Illinois bills would prevent people convicted of serious crimes from becoming massage therapists
Lawmakers are working to make the entire practice safer for all in Illinois.
Illinois House of Representatives
Bill that would require Arab Americans be counted in state data progresses to Illinois House vote
The legislation, House Bill 3768, passed the State Government Administration Committee.
Student citations bill would stop students from being ticketed for minor infractions
The bill would stop schools from working with police to issue tickets against students for minor misbehavior like fighting or vaping.
Illinois House bill would stop police from issuing tickets for minor school misbehavior
The bill does not stop police from arresting students for crimes.
Illinois House gives final approval to assault weapons ban
Gov. JB Pritzker is expected to sign he ban later Tuesday evening. CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey reports.
Illinois House approves increased abortion protection
Gov. JB Pritzker said the bill provides "critical reproductive health protections" that he looks forward to signing into law "as soon as possible."
Illinois House passes bill to ban sale of assault weapons
Just after midnight, the full House passed this assault weapons ban.
Illinois lawmakers begin hearings on new bill for stricter gun control
Survivors of the Highland Park July 4th parade massacre on Monday urged lawmakers to pass the bill.
With Illinois House race still too close to call, GOP candidate sues DuPage clerk over ballot counting
At least check in her race for reelection, Rep. Deanna Mazzochi is trailing her opponent, Jenn Ladisch Douglass, by less than 250 votes.
With race undecided, Illinois GOP House candidate sues DuPage County clerk over ballot counting
At least check in her race for reelection, state Rep. Deanna Mazzochi is trailing her opponent, Democrat Jenn Ladisch Douglass, by less than 250 votes. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reports.
Former state Rep. Luis Arroyo gets 4 years, 9 months in prison for bribery scheme
Arroyo, 67, entered a blind guilty plea in November to accepting thousands of dollars in bribes to promote a gambling bill legalizing sweepstakes machines.
State lawmaker, advocates tout legislation to ban ghost guns in Illinois
There is a push to make ghost guns illegal in Illinois – with more and more of them showing up in Chicago every year.
Some lawmakers say it's about time to fund it college student mental health services law
A push to help protect the mental health of Illinois college students has been gummed up in bureaucracy for years, and now, some lawmakers actually want to pay for programs they mandated years ago.
Shutting down Eisenhower Expressway to do stunts doesn't even warrant arrests
It was the video that left so many of us, and you, shocked – people standing in the middle of the Eisenhower Expressway while drivers did donuts. Believe it or not, such acts won't land someone in jail.
The Magnitude Of The Mike Madigan Indictment
CBS 2 Legal Analyst Irv Miller said Wednesday that the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is a much bigger deal than the indictment and conviction of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan indicted
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been indicted on federal corruption charges.
State Lawmakers Seek To Reduce Prison Sentences For Victims Of Domestic, Gender-Based Violence Who Commit Crimes Under Duress
Victims of domestic violence, rape, and human trafficking have been locked up for crimes that advocates say they committed under duress or by force – and now, a group of Illinois lawmakers want to tighten a law that could help reduce their prison sentences.
Another Day Of Squabbling Over Masks In Illinois State House
Thursday marked the second day of squabbling on the Illinois House floor over masks to mitigate against COVID-19.
Illinois House Republicans Demand Temperature Checks For All Lawmakers After Being Asked To Leave Chamber For Not Wearing Masks
COVID-19 mask rules set off political theatre in Springfield Wednesday.
Another Major Client Pulls COVID-19 Testing Contract With NorthShore Clinical Labs; Illinois Lawmakers Demand Regulations On Pop-Up Testing Agencies
A Chicago-based COVID-19 testing lab that was paid more than $140 million by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now at the center of two state health department investigations. Now, CBS 2's Chris Tye has learned another major client has pulled its contract.
Illinois DCFS Director Marc Smith On Hot Seat Before State Lawmakers Over Lack Of Beds And Foster Homes For Kids, Other Issues
He heads the department mandated to care for the state's most vulnerable children, and on Friday, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Director Marc Smith was on the legislative hot seat.
Illinois House committee advances bill that would require life rings along lakefront
People trying to stop drownings in Lake Michigan scored a partial victory in Springfield on Wednesday.
Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris Won't Run For Re-Election
Harris has served 15 years in the Illinois House, and in 2019 became the first LGBT person to serve as a legislative leader in the Illinois General Assembly, when he was named as House majority leader, the chamber's second-ranking member.
Illinois House Passes Legislation To Repeal Parental Notification Abortion Law
Illinois state lawmakers have approved legislation to repeal a 1995 law requiring parents or guardians to be notified when their child seeks an abortion, sending the measure to Gov. JB Pritzker, who has expressed his support.
Illinois House Approves Plan To Create Elected School Board In Chicago
The Illinois House of Representatives late Wednesday passed legislation that would create a fully elected school board in Chicago by 2027.
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Wisconsin judge upholds earlier ruling that state law permits abortions
Judge Diane Schlipper ruled an 1849 Wisconsin law prohibits someone from attacking a woman in an attempt to kill her unborn child but doesn't apply to consensual medical abortions.
Former NFL player Sergio Brown pleads not guilty to murder of his mother
An autopsy determined Myrtle Simmons-Brown died from blunt force trauma. Prosecutors said Brown's DNA was found under her nails.
Eugene McLaurin pleads guilty to shooting CPD officer, 2 ATF agents in Morgan Park in 2021
The officer and agents were conducting an undercover investigation when Eugene McLaurin mistook them for rival gang members.
Las Vegas police respond to active shooter at UNLV, say suspect is dead
Las Vegas police said there appear to be multiple victims in an active shooter situation on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.
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Injured woman's missing son found dead after North Lawndale house fire
Two officers were on the porch when it collapsed.
Privacy concerns at Chicago parking garage prompt proposed law change
Not only did CBS 2 hear from more upset customers, but also from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
Gov. JB Pritzker scraps Chicago's plan for first migrant tent camp in Brighton Park
"We will not proceed with housing families on a site where serious environmental concerns are still present," Pritzker said.
Concern rises among Chicago universities, students about antisemitism, Islamophobia
Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine rallies have been seen at universities across the Chicago area.
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Foxx calls findings on how many Black women were victims of crime in 2022 "jarring"
Foxx is one of a handful of local, state, and national leaders responding a CBS 2 series of reports, Investigating Injustice: Black Women At Risk.
Chicago's enters new deal with crime database from same company as ShotSpotter
As CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey reported, the way the public found out about the deal CrimeTracer was surprising.
Chicago woman says towing company demanded over $10,000 to get her car back
Elaine Kelly said when she finally got it back, her car appeared more damaged - with the inside was ransacked and some of her personal property missing.
Man called to report SUV on train tracks in Michigan, but Amtrak train hit it anyway
Amtrak said they were never notified of the SUV on the tracks before the crash last week, was despite a warning call a full 41 minutes earlier.
Could 'design flaw' blamed for Yellow Line accident be a broader problem on the CTA?
The National Transportation Safety Board said the Chicago Transit Authority was operating on out-of-date information with regard to stopping lengths.
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Wisconsin judge upholds earlier ruling that state law permits abortions
Judge Diane Schlipper ruled an 1849 Wisconsin law prohibits someone from attacking a woman in an attempt to kill her unborn child but doesn't apply to consensual medical abortions.
Trump says he would be a dictator only on "Day One" if he wins a second term
Former President Donald Trump would not say whether he plans to go after political opponents if he were re-elected president .
Concern rises among Chicago universities, students about antisemitism, Islamophobia
Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine rallies have been seen at universities across the Chicago area.
Biden says he's "not sure" he'd be running if Trump weren't
President Biden made the comment during a campaign fundraiser in Boston on Tuesday.
College presidents face tough questions from Congress over antisemitism on campus
Colleges and universities have been criticized for their handling of antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.
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Privacy concerns at Chicago parking garage prompt proposed law change
Not only did CBS 2 hear from more upset customers, but also from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
St. Charles residents flee senior community after 300% increase in costs
Over the last several weeks, the Saint Charles senior living community has become a bit of a ghost town.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines warns of data breach affecting customer, staffer information
Casino officials said on Thursday, Nov. 2, they determined hackers got into their system and stole personal information about Rivers Casino staffers, customers, and online sports book customers.
Illinois congressman steps in after feds fail to reimburse COVID-19 testing labs
We previously told you about small business owner Janine Morabito's struggle after getting stiffed by Uncle Sam. There are several others in the same boat.
Consumer watchdog lists '10 Worst Toys' for 2023, highlights child safety concerns
W.A.T.C.H. – World Against Toys Causing Harm – issued a list Wednesday of toys they said are hazardous and should not be in children's hands.
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Panera's caffeine-fueled lemonade cited in second death, suit says
Casual dining chain faces another wrongful death suit related to its Charged Lemonade after cardiac arrest of Florida man.
Slow COVID-19 booster rollout cost thousands of lives, new study says
Researchers estimated that through June 2022, if the U.S. moved at a faster pace to approve it and get people boosted, an estimated 29,000 lives could have been saved.
UChicago study finds fatty acid found in some red meat can help fight cancer
Before you grab your steak knife, the scientists emphasize that the point of the study is not to advise people to eat more red meat.
Northwestern student says he was hit by norovirus outbreak, and it sent him to ER
The City of Evanston has linked the outbreak to the Big Wig Tacos & Burritos at 950 Church St. in downtown Evanston, which had a $1 burrito night for Northwestern students this past weekend.
Norovirus outbreak linked to $1 burrito special for Northwestern University students
Investigators have learned that people reported stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea after eating at Big Wig Tacos & Burritos.
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Who is moving into those vacant Bed, Bath & Beyond stores?
Who will be moving into closed Bed, Bath & Beyond stores nationwide and in the Chicago area? Court documents provide some clues.
South Shore yoga studio strives for inclusive, calm vibe
It's Small Business Saturday 2023, a big day to highlight the success of entrepreneurs who started small and are working hard to make it big.
Shoppers turn out in Ravenswood for Small Business Saturday
Three of the trolleys were running on Small Business Saturday, making eight stops in Ravenswood so people could visit their favorite shops.
Chicago's Berlin nightclub closes doors; union says club made "wrong decision"
Berlin announced that "the party" ended at 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19.
Chicago's Big Shoulders Coffee tops list of best independent coffee shops
"With multiple locations in the Chicago area, Big Shoulders Coffee is a must-stop for no-nonsense artisan beans, roasted to perfection," USA Today wrote.
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Blackhawks fall to Predators in shootout for fourth consecutive loss
Connor Bedard scored in the shootout for the 'Hawks, but Tyler Johnson was stopped by Juuse Saros.
Loyola gets knocked off by Tulsa, falls to 5-4
Jayden Dawson led the way for the Ramblers (5-4) with 26 points.
Domask scores 33, Shannon 31 as Illinois beats No. 11 Florida Atlantic
Marcus Domask scored 33 points and Terrence Shannon Jr. had 31, both career highs, as No. 20 Illinois shot 63% and surged ahead in the second half for a 98-89 victory over No. 11 Florida Atlantic in the Jimmy V Classic.
Bulls look to pick up the pace on offense, continue winning streak
Pace and energy were the buzzwords at Bulls practice this week after ranking last in the league in pace, according to NBA Advanced Stats.
Fire name Frank Klopas head coach after serving on interim basis
It's Klopas' second official go-round as head coach. He served as the Fire's head coach in 2011 and 2012.
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Norman Lear, legendary TV producer, dies at age 101
Norman Lear created groundbreaking shows like "All in the Family," "Maude" and "The Jeffersons" that took on serious social issues with humor.
Taylor Swift is TIME's 2023 Person of the Year
"This is the proudest and happiest I've ever felt," Taylor Swift told TIME after being named the magazine's Person of the Year for 2023.
Rolling Stones announce second concert in Chicago in June 2024
Tickets for the tour go on sale on Dec. 1. For those who signed up, the presale for tickets went live on Wednesday.
American Blues Theater opens permanent home on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago
The new venue features two theater spaces – a 137-seat proscenium and a 40-seat rehearsal studio.
Daryl Hall gets restraining order against John Oates
The pair made up the pop rock duo Hall & Oates, and put out 18 studio albums together.
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T.V. icon Norman Lear dead at age 101
Norman Lear created groundbreaking shows like "All in the Family," "Maude" and "The Jeffersons" that took on serious social issues with humor.
9-year-old turns North Side home into a haven for abandoned pets, raising money for shelters
An animal lover turned her North Side home into a haven for abandoned pets. Paige Bentley has raised thousands of dollars to help them, and she's only 9 years old.
South Shore police shooting video released
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability has released body camera video footage of a deadly police shooting last month in the South Shore neighborhood.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Rain and snow return
CBS 2 Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon has a check on the week's forecast.
City Council committee discussing efforts to replace lead water pipes
Chicago aldermen are dealing with the city's water woes. At a City Council committee hearing on Wednesday, the focus is on efforts to replace hundreds of thousands of toxic lead pipes.
Crime
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Former NFL player Sergio Brown pleads not guilty to murder of his mother
An autopsy determined Myrtle Simmons-Brown died from blunt force trauma. Prosecutors said Brown's DNA was found under her nails.
Eugene McLaurin pleads guilty to shooting CPD officer, 2 ATF agents in Morgan Park in 2021
The officer and agents were conducting an undercover investigation when Eugene McLaurin mistook them for rival gang members.
Las Vegas police respond to active shooter at UNLV, say suspect is dead
Las Vegas police said there appear to be multiple victims in an active shooter situation on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.
Police warn of gunpoint robbery pattern on Chicago's Near North Side
After taking the victims' property, the robber has made purchases and used the victims' bank apps to transfer money to other accounts.
Foxx calls findings on how many Black women were victims of crime in 2022 "jarring"
Foxx is one of a handful of local, state, and national leaders responding a CBS 2 series of reports, Investigating Injustice: Black Women At Risk.
