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

Many Sunbelt and coastal markets entered a correction or stagnation phase last year, but Chicago stands out as a rare “comeback market". That's according to the new annual report from RENTOMETER which says nationally, single-family rent prices from 2024 to 2025 moved up less than 1%, while rent prices in Chicago rocketed up 6.8 %, making it a top rent gainer among large cities in the U.S..

A Chicago man is ordered to remain in the Cook County jail while awaiting trial for allegedly throwing his estranged wife from the 24th floor of a South Loop condo building.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on the signing of a new state law covering the sealing of records for non-violent offenders.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on new pressure from suburban leaders to get state lawmakers on board with help for a new Bears stadium.

University of Illinois trustees approved a 2% increase in tuition for in-state freshmen on all three campuses next fall and voted to raise costs for those who are out of state, international or graduate students.

WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports on former VP Harris addressing the Chicago MLK Interfaith Breakfast

New stadium authority would pay for a new Bears stadium in Indiana full 48 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:44:50 +0000 oOe9gv40N5a1oEawYIlesTWUObXYXSwZ news Chicago All Local news New stadium authority would pay for a new Bears stadium in Indiana 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.amperwavepo

WWII soldier full 40 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:30:16 +0000 vxDN5vorbtijaT9f4xfDWtjz7lE09BKr news Chicago All Local news WWII soldier 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.amperwave.net

Arrest in murder of Morton East student full 54 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:38:20 +0000 Isg6ypNQ9zp4LYBBIgYXZBWxUg2BMM9A news Chicago All Local news Arrest in murder of Morton East student 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

People took 12.9-million trips on shared bikes and scooters in Chicago in 2025. That's nearly 2-million more rides than the previous year. Mayor Brandon Johnson credits the increased use to "expanding Divvy stations, creating protected bike lanes, and investing in infrastructure that serves all modes of transportation". The yearly total of shared bike and scooter rides in Chicago includes Lime scooters operating under City-issued licenses.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on a request from Bally's as it builds a permanent casino along the Chicago River.

The two "Wicked" stars stopped by the Art Institute of Chicago Tuesday to pose for a photo to promote an upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim's musical “Sunday in the Park with George” in London.

Meatless Startup Is Closing full 29 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:10:22 +0000 6VIpe1f3KKNRARu9aUpzU9qm7XNipxi0 local news,news Chicago All Local local news,news Meatless Startup Is Closing 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%2Frs

Braun touts efforts to lure the Bears to Indiana full 39 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:07:56 +0000 89EUr5A14JkVu1W7nujo6hRXqnpvTBUd news Chicago All Local news Braun touts efforts to lure the Bears to Indiana 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-

The BBB has identified the top reported scams to look out for in 2026 and discovered the volume of scam reports doubled over last year. Kayla Palmore with the Better Business Bureau's Tip-Off to the Rip-Off® on WBBM Newsradio reports.

Time Out Market Chicago has announced that its final day of operations will be January 23rd. CEO Michael Marlay says the food, beverage and events hall in Fulton Market is closing due to inconsistent foot traffic and increasing operating costs. Time Out Chicago opened in 2019 and is a showcase for nearly 20 eateries and bars serving a diverse collection of cuisines and drinks.

Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly formally introduced articles of impeachment against US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. She said she has the backing of 70 members of Congress.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson's response to plans by President Trump to cut off federal funding for "sanctuary" cities, starting February 1.

Chesterton discusses racism full 60 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:55:12 +0000 WJYYQzCuddI62uiS28sQxLBK5a1xeNkC news Chicago All Local news Chesterton discusses racism 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%2Frs

Armon A. Hill of Merrillville used a legitimate but inactive corporation to get 840-thousand-dollars in Covid relief funds, according to federal prosecutors. The POST TRIBUNE reports Hill used some of the money for trips to France and Dubai and shopping sprees to Gucci and Neiman Marcus. Prosecutors say Hill pleaded guilty to fraud, and on Tuesday was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz updates the status of negotiations over a potential new home for the Chicago Bears.

Manuel Rojas and his mother Grace Rojas are the owners of Foam Party Hats, which makes the iconic cheese grater hats Bears fans and players have been seen wearing during games against the Packers.

A suburban bakery is getting ready to move out of the space where it has served customers since 1959. Debbie Milks' parents and grandparents opened Jarosh Bakery at the corner of Arlington Heights and Higgins Roads in Elk Grove and she remains a manager.

Wisconsin's only official Bears bar is located just northwest of Lake Geneva, in Delavan, where Cory Aune, owner of the Pepperoni Pub, says he does get some pushback from Packers fans but many of his native Wisconsin customers are more than willing to ‘Bear Down'.

This week's Made in Chicago highlights a longtime Humboldt Park shop that specializes in holistic wellness and religious goods. It's one of Chicago's oldest Latina owned shops.

An 18-year-old Aurora man has been sentenced to prison following a narcotics and firearms investigation that led to the seizure of illegal drugs and multiple weapons, including a fully automatic firearm, authorities said.

A vigil is held, as community members pack the Unitarian Church of Evanston to remember those who have died in ICE custody and in other interactions with federal immigration law enforcers over the past year. Catalyzed by the fatal shooting of Renee Good this last week in Minneapolis, organizers with Indivisible Evanston continue urging a response to ICE that is “calm, lawful, and community-centered.”

A Chicago man has been charged with murder and attempted murder in a shooting aboard a CTA Pink Line train that left one man dead and another wounded last month in the Loop.

Gridiron Report: Bears Underdogs Again After 'Grate-est' Playoff Comeback in Team History full 159 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:36:48 +0000 xjP53AfYlzmguEeis7gHKoMgHJiTiHFK news Chicago All Local news Gridiron Report: Bears Underdogs Again After 'Grate-est' Playoff Comeback in Team History 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 htt

A Chicago man has been charged in the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old woman in the city's South Shore neighborhood, police said.

Nail-biting fourth-quarter finishes by the Chicago Bears may be thrilling for fans, but cardiologists say the stress they cause is very real, even if it's unlikely to do lasting harm for most viewers.

A California man is facing felony charges after police say he threatened a relative with a shotgun during a standoff Sunday afternoon in Northwest Indiana.

Chicago Housing Authority held a networking event for 100 college students who are members of CHA. The event brought in 20 corporate representatives.

A vote will be held next week to determine the future of an over 100-year-old building in the Southwest suburbs. The Art Deco-style Jackson Square Antique Mall sits at 112 E. Burlington in La Grange.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on U.S. Senator Dick Durbin's view of his vote to end last year's government shutdown.

There's a good chance you've seen kids zipping around on electric scooters or e-bikes without helmets. A new survey from Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago finds the majority of Illinois parents are not pushing their kids to protect their heads while riding them.

Movie filmed in Michigan City premieres full 66 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:08:35 +0000 mCyO35XfNLJmQeG2ZIxK07HdPfUIxEzu news Chicago All Local news Movie filmed in Michigan City premieres 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

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on reaction from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and his main Republican challenger Darren Bailey to this week's fatal shooting by an ICE agent of a woman in Minneapolis.

The off-price retailer will add to an already bustling corridor including retailers like Lululemon, Crate & Barrel and Sephora. Renita Young reports.

Lightfoot launches Ice Accountability Project full 53 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:23:51 +0000 j72sFGCFrVs3nfji5wwyXmebAgNbpZXR news Chicago All Local news Lightfoot launches Ice Accountability Project 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-lin

As the holiday season winds down, scammers are setting their sights on a new target: your holiday spending points. Jay Elliott with the Better Business Bureau's Tip-Off to the Rip-Off® on WBBM Newsradio reports.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Mayor Brandon Johnson is raising the possibility of city layoffs, citing concerns about budget projections.