The top news stories from WBBM Newsradio's 4:30PM news block

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on new questions surrounding Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's campaign fundraising.

After losing his grandfather, Englewood native Jay WIlburn created BestFarewell, a digital platform designed to help families manage funeral planning and estate paperwork during times of loss.

The Illinois Horsemen's Association claims its members has received bounced checks from Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney Illinois. Reported by Glenn Marshall.

Chicago Uber and Lyft rides will start to cost more in certain areas starting Tuesday as part of a new "congestion tax."

Dangers of shelf ice on Lake Michigan shore full 56 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:31:28 +0000 AUQSLHj56JkWcLXjiFGe3eX4BF95nV6f news Chicago All Local news Dangers of shelf ice on Lake Michigan shore 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=

Four new Barnes & Noble stores are opening in 2026, including one at 150 N. State Street in the Loop. The others are planned for Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, Oak Park and Hyde Park.

New data shows significant drop in line of duty law enforcement deaths in 2025 full 46 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:20:15 +0000 f8L6YcYgibp8OzKvn2NdXKyjHcl59mRc news Chicago All Local news New data shows significant drop in line of duty law enforcement deaths in 2025 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

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on a new rate increase request from Peoples Gas.

A Will County Grand Jury returned a sealed indictment on December 9th, Joan Bernal was last seen on that date 37 years ago. Her husband at the time, Gilbert Bernal Sr., is now suspected of her murder at 82-years-old. He was officially charged with first degree murder on Monday January 5, 2026.

Outside Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, local faith leaders demand accountability when it comes to the most recent property tax assessments they say have increased unfairly for residents on the South and West Sides of the city while being reduced for wealthy property owners downton.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on how Cook County leaders are helping people facing the loss of their health insurance following the expiration of ACA tax credits.

Chicago is mourning the loss of chef, entrepreneur and creative force Steve Chiapetti, who died unexpectedly Friday at the age of 58.

The College of Lake County has received the largest donation in its history – a more than $6 million gift aimed at helping students complete their degrees with fewer financial barriers.

Very high flu activity reported in Illinois full 46 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:39:20 +0000 oRdqLKjlXrjfp8SPHXKIDmsttikXGlPR news Chicago All Local news Very high flu activity reported in Illinois 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=

A convenience store employee was injured during an early-morning robbery Monday at a 7-Eleven on the city's Northwest Side, police said. The incident happened just before 2 a.m. in the 2900 block of West Montrose Avenue, in the Albany Park–Ravenswood Manor area.

Gridiron Report: Lions Pride Tames Bears, Who Carry Losing Streak into Packers Playoff full 166 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:34:42 +0000 JLOrmFicnXEqxR8uIusY1kAYPun6NNJr news Chicago All Local news Gridiron Report: Lions Pride Tames Bears, Who Carry Losing Streak into Packers Playoff 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:

A Lake County man has been charged with felony retail theft after authorities say he stole thousands of dollars' worth of collectible sports cards during the grand opening of a new card shop near Grayslake.

Chicago police are warning residents about a series of armed robberies reported in the Washington Park and West Woodlawn neighborhoods on the city's South Side.

A man was critically injured Sunday evening after being shot by a gunman inside a stolen vehicle on the city's South Side, police said. The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. in the 800 block of East 79th Street in the Grand Crossing neighborhood.

Bears Ticket Scams full 30 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:32:23 +0000 Ze8v7k7vLATgIVuoY53ULWyBZ5IIiOB1 local news,local,news Chicago All Local local news,local,news Bears Ticket Scams 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%2Frss.amperwa

No matter the industry, starting a business begins with clear preparation. Many new ventures don't fail because the idea is bad, they struggle because expectations were unrealistic.

Just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Khyree Mosley went into the Apple Store on Jefferson Avenue and stole three iPhones. That's according to the DuPage County State's Attorney who says Mosley fled in a vehicle from Naperville Police, but was caught by Minooka Police at about 9 p.m.. Mosley faces felony and misdemeanor charges, and his next court date is scheduled for February 11th.

A popular steak and seafood brand abruptly exits the Loop.

Northwest suburban Walmart closes after a fire New Year's Eve.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on how Cook County's hospital system is preparing for the loss of ACA subsidies.

Chicago drivers will pay more than eight dollars to cross over into Indiana on the Skyway in 2026

The forecast may have your family fighting over the thermostat, but there are medical reasons why some of us feel the cold more than others. Family medicine Dr. Santina Wheat from Northwestern's Delnor Hospital in Geneva says aging, diabetes, smoking and problems with blood clots can cause poor circulation, leading to cold hands and feet.

MCG Winery in Elk Grove Village is now open for private tasting appointments at 110 Joey Drive. The new location doubles as a production facility and tasting room for the company.

New year, new deals—but watch out! Scammers love this season as much as you do. Jordan Wright with the Better Business Bureau's Tip-Off to the Rip-Off® on WBBM Newsradio has tips.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports an alliance of sports betting sites is taking its fight over new rules in Chicago to court.

ACT Now Illinois filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the U.S. Department of Education's decision to discontinue two federal Full-Service Community Schools grants that support schools and families across Illinois.

Hosting Kwanzaa celebrations for more than 20 years, Malcolm X College continues to honor African heritage and culture during it's week-long celebration.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on Chicago's plan to keep riders safe on CTA trains, buses and platforms during New Year's Eve.

Whiting, Indiana is getting ready to welcome 2026 with its traditional pierogi drop. This is the tenth year Knights of Columbus Council 1696 has been counting down with a pierogi but organizers switched from a crane to a 50-foot flag pole to lower an illuminated plywood and foam board pierogi into a cauldron.

It's a woman owned business that brings the arts to Chicago...and it's celebrating a major milestone this year. WBBM's Lisa Fielding has this week's Made In Chicago.

Gridiron Report; Bears Still Feel Like Contenders After Close Call Loss in Santa Clara. full 160 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:28:49 +0000 9wsGt1HYhRBWnEGityVR1MOWOMzCEzRo news Chicago All Local news Gridiron Report; Bears Still Feel Like Contenders After Close Call Loss in Santa Clara. 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

The holidays are a challenging time to prevent gun violence because of unsecured firearms during holiday parts.

A computer system created by Tyler Technologies failed to distribute property tax funds to local governments. Now, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas says she is using an emergency action to distribute 2.3-billion dollars in property tax funds via a bank-to-bank automated clearing house transaction to 500 Cook County governments to pay their bills. Pappas calls Tyler Technologies' errors "unacceptable".

The Salvation Army is making a last-minute appeal to Chicagoans as its annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign heads toward its traditional Christmas Eve close, still well short of its year-end goal.

Holiday Heart Syndrome full 63 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:58:03 +0000 KRWpMbuEFpaRk2MvTCrV7ewlgeLfanc1 news Chicago All Local news Holiday Heart Syndrome 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%2Frss.amp

As you set your New Year's resolutions, make protecting yourself from scams your top priority. Kayla Palmore with the Better Business Bureau's Tip-Off to the Rip-Off® on WBBM Newsradio has more.

Time is running out to visit Chicago's Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza before it closes for the season.