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National News

11 hours ago in National, Trending

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a US general election

Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope to vote in a U.S. general election. The Vatican confirmed Friday that the Chicago-born pontiff had submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of November's midterm elections, citing his long-standing belief in civic participation.

1 week ago in National

Facing a ban on horse-drawn carriages, Central Park’s drivers fear for their future

The horse-drawn carriages that have cruised through Central Park for more than 150 years will soon be banished from New York City, ending an iconic tradition beloved by tourists but long opposed by animal welfare activists.

1 week ago in National

Violent Arizona storms bring possible tornado, toppled trees and golf ball-size hail

Trees fell onto homes and utility poles were knocked down by a possible tornado in a central Arizona community during a series of violent storms that moved through the state overnight into Thursday.

1 week ago in National

The Orionid meteor shower is coming. Here’s how and when to watch

The Orionids — one of two major meteor showers caused by remnants from Halley's comet — will peak this week, though a large moon will dim visibility until after it sets late at night.

2 weeks ago in National

Georgia amusement park reopens as scheduled after roller coaster death

Six Flags Over Georgia opened its gates Friday evening for the first time since a man fell to his death from one of the amusement park's towering roller coasters.

2 weeks ago in National

Cornell suspends fraternity parties, gives state police role in investigating campus assault reports

Cornell University suspended parties at fraternity houses until next year and is giving state police a role in investigating reports of sexual assault on campus in the school's latest response to outrage over its handling of a gang rape allegation.

2 weeks ago in National

A man falls to his death from a Six Flags roller coaster in Georgia

Police are investigating after a man fell to his death from a roller coaster at a Six Flags near Atlanta, watched by other visitors to the amusement park as he was catapulted from the ride.

3 weeks ago in National

Isaias strengthens into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane on track toward the US Gulf Coast

Isaias strengthened Friday into a major hurricane as it headed toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, where final preparations were being made for potentially life-threatening storm surges and high winds.

Sports

4 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Brewers fans flood Milwaukee streets for a long-awaited World Series victory celebration

It was only fitting that the Milwaukee Brewers celebrated their first World Series title with a beer-soaked celebration worthy of their name. "We've had way too many parade beers," team captain and designated hitter Christian Yelich said Friday at a rally that capped a daylong party with fans.

11 hours ago in Sports

Love throws 3 TD passes as the Packers beat the Panthers 27-19

Jordan Love realizes the Green Bay Packers need to finish better. They started out well enough Thursday night that their fourth-quarter struggles didn't really matter.

11 hours ago in Sports

Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin after GM says his agent told team he would no longer play for Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings have suspended Dylan Larkin without pay and taken him off the roster after they said his agent told the team the center will no longer play for the franchise, growing frustrated by its inability to move him months after he asked for a trade.

1 day ago in Sports

Gray scores 23 points to help hot-shooting Dream beat Valkyries 80-69 to force Game 7 of WNBA Finals

The Atlanta Dream's shooters finally found some daylight. And as a result, the Dream's goal of winning their first WNBA championship is still shining bright.

1 day ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Chicago Bears acquire DT Jeffery Simmons in pricey trade with the Tennessee Titans

The Chicago Bears acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in a blockbuster trade with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.

1 day ago in Sports, Trending

Brewers beat the Rays 4-1 in Game 5 to win the first World Series title in franchise history

The small-ball Milwaukee Brewers playing in the smallest market in the majors are World Series champions for the first time. Hey, Milwaukee: grab a brat, raise a beer and prepare for that parade.

2 days ago in IL State News, Local, National, Sports

Illinois is team to beat in Big Ten ahead of Spartans and defending national champion Wolverines

Illinois has been tabbed the team to beat in the preseason media poll despite losing No. 5 overall NBA draft pick Keaton Wagler.

2 days ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Bears defensive end Montez Sweat returns from PED suspension and apologizes to teammates

“I just want to apologize to my teammates, the fan base, everybody, but I’m moving forward now,” Sweat said Tuesday.

Lifestyle

4 hours ago in Lifestyle

Generations of anglers have made the pilgrimage to Montauk to catch striped bass

On most October nights, fishing guide Bill Wetzel can be found navigating the shores of Montauk, New York, in a modified 4x4 pickup truck, rumbling over boulders and thick sand as he scans the surface of the Atlantic for signs of life.

1 day ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Make no bones about it, the giant skeleton has become an American Halloween fixture

It reared its bony head in 2020, during that first, chaotic pandemic year that was rife with grief and fear but also toilet paper hoarding and questionable lockdown-inspired purchases. Behold Skelly, the 12-foot, 90-pound skeleton with glowing LCD eyeballs, on sale for $299 from Home Depot, just in time for Halloween — at least, if you can get your hands on one.

3 days ago in Lifestyle

Tours offer Halloween enthusiasts visits to former psychiatric hospital and funeral home

It's not enough these days for some Halloween enthusiasts to be scared by actors dressed up in spooky getups at makeshift haunted houses: They want the "real" thing.

4 days ago in Business, Fall Guide, Food Scene, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National

Instacart’s Illinois Halloween report: Reese’s is No.1, regional candy quirks and the iconic banana costume

Instacart reports on Halloween trends in Illinois and around the country.

4 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start amid high chocolate prices and affordability concerns

Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start this year as U.S. consumers grapple with high living costs and eye-popping chocolate prices. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to the same period last year, according to NielsenIQ, a market research firm.

6 days ago in Fall Guide, Food Scene, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Memorial Health dietitian highlights importance of blood sugar management

Zeff encourages people to schedule regular medical appointments and get their blood sugar tested, particularly those with a family history of diabetes.

1 week ago in Business, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Illinois regulators move to bring video gambling under self-exclusion program

Slot machines light up the front window of a bar in Golconda, Illinois. (Credit: Julia Rendleman for Capitol News Illinois)

The state’s extensive network of video gambling terminals is one of the largest gaps in the program.

1 week ago in Lifestyle

The new wedding budget: Where couples are spending more, and less

Modern Gents reports average wedding spending hit $34,200 in 2025, highlighting that couples prioritize experiences and personalization while balancing budgets amid rising costs.

Local News from Capitol City Now

5 hours ago in Crime, Local

Bell: Sangamon County Jail isn’t safe, but I’ll change that if elected

Bell says the jail is in disrepair, and getting that up to code is job one.

9 hours ago in Local

Little middle ground seen on proposed landlord registry

An advisory referendum is on Tuesday's ballot.

11 hours ago in Education, IL State News, Local

District 186 superintendent: Celebrate the progress, not the number

IL Report Card: Proficiency, attendance, and graduation rate, while still low, are all increasing.

13 hours ago in Business, IL State News, Local

Pritzker, Illinois Housing Development Authority announce $156 million investment in housing

For sale for rent sign in front of home showing economic signs of increased inflation and mortgage rates depicting housing market crisis and financial troubles

BUILD plan includes programs to make affordable housing for homebuyers.

13 hours ago in Business, IL State News, Local

Morgan County voters to weigh in on data center restrictions

The nonbinding question asks whether the county should restrict data center construction and operations.

13 hours ago in IL State News, Local

Springfield man killed in crash on I-57 outside Effingham

David Vorties, 50, was found trapped and unresponsive in his vehicle.

Entertainment News

4 hours ago in Entertainment

Prosecutors drop felony charge against rapper Rick Ross in domestic violence case

Prosecutors have dropped a felony charge against rapper Rick Ross a month after he was arrested in Miami Beach when a woman he was living with told police he hit her, court records said.

10 hours ago in Entertainment

Hugh Jackman, William Shatner and George Takei among those paying tribute to Patrick Stewart

The death of Patrick Stewart at 86 led to a slew of tributes, including from acting colleagues and even Marvel Studios. Known for his roles as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" films, Stewart died in Los Angeles on Wednesday after what his spokesperson described as a "brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia.

1 day ago in Entertainment, Trending

Patrick Stewart, legendary actor of ‘Star Trek’ and ‘X-Men’ fame, dies at 86

Patrick Stewart, the classically trained actor who added Shakespearean gravitas to the "Star Trek" and "X-Men" franchises, has died. He was 86. Stewart died Wednesday in Los Angeles, following "a brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia, spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak said.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Hometown of ‘Addams Family’ creator becomes ghoulish Halloween destination

Before there was "The Addams Family," there was Westfield. Cartoonist Charles Addams, who created the eccentric, fictional family, drew inspiration for his signature macabre style from the elegant Victorian homes, historic cemetery and other landmarks of his New Jersey hometown.

1 day ago in Entertainment

South Carolina police close investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death after coroner’s ruling

Police in South Carolina have closed their investigation into the overdose death of actor Hayden Panettiere following a coroner's finding that it was accidental. The decision was based on the medical examiner's determination as well as the findings of the investigation, Greenville police said Wednesday in a statement.

2 days ago in Entertainment, IL State News, National

Susan Saint James, Emmy-winning actor of ‘McMillan & Wife’ and ‘Kate & Allie,’ dies at 80

Susan Saint James at the award ceremony honoring Susan Saint James with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA. 06-11-08

Born Susan Jane Miller on Aug. 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, she was raised in the northern Illinois city of Rockford, where her father had transferred for work.

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