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5 takeaways from Trump's surprise White House briefing

President Trump carried out a surprise press briefing at the White House on Monday, teasing reporters with an appearance by UFC head Dana White — to whom he offered the job as press secretary — and providing a combative response to the GOP’s stunning defeat in the midterm elections. The president took a wide range

Judge sets summer 2028 trial for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk

PROVO, Utah (AP) — The man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk will stand trial in the summer of 2028, a Utah judge ruled Monday. Attorneys for defendant Tyler Robinson, 23, proposed a trial starting in 2029. But District Judge Tony Graf faced pressure from Kirk's family and supporters…

Judge sets summer 2028 trial for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk

PROVO, Utah (AP) — The man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk will stand trial in the summer of 2028, a Utah judge ruled Monday. Attorneys for defendant Tyler Robinson, 23, proposed a trial starting in 2029. But District Judge Tony Graf faced pressure from Kirk's family and supporters…

Man charged after anti-violence advocate shot, killed on Halloween in Chicago Heights

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. — A man was charged with the first-degree murder of an anti-violence advocate gunned down on Halloween in Chicago Heights. On Oct. 31 just before 9:25 p.m., police responded to a gunshot detection alert in the 400 block of West 14th Street. At the scene, a man, later identified as Andre Thomas,

PHOTOS: Animals enjoy fall foliage at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

BROOKFIELD, Ill. — It's been a warm fall so far and animals at Brookfield Zoo Chicago have spent time outside enjoying the sun and foliage. The zoo sent several cute pictures of the following animals: African painted dogs, an amur tiger, Nigerian goats, Bennett's wallaby, Angolan colobus monkey and Mexican wolves…

Suburban mother charged after fentanyl found in system of dead child

JOLIET, Ill. — A suburban mother is facing charges after authorities allege fentanyl was in the system of her child that died in 2024. Collette Bancroft, 37, of Lockport, was charged with involuntary manslaughter, endangering the life or health of a child and two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled…

2 shot in Bronzeville drive-by

CHICAGO — Two men were shot early Monday morning in Bronzeville. At around 3:30 a.m., a 29-year-old man and another man, no age provided, were outside in the 3900 block of South King Drive when a black SUV approached. Two gunmen from inside the vehicle shot both of the men. One man was shot in

O'Hare, Midway debut veteran portrait exhibits honoring local heroes

Chicago's O'Hare and Midway international airports have installed permanent exhibits titled American Heroes: Portraits of Service, featuring photos and stories of veterans captured through a 20-year collaboration between photographer Thomas Sanders and Belmont Village Senior Living.

2 dead, 3 hurt, 2 charged in separate shootings in North Carolina, police say

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) -- Three shootings in Winston-Salem, N.C., over the weekend left two people dead, and two people have been charged, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department. Winston-Salem Police responded at 3:40 p.m. on Saturday when they were told about a shooting. Officers found 21-year-old…

Democrats plot to choke off Iran war — with some GOP help

Democrats, on the wings of the big midterm wave, are looking to grind President Trump’s war with Iran to a halt once they retake the majority next year. Senate Democrats say they have some Republican support to end the conflict, which has dragged on for more than eight months, and have threatened to use the

Sunday Brunch: Bayou Jollof Rice with Niema's West African & Caribbean Cuisine

CHICAGO (WGN) — Chef Niema DiGrazia joined the WGN Weekend Morning News to show Chicagoans how she and her staff prepare Bayou Jollof Rice at Niema's West African & Caribbean Cuisine. DiGrazia, a Beat Bobby Flay winner, visited WGN on a trip from Shreveport, Louisiana. She and her husband celebrated their four-year…

Weekend Break: Jennifer Rizzo Design Company in Lisle

LISLE, Ill. (WGN) — It's almost time to deck the halls and when it comes to holiday gifts and decor, Jennifer Rizzo Design Company proves you can do it without breaking the bank. Rizzo's shop has local items to buy, but also offers workshops where people can create their own pieces. "We did everything from

No. 4 Notre Dame takes big lead, then holds off No. 1 Miami 31-24 in a classic

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Marcus Freeman didn't deny the obvious. Even for a storied program like Notre Dame, beating Miami had enormous significance. If that wasn't enough, it kept Notre Dame's national title hopes alive as well. CJ Carr threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, and No. 4 Notre Dame avenged its most

Sunday almanac: Sunny skies and mild temperatures across Chicagoland

NOTE: This is now an almanac of Sunday's weather. A new forecast story has been published for Monday. After chilly overnight temperatures, some areas away from Lake Michigan woke up to frost early Sunday morning. But things warmed up pretty nicely across Chicagoland by the afternoon hours. It was a pleasant albeit…

Russell passes for 3 TDs to propel No. 9 Alabama past No. 15 LSU, 31-13

Alabama (7-2, 5-2 SEC) remained firmly in the College Football Playoff picture, while leaving LSU (6-3, 3-3) with long-shot hopes at best under first-year coach Lane Kiffin, who also dropped to 0-6 in his coaching career against Alabama (including prior stints at Mississippi and Tennessee).

1 dead, 20 other bicyclists injured in vehicle crash in North Carolina

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WNCN) -- A car crash killed one and seriously injured seven other bicyclists on Saturday morning near Holly Springs, North Carolina just south of the NC 540 Toll highway, according to fire/rescue officials. The incident involving the Capital Cycling Club was reported around 9:40 a.m. in the 4200…

1 dead, 20 other bicyclists injured in vehicle crash in North Carolina

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WNCN) -- A car crash killed one and seriously injured seven other bicyclists on Saturday morning near Holly Springs, North Carolina just south of the NC 540 Toll highway, according to fire/rescue officials. The incident involving the Capital Cycling Club was reported around 9:40 a.m. in the 4200…

Trump says he offered White House press secretary job to Dana White

(The Hill) — President Trump said he offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump said that he requested White bring “assistants” with him and named several UFC fighters. “I am pleased to announce…

Trump says he offered White House press secretary job to Dana White

(The Hill) — President Trump said he offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump said that he requested White bring “assistants” with him and named several UFC fighters. “I am pleased to announce…

Blackhawks take losing streak into game against Carolina

Chicago Blackhawks (4-12-1, in the Central Division) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (13-3-2, in the Metropolitan Division) Raleigh, North Carolina; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to end a five-game losing streak with a victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Carolina is 13-3-2 overall and…

Curator Jada-Amina discusses the Black Harvest Film Festival

CHICAGO — The Black Harvest Film Festival kicks off on Saturday. The festival highlights films from across the African diaspora, highlighting emerging and established talents. Black Harvest Film Festival Curator Jada-Amina joined WGN News on Saturday to discuss the event.

Megan Clauson from The Ultimate Elf shares holiday decorating ideas

CHICAGO — The holidays are quickly approaching, which means its time to bring out those festive decorations. For those looking to spruce up their home or business, The Ultimate Elf may have some ideas for you. Megan Clauson from The Ultimate Elf joined WGN News on Saturday morning to share more.

Money Expert Andrea Woroch shares tips on saving while preparing for the holidays

CHICAGO — While the holidays offer plenty of fun, between the gifts and the food, expenses can quickly rack up. Money expert Andrea Woroch joined WGN News on Saturday morning to share some tips on how to relieve some of the financial pressure this holiday season. Visit Andrea’s Instagram, Facebook, or X page for more…

Chasing the League: NWSL quarterfinals and MLS Decision Day previews

(WCMH) -- The first weekend of November offers up playoff soccer in the NWSL and the chase for playoffs concluding in MLS. In addition to MLS' Decision Day on Saturday, where the 18-team MLS Cup Playoffs bracket will be finalized, the NWSL postseason gets underway on Friday with the quarterfinals taking place across…

PAWS Chicago Pet of the Week: Finnick

CHICAGO — Saturday’s PAWS Pet of the Week is Finnick, a calm and loving 2-month-old male pup. Finnick is affectionate and loves to be held. Since Finnick is just a puppy, he would do well with an owner who can spend some time on training. Think Finnick is the perfect fit for you? Head to PAWS

Weekend Break: The Goddess & Grocer

CHICAGO — Looking for some exotic flavors to spice up your weekend? A locally owned cafe and food market with a globally inspired menu could offer the perfect escape. The Goddess and Grocer is a Chicago-based specialty food market that blends a neighborhood café with a curated marketplace. The Goddess and Grocer has…

ISP troopers search for driver involved in hit-and-run crash in New Lenox

NEW LENOX, Ill. — Illinois State Police troopers are asking for help from the public in the search for a driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a person seriously injured last weekend in New Lenox. According to ISP, the crash occurred between 3:10 a.m. and 3:19 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, on I-80

Schools scramble after Google gives AI ultimatum

(The Hill) — Schools are scrambling after Google said Tuesday that education leaders need to either accept some AI in classrooms or lose access to its search engine. School officials trying to push back on an encroaching AI are in a bind. The tech giant dominates search online, and it didn't give much time

Schools scramble after Google gives AI ultimatum

(The Hill) — Schools are scrambling after Google said Tuesday that education leaders need to either accept some AI in classrooms or lose access to its search engine. School officials trying to push back on an encroaching AI are in a bind. The tech giant dominates search online, and it didn't give much time

US military targets Iranian defense system in latest round of limited strikes

(The Hill) — The U.S. launched new defensive strikes against Iran targeting the country's air defense systems, President Trump said on Friday, describing the strikes as “minor.” The U.S. military previously struck Iran on Monday, just a day before the midterms, targeting Iran’s Qeshm Island, home to an Iranian naval…

Columbus Crew take shutout streak into matchup with the Chicago Fire

Columbus Crew (13-15-5, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Fire (16-10-7, third in the Eastern Conference) Bridgeview, Illinois; Saturday, 3 p.m. CST LINE: Chicago -101, Columbus +219, Draw +289; over/under is 3.5 goals BOTTOM LINE: The Columbus Crew come into a matchup with the Chicago Fire after notching…

2 licensed skydivers die in California after their parachutes become entangled

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (AP) — Two experienced skydivers who were taking part in an organized skydiving event in Southern California were killed after colliding midair and plummeting to the ground. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office on Saturday identified the two who died as Georgia Jean, 56, of Box Elder, South…

Man accused of killing 84-year-old woman in Morgan Park

CHICAGO — Felony charges have been filed against a Chicago man accused of killing an 84-year-old woman earlier this year on the Far South Side. According to Chicago police, 51-year-old Joseph Ruiz, a Chicago resident, has been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder and one felony count of murder with the…