Chicago News

Daywatch: Chatham neighbors flock to show support for family of slain girl

By baiduhai

October 7, 2026 at 6:50 a.m.

Good morning, Chicago. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your...

This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Tropical Depression Nine forming over the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. (NOAA via AP)

Tropical Storm Isaias forms, forecast to become a hurricane and hit the US Gulf Coast this week

By Associated Press

October 7, 2026 at 6:07 a.m.

Tropical Storm Isaias formed early Wednesday in the warm waters off eastern Mexico and forecasters...

Emergency vehicles arrive at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution after the execution of Christa Pike was halted Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Christa Pike is awake after failed execution as her attorneys seek more information

By Associated Press

October 7, 2026 at 6:08 a.m.

Death row inmate Christa Pike has regained consciousness after Tennessee’s failed attempt to execute her...

A meeting to discuss the potential impact of the proposed O'Hare Flyer high-speed train drew heated debate Thursday, Oct. 1 at Proviso Math and Science Academy in Forest Park. (Cam'ron Hardy/Pioneer Press)

O’Hare Flyer’s potential impact on west suburbs debated at Forest Park meeting

By Cam'ron Hardy

October 5, 2026 at 12:56 p.m.

Community members gathered to learn more about the O'Hare Flyer which is in talks to...

Demonstrators march during a protest against Cornell University's handling of the 2024 fraternity-house gang rape allegations at the campus, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, in Ithaca, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Crowd of students protests Cornell’s response to gang rape complaint

By Leah Willingham

October 6, 2026 at 6:24 a.m.

Cornell’s main administration building was splashed with graffiti and a glass door was broken overnight...

Holly Spurlock, member of the Oak Park School District 97 board, listens to students from Abraham Lincoln Elementary School ask the board for more recess time during a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (Cam'ron Hardy/Pioneer Press)

District 97 students petition School Board: Bring back recess

By Cam'ron Hardy

October 5, 2026 at 11:58 a.m.

Students requested the return of their daily 15-minute physical education activity after it was reduced...

The U.S. Capitol is seen Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Top crypto group to pour millions into bipartisan slate of House races

By Joey Cappelletti

October 5, 2026 at 11:53 a.m.

A top cryptocurrency campaign organization is unveiling a bipartisan list of House members that it...

FILE – Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, speaks during a campaign rally at a coffee shop, Aug. 3, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Barack Obama is to appear with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit

By Joey Cappelletti

October 5, 2026 at 11:16 a.m.

Former President Barack Obama will campaign alongside Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit later...

Passengers enter the CTA 95th Street station on Dec. 15, 2025, beneath a sign for the planned Red Line Extension. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

CTA in settlement talks with feds in Red Line Extension lawsuit

By Talia Soglin

October 5, 2026 at 12:13 p.m.

The Chicago Transit Authority is in settlement talks with the U.S. Department of Transportation in...

Crime scene pictures are taken after a police-involved shooting in an alley behind the 5600 block of South Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Washington Park neighborhood on Nov. 18, 2025. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Chicago homicides in 2026: Here’s how the numbers compare with previous years

By Kori Rumore

October 5, 2026 at 9:48 a.m.

Chicago homicide data, which is updated on this page weekly, is through Oct. 3, 2026.

This undated photo released by the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East, shows the institute workers in a lab. (The Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East via AP)

Russia reports worker at Siberian plague institute got pneumonia from an unknown cause and died

By Associated Press

October 5, 2026 at 9:37 a.m.

Russian authorities have quarantined a hospital and are monitoring contacts of an employee at a...

“I look forward to bringing my unique perspective from my experience as White House press secretary, along with the same energy and candor that defied my tenure, to Fox’s millions of viewers across their many platform,” Karoline Leavitt said in announcing she’s joining Fox News. (JACQUELYN MARTIN/AP FILE)

Karoline Leavitt set to join Fox News as on-air contributor

By Associated Press

October 5, 2026 at 9:41 a.m.

Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is taking on a new role at Fox...

Kezia Freeman leaves a stuffed animal and flowers at a memorial on Oct. 5, 2026, in the 8600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood where a 7-year-old girl was stabbed to death Saturday while walking with her sister. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Woman charged in ‘unprovoked’ stabbing death of 7-year-old girl

By Caroline Kubzansky

October 5, 2026 at 8:33 p.m.

Authorities have accused a 48-year-old woman of stabbing a 7-year-old girl to death, unprovoked, on...