opens new headquarters in Chicago
Mayor Lori Lightfoot helped cut the ribbon Tuesday morning to open the official U.S. headquarters of FTX, a Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange.
Bally's unveils further plans for Chicago casino; some aldermen say it's being pushed through too fast
The city did not conduct a new safety study to determine how crime would be impacted by a casino - in hopes of getting the casino up and generating revenue quickly.
Boeing to move corporate headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, Virginia
A news release said the company will maintain a "significant presence" at its Chicago office at 100 N. Riverside Plaza in the West Loop Gate.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot places bet on Bally's plan for River West casino, but more hurdles remain
The mayor's pick still requires approval by the City Council, and needs the Illinois Gaming Board to approve a casino license for Bally's.
Woman was set to fulfill dream with vegan tattoo shop, only to be shut down by Orland Park zoning laws
An environmentally-conscious suburban woman spent a lot of green to get her business up and running – and then after she had welcomed just one customer, the Village of Orland Park shut her down.
Sports
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Robert powers White Sox past Royals in 10 after Cueto's gem
Luis Robert hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning after Johnny Cueto's impressive Chicago debut, and the White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals on Monday night in the opener of a five-game series.
Contreras hits 1st-inning slam, Cubs shut out Pirates
Willson Contreras led off with a double and became a rare leadoff hitter with a first-inning grand slam as the Chicago Cubs burst to an eight-run lead and beat the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.
White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease talks strike outs and close shaves
"I mean, we just we've got depth, we've got we've got a lot of talent. So at the end of the day, it's not super surprising, but I'm just glad that we've kind of been able to weather the storm."
Cubs lose first game in series against Diamondbacks 4-3
Cubs fall short in a close Game 1 in the series against the Diamondbacks 4-3.
White Sox get clobbered by Yankees again for third loss in four games
Giancarlo Stanton homered in his third consecutive game, Aaron Judge went deep for the second time in two nights and the New York Yankees beat the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.
Weather
Entertainment
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Dave Chappelle attacked by armed man while onstage in L.A.
The controversial comic laughed off the incident after being tackled, and video appeared to show the person who charged him being beaten onstage.
Naomi Judd, Grammy-winning singer, has died at 76
"We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness," the Judd sisters said on social media.
'Jersey Boys' is returning to a Chicago stage next week
The new national tour of "Jersey Boys" opens next week at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, celebrating the music of the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Lollapalooza announces daily lineup; single-day tickets now on sale
The lineup includes Thursday headliners Metallica and Lil Baby, Friday headliners Dua Lipa and Machine Gun Kelly, Saturday headliners J. Cole and Kygo, and Sunday headliners Green Day and Doja Cat.
'Golden Girls' fan convention under way at Navy Pier
The Golden Con for fans of the classic sitcom – starring Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White – runs through Sunday.
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Man arrested after pointing gun at person at 87th Street Red Line station
A man was arrested overnight after pointing a gun at another man on the CTA Red Line, police said.
ComEd powering up workforce with 500 new jobs
Electricity. It powers the device you're using to read this story right now, but will the juice be in low supply as more and more electric vehicles charge up? Electricity provider Com-Ed hopes not. Morning Insider Lauren Victory has the scoop on a just-released announcement by the company to prevent future outages.
Metra UP-W train hits pedestrian near Geneva
Metra confirmed inbound and outbound service has been halted near Geneva.
Arson investigation underway after explosion damages parked cars in Humboldt Park
Police said an explosion, in the 3300 block of West Crystal Avenue just before 3:30 a.m. damaged four parked vehicles.
Dolton Bowl finds new owners, will stay open for business
"We are happy to announce new owners and new management have answered the call. To keep this landmark Bowling alley from closing it's doors," owners said in a Facebook post.
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62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards Red Carpet Gallery
The best looks from the 62nd annual GRAMMY Awards on CBS.
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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
