Illinois Senate committee advances important safety changes to SNAP
CBS 2 Investigator Dorothy Tucker reported in November on the problem with identity theft in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Illinois State Senate
Illinois Senate committee advances safety changes to SNAP after CBS 2 exposes fraud
The new bill in Springfield would collect data from SNAP cards to better track skimming and fraud.
Illinois lawmakers seek to waive records fees for domestic violence survivors
"Domestic violence survivors are already dealing with immense trauma. Why are we taking money out of their pockets, adding more burdens to the reporting process?" State Sen. Dave Koehler said.
Illinois Senate passes assault weapons ban 34-20
the 15-minute pre-vote debate was dominated by senators who are against the ban. CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reports.
Illinois Senate passes assault weapons ban
The bill now goes back to the state House for reconciliation. CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey has an update.
Legal challenges promised if Illinois passes assault weapons ban
CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey had a look Monday at other states that have banned the sale of assault weapons. The laws in each of those other states have come with their legal challenges.
Illinois State Senate expected to vote on assault weapons ban soon
The clock is ticking to pass the ban before current lawmakers leave office and newly-elected ones are sworn in Wednesday. CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reports.
Illinois state Sen. Scott Bennett dies at 45 of complications from brain tumor
The family of Illinois state Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) said he died surrounded by his wife, family, and loved ones at a hospital in Urbana.
State Sen. Emil Jones III faces bribery charges in red-light camera scheme
Jones has been in office since 2009. Now, he is facing what could be the end of his political career. CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reports.
State Sen. Emil Jones III accused of requesting bribe to protect red-light camera company
The person from whom Jones requested the bribe was actually cooperating with law enforcement, prosecutors said.
State Sen. Emil Jones III hit with federal bribery charges
Jones has been indicted on charges that he asked for a bribe to oppose legislation that would have required a statewide evaluation of red-light camera systems.
Rev. James Meeks stepping down as pastor of Salem Baptist Church
Meeks also served three terms as an Illinois state senator.
Would-be write-in candidate for Illinois Senate says USPS botched his chance to run
A Park Ridge man with hopes of running for political office says he missed his chance to get his name on the ballot next month. He also says the U.S. Postal Service is to blame. CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reports.
Illinois State Sen. Thomas Cullerton Plans To Plead Guilty To Embezzlement Charges, Resigns From Office
Cullerton, a Democrat from Villa Park, was indicted in 2019 on one count of conspiracy to embezzle from a labor union, 39 counts of embezzlement from a labor union, and one count of making false statements.
'I Begged Them Not To Shoot Us'; State Sen. Kimberly Lightford 'Happy To Be Alive' After She And Husband Were Carjacked At Gunpoint In Broadview
"Lucky enough my husband is conceal and carry, and he was able to protect us," Lightford said. "He handled us, and he saved us. I call my husband my hero today."
Illinois State Sen. Kimberly Lightford And Husband Carjacked In Broadview
Police said the carjackers fired shots during the incident, but neither Lightford nor her husband were hurt.
Illinois Senate Passes Legislation That Would Repeal Parental Notification Requirement For Minors Seeking Abortions
The Illinois State Senate on Tuesday passed legislation that would repeal a requirement that a parent or guardian be notified at least 48 hours in advance when a minor 17 or younger seeks an abortion.
After 22 Years Of 'Psychological Torture' In Solitary Confinement, Anthony Gay Fights For State Law Restricting Its Use
An Illinois man is fighting against so-called psychological torture – after a minor probation violation first sent him to prison for seven years, and then a fight behind bars led to a 22-year nightmare in solitary confinement. Now out, Anthony Gay told CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov why he is fighting for a law to keep others from enduring the same fate.
Illinois Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie Has 'Breakthrough' Case Of COVID-19
Sen. Dan McConchie of Lake Zurich said in a statement Saturday that he was vaccinated against the virus this spring, and he urged others to be vaccinated.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot Accuses Illinois Senate Of Ignoring Concerns She And Parents Raised Before Passing Elected School Board Plan; 'Democracy – Mark My Word – Will Prevail'
The Illinois Senate voted 36-15 on Tuesday to approve legislation that would create a 21-member school board starting in 2025.
Illinois Senate Approves Plan For Elected School Board For Chicago, Lawmakers Also Pass Bill To Make Election Day State Holiday
Illinois lawmakers passed several key pieces of legislation Tuesday, including a proposal for an elected school board for Chicago.
Illinois State Lawmakers Approve $42 Billion Budget Plan, Gov. JB Pritzker Plans To Sign It
"We're very lucky our revenues came up," said House Majority Leader Greg Harris, a Chicago Democrat.
Illinois State Lawmakers Pass Legislation Aimed At Shutting Down Puppy Mills
The law would allow pet shops to sell cats and dogs only if they are obtained from animal control facilities or shelters that comply with regulations set out in the bill.
Proposed Legislation Would Prohibit Illinois Schools From Setting Rules On Hairstyles
The proposed legislation would prohibit any Illinois school from applying their uniform or dress code to hairstyles "including hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists."
Illinois Democrats Release Proposed Maps For General Assembly's House, Senate Districts; Republicans Slam Maps As 'Effort To Block Fair Elections'
Democrats face a June 30 deadline to enact the maps or give Republicans a 50-50 chance at drawing the new boundary lines.
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'Tied to Greatness' celebrates rite of passage for Chicago students
"We try to give them life skills, to give them the foundation to be successful when they leave us in the coming year."
One dead, two hospitalized after RV catches fire at Stickney gas station
On Citizen App video, large flames were seen shooting out of the SUV, not far from the gas pumps.
Several people robbed at South Chicago bus stop
CBS 2 news crews talked with one of the victims who said his iPhone was stolen by a group near 79th Street and Jeffery Boulevard.
Kia, Hyundai models recalled due to fire risk; separate concerns about security flaws persist
Hyundai warned drivers to park their cars outside until they can get the necessary repairs.
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One dead, two hospitalized after RV catches fire at Stickney gas station
On Citizen App video, large flames were seen shooting out of the SUV, not far from the gas pumps.
City Council confirms Larry Snelling as new CPD superintendent
Snelling joined CPD in 1992 as a patrol officer in Englewood and then worked as a sergeant in Morgan Park.
7 more buses bring migrants to Chicago on Tuesday, tying record for most ever
As of Tuesday, more than 15,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago since last August.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Passing showers the rest of the day
Finally, tomorrow the system departs, and we dry out, according to CBS 2 Meteorologist Mary Kary Kleist.
Spotted lanternfly found for first time in Illinois
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species, and if you see one, officials want you to stomp it with your shoe – though you should photograph it to report it first.
CBS 2 Investigators
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Feds to fund improvements to keep pedestrians off Chicago area railroad tracks
A total of 39 people were killed trespassing on railroad tracks in Illinois last year alone.
Now-dead man suspected in murder of Romeoville family had lengthy criminal record
Nathaniel Huey Jr.'s criminal past should have been a red flag – including a court order banning him from possessing firearms.
Hospital changed disposal procedures after CBS 2 bought empty COVID-19 vaccine vials
After a pharmacy director admitted selling "empty" COVID vaccine vials to CBS 2, the hospital changed policy to protect the public.
Former state inspector Jose Guillen expected to plead guilty to lying about groping women
Guillen was indicted last year on four counts of deprivation of civil rights and one count of obstruction of justice
Electric rental car breaks down, traps Gurnee mom, daughter inside
They turned to CBS 2 Investigators for help after they then got stuck with a big bill.
Politics
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Illinois DCFS report card for past two years shows more failures than last review
Last time the state Auditor General updated us, there were 30 major failures by DCFS. This time, it's 33.
Donald Trump and his company "repeatedly" violated fraud law, N.Y. judge rules
"The documents here clearly contain fraudulent valuations that defendants used in business," Judge Engoron wrote in his ruling, ordering Trump's New York business certificates canceled.
Biden joins picket line with UAW workers in Michigan
President Biden said the UAW "saved the auto industry back in 2008," and should reap the benefits of profits now.
Two aldermen want voters to decide if Chicago should remain sanctuary city for migrants
The move comes as the city works to find housing for more than 14,000 asylum seekers who have been brought to Chicago since last August.
House Republicans host forum on Chicago crime; Democrats blast event as political stunt
Some top Democrats have said the GOP should be focusing on avoiding a potential government shutdown ahead of Saturday's budget deadline.
Consumer News
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Kia, Hyundai models recalled due to fire risk; separate concerns about security flaws persist
Hyundai warned drivers to park their cars outside until they can get the necessary repairs.
Indiana AG sues MV Realty, says company is deceptive
MV Realty is based out of Florida, but operates in Indiana and several other states – including Illinois.
Contractor accused of scamming people in need of housework
They accused James Nesbitt of taking off with deposits without completing jobs and complained he didn't respond to customers.
Getting Hosed: Officials finally address on bad water billing at City Council hearing
The Chicago City Council Finance Committee held a hearing Tuesday with the heads of the Water Management and Finance departments.
Chime customer frustrated by slow response after bogus $1,200 charge
She was yet another victim who didn't get their money back until CBS 2 got involved.
Health News
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Teen who's had two lung transplants gets behind-the-scenes tour of Field Museum
Scientists at the Field Museum showed Josh Burton ways he can still have a career without digging in the dirt.
Northwestern researchers get $45M to develop implant to sense and treat cancer
"From a clinical perspective, this could be a game-changing approach to cancer therapy," said Dr. Jonathan Rivnay.
How to get the new COVID vaccine for free, with or without insurance
Americans still have ways to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at no out-of-pocket cost. Here's what to know.
How FDA's top vaccines official is timing his COVID and flu shots
Can you get your COVID booster and flu shot at the same time? Here's what health experts say.
Silver Cross NICU like a second home for some new parents
Millions of babies are born prematurely every year. That translates to about one in 10 newborns who need extra support in the NICU.
Business News
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GM and Stellantis plants in Bolingbrook and Naperville join UAW strike
"We're not going to wait around forever for a fair contract," UAW President Shawn Fain said. "The companies know how to make this right."
Workers at Chicago Ford plant worry they may have to walk off the job amid strike
Hundreds of autoworkers gathered Thursday outside the UAW Local 551 headquarters, 13550 S. Torrence Ave., to protest.
Alderman wants moratorium on Dollar Tree stores, says properties are "filthy"
"I want to see a moratorium on these type of businesses opening up in our city," said Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th). "This happens in communities all across the city of Chicago."
Kroger and Albertsons sell hundreds of stores in a bid to clear merger of the 2 largest US groceries
Grocers Kroger and Albertsons are selling more than 400 stores and other assets to C&S Wholesale Grocers in an approximately $1.9 billion deal as part of their efforts to complete their merger.
Steppenwolf Theatre announces layoffs of 13 staffers
The company said it has been "negatively impacted by a protracted post-pandemic economic recovery for our sector and the rising cost of inflation,"
Sports
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Bears focus on fighting through adversity to snap losing streak
The Bears returned to practice determined and focused. That's the message as they try to keep together during the longest losing streak in franchise history.
Lillard dealt to Bucks as part of three-team deal, per report
Lillard had hoped for a trade to the Miami Heat, but instead will head to the Bulls' division opponent.
Eloy Jiménez hits three-run homer, but White Sox get clobbered by Diamondbacks
José Ureña (0-7) surrendered seven runs — four earned — and four hits in four-plus innings.
Cubs blow six-run lead, lose to Braves
The victory eliminated the wild-card contending Cubs from the NL Central race, giving the title to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Former NFL QB says Bears should play to Justin Fields' strengths
The former NFL MVP said the Bears should allow Fields to use his legs more to open up the passing game.
Weather
Entertainment
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"Survivor" returns for season 45 Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. ET
Through longer weekly episodes, "Survivor" will take a deeper dive into the players' stories as they're stranded on the stunning islands of Fiji.
Hollywood writers, studios reach tentative deal to end strike
Terms of the deal must still be ratified by the WGA's approximately 11,000 members.
Hundreds of local artists take stages at Chicago Live! at Navy Pier
The event is the Midwest's largest free performing arts festival.
Usher to headline Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas
Usher will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024.
"The Amazing Race" set to return for milestone 35th season
The Emmy Award-winning series returns for its biggest season yet with 90-minute original episodes starting Wednesday, Sept. 27.
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One dead, two injured in RV fire at suburban Chicago gas station
Smoke and thick flames were seen rising from the RV at the gas station in Stickney. CBS 2's Jermont Terry reports.
'Tied to Greatness' celebrates rite of passage for Chicago students
On Wednesday, more than 50 middle school boys went through an important rite of passage - learning to tie a tie. The annual "Tied to Greatness" ceremony was held at the LEARN Romano Butler School in North Lawndale.
Powerball jackpot now at $850M
On Monday night, someone matched four numbers and the Powerball Plus with the game's Powerplay feature winning $100,000.
Major Kia, Hyundai recall due to fire risk
Hyundai warned drivers to park their cars outside until they can get the necessary repairs. CBS 2's Tara Molina reports.
Protesters hope Mayor Johnson will close door on migrant arrivals
We asked Mayor Brandon Johnson will Chicago continue to be a safe haven, and he said yes. CBS 2's Sabrina Franza reports.
Crime
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Several people robbed at South Chicago bus stop
CBS 2 news crews talked with one of the victims who said his iPhone was stolen by a group near 79th Street and Jeffery Boulevard.
Neighbors want action after repeated armed robbery sprees in Chicago neighborhoods
Police laid out their plans to combat the crisis Tuesday night.
Oak Park on alert after armed robberies, carjackings over the weekend
There were four armed robberies, one carjacking, and one aggravated assault that was believed to be an attempted robbery in Oak Park early Sunday.
Northwest Indiana man faces multiple felonies in hit-run accident
Pete Baum, 48, of Hobart, was charged Tuesday for causing the accident on Sunday evening.
Man charged with holding knife to woman's throat in Round Lake
Gerzin Ramirez-Perez, 33, has been charged with one felony count of aggravated unlawful restraint and two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery.
