The top news stories from WBBM Newsradio's 4:30PM news block
WBBM's Carolina Garibay gets a first look at Chicagoland's newest Harry Potter experience in Ingleside. "Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience" takes visitors inside the famous Harry Potter forest through an outdoor trail where they can meet characters and creatures and cast spells.
Fans heading to the United Center this season will find more than hockey and basketball on the schedule. The arena, in partnership with the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls and hospitality partner Levy, has unveiled its biggest off-season food and beverage expansion yet.
Thursday was the groundbreaking of a new FedEx distribution center. Indiana Governor Mike Braun says the 300-thousand-square foot facility will "inspire a lot of other people to invest here". Gary Mayor Eddie Melton says the FedEx distribution center is expected to open in 2027 and create 6-hundred jobs.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson says he's lobbying the Legislature for full funding for the area's public transit agencies.
Five people were arrested during protests outside the ICE processing facility in Broadview Friday morning. Concrete barriers that were installed on Beach Street entrance Thursday night are now lining both entrances.
The United Center unveiled a major renovation to its Banner Level, turning what was once a row of traditional suites into a mix of new seating options designed to give fans more flexibility and affordability.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Mayor Brandon Johnson says he'll fight for $2 billion in federal transit money blocked by the Trump Administration.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on the first candidate to enter the 2027 race for Chicago mayor.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on an expanded partnership to offer food assistance to students at the City Colleges of Chicago.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on a new watchdog report exploring the discrepancy in Chicago-area water rates.
A Prospect Heights woman has been found not guilty of a hit-and-run in Lake County that killed a Glenview man four years ago. On Wednesday, a Lake County judge acquitted Amanda Cisneros-Elacio of two felonies: causing a crash with injury or death and failing to report it.
Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Snoopy, Pig-Pen, and of course, Good Ol' Charlie Brown are all celebrating a birthday. The very first "Peanuts" comic strip appeared on October 2, 1950 in just seven newspapers including the Chicago Tribune. WBBM Newsradio's Terry Keshner reports.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on movement among declared and potential candidates in the 2027 race for mayor of Chicago.
Purdue part of Amelia Earhart expedition full 58 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:21:49 +0000 D27aFRuC2aKqFANtr5iWHAhMgjXRqenw news Chicago All Local news Purdue part of Amelia Earhart expedition A dive into the top headlines in Chicago, delivering the news you need in 10 minutes or less multiple times a day from WBBM Newsradio. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=htt
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports attorneys are asking Cook County's chief judge to issue an order blocking warrantless arrests outside courthouses.
The Orland Park Police Department is unveiling a specially decorated cruiser featuring a pink camouflage wrap, breast cancer awareness ribbons, and the message “Join the Fight". Orland Park police officers assigned to drive and ride in the cruiser will wear pink patches on the front and back of their vests.
Peanuts Comic Strip Turns 75 full 50 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:48:09 +0000 I8uYPXfiMqdERRSdH63DCwZXriMTqhDz news Chicago All Local news Peanuts Comic Strip Turns 75 A dive into the top headlines in Chicago, delivering the news you need in 10 minutes or less multiple times a day from WBBM Newsradio. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Fr
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports state health leaders are urging people in Illinois to ask their doctors for advice rather than heeding comments from the White House or social media.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Governor Pritzker is open to supporting state-funded infrastructure around a planned new Bears stadium in Arlington Heights.
New Choose Chicago data shows hotels in the city broke a few all-time records over the summer.
Halloween may be near, but holiday hiring is already underway. Just beware, not every job offer is a gift. Kayla Palmore with the Better Business Bureau's Tip-Off to the Rip-Off® on WBBM Newsradio has more.
This week's Made in Chicago features a horror-themed coffee shop in Avondale that started off as a place for co-owner Nick Mayor to house his extensive horror collection.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot is helping Broadview leaders as they try to stop ICE actions against demonstrators.
Lincoln Park Zoo's annual ZooLights event takes place November 21st through January 4th. More than 3-million lights are used. Tickets already are on sale for Lincoln Park Zoo members. Tickets go on sale for the general public on October 7th.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson both condemned President Trump's suggestion that the Pentagon send troops into U.S. cities to serve as "training grounds."
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports the mayor of Broadview is calling on ICE agents to stop using chemical irritants and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators outside their processing facility in the suburb.
The McHenry Outdoor Theatre is inviting all "Swifties" to come out and watch "Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl." The film is being shown in theaters worldwide to celebrate the release of Swift's 12th studio album "The Life of a Showgirl" coming out Oct. 3.
The Bears chances of getting a hand on the Raiders game winning 54-yard field goal attempt ...less than 2%. Josh Liss reports.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Governor Pritzker says DHS has requested the activation of National Guard forces to protect ICE facilities and agents in Illinois.
Wine aficionados can head to Jonquil Park this weekend for the ninth annual Lincoln Park Wine fest. The funds go towards improvements at Jonquil Park.
25-thousand women are sex trafficked in the Chicagoland area every year. In today's Difference Maker, WBBM's Lisa Fielding introduces us to a non profit organization that's giving women a second chance at life.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski is voicing support for federal immigration enforcement in Chicago, while taking aim at Governor JB Pritzker's handling of the issue.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports some members of Chicago City Council called on Mayor Johnson to condemn posts praising Black liberation figure Assata Shakur.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports City Council members representing Chicago's downtown are condemning ICE deployments on the Mag Mile and around Millennium Park.
The Illinois Secretary of State's office opened a new driver services facility in Orland Park, ensuring residents continue to have access to licenses, road exams and vehicle registration after the township canceled its previous lease.
Chicago park accredited as an arboretum full 65 Sat, 27 Sep 2025 16:49:18 +0000 hWUxutgkuU0Wc7euazwoHo1PQVrWfn19 news Chicago All Local news Chicago park accredited as an arboretum A dive into the top headlines in Chicago, delivering the news you need in 10 minutes or less multiple times a day from WBBM Newsradio. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=http
Michael R. Quinlan began his career with the fast food giant in 1963 while in college, working in McDonald's mailroom. After several promotions, Quinlan was named McDonald's CEO in 1987 and served in that position until 1998, while overseeing the restaurant chain's global expansion.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports city leaders are celebrating a milestone in the construction of protected bike lanes in Chicago.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Illinois leaders are breaking with the federal government over the new guidance on acetaminophen and autism.
Agents fired pepper spray and tear gas Friday morning at protesters who once again tried to block activity outside the ICE Detention Center in Broadview. The tension comes after last week saw violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement and just days after a fatal shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas.
WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports the U.S. Border Patrol has launched boats into the Chicago River.
Chicago's Avondale neighborhood is one of the “39 coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2025" according to Time Out. The online magazine says part of a neighborhood's coolness includes “terrific food and beverage options, vibrant culture, a bustling nightlife scene and a strong sense of community".