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

On December 1st, 46-year-old George Gnewuch was driving in Crystal Lake when the McHenry County State's Attorney says Gnewuch crossed a median and crashed into another vehicle. Gnewuch was later arrested and his Blood Alcohol Content was twice the legal limit. At a hearing on Thursday, the State revealed that Gnewuch was convicted of DUI in five different years since 1984.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on the spread of the classic Chicago tradition known as "dibs."

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on a new effort by state leaders to reduce crashes involving powerful e-bikes and scooters.

Current college student and alum of St. Hubert in Hoffman Estates Michael Kennedy has started a GoFundMe page to try to save the school from closure this year. It comes a week after the Archdiocese announced its closure due to declining enrollment.

The Museum of Contemporary Photography newest exhibit titled “MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades” celebrates five decades of collecting. The exhibit features 135 photos from the museum's collection.

A new book is giving the world an in-depth look at the life and career of longtime Channel 2 anchorman, Bill Kurtis, and people may or may not be surprised by why Kurtis who is 85 years old decided to write the book "Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News" now. "What prompted it, was a fear that my tombstone would have 'Anchorman, The Movie' written on it because so many people now say 'oh yeah, you were the narrator in that movie,' and I like to say 'you know, I did a lot more -- like 60 years -- before that movie came along," explains Kurtis.

A new book is giving the world an in-depth look at the life and career of longtime Channel 2 anchorman, Bill Kurtis, and people may or may not be surprised by why Kurtis who is 85 years old decided to write the book "Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News" now. "What prompted it, was a fear that my tombstone would have 'Anchorman, The Movie' written on it because so many people now say 'oh yeah, you were the narrator in that movie,' and I like to say 'you know, I did a lot more -- like 60 years -- before that movie came along," explains Kurtis.

Bill Kurtis releases memoir: "Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News" full 225 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:40:33 +0000 DlfnQrmuFGxrink45Yw8BGghk92vSpc6 news Chicago All Local news Bill Kurtis releases memoir: "Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News" 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.amperwave

The iconic sweater vest that Bears head coach Mike Ditka wore during Super Bowl 20 is up for auction. Ditka wrote and signed a letter confirming that the clothing is authentic. A recent bid on Wednesday for the sweater vest was for 82-thousand dollars. The auction will run through February 7th.

A strong defense is your best bet when it comes to Big Game betting scams. Jay Elliott with the Better Business Bureau's Tip-Off to the Rip-Off® on WBBM Newsradio has tips.

Your water bill could be going up. Illinois American Water filed a rate hike with the Illinois Commerce Commission to raise the water bills of average users by 14 dollars a month.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is describing ICE as President Trump's "secret police" following the latest fatal shooting by agents in Minneapolis.

Indiana lawmakers advance Ten Commandments legislation full 56 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:41:33 +0000 MryxCZB4PsJBBYV77yGzTpBHlwAJHoS7 news Chicago All Local news Indiana lawmakers advance Ten Commandments legislation 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

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson is expressing reservations about a bid for Chicago to host the Democratic National Convention in 2028.

The founder of PETA---Ingrid Newkirk---told the DAILY HERALD {quote}: "Woodstock Willie is jostled around in front of rambunctious crowds when he should be hibernating". PETA says Willie could be replaced by a 3D holographic projection or an AI-powered robot groundhog. Despite the request for change, officials say Willie will be in Woodstock Square on February 2nd at 7 a.m. to share his prediction if there will be six more weeks of winter.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on a new proposal spelling out who investigates complaints against Chicago police officers tied to the city's welcoming policies for immigrants.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson's effort to hold ICE agents accountable for crimes during federal immigration raids.

For the second time in roughly a year, the owner of a popular restaurant in Avondale has been ordered to stay away from a female co-worker. A Cook County judge approved an order of protection against Trevor Fleming after he was charged with nonconsensual dissemination of a sexual image.

West Chicago residents outraged over remark made by teacher full 50 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:40:02 +0000 ir5HbD7omDJ9Xqh64EytsLNPXHip8ANA news Chicago All Local news West Chicago residents outraged over remark made by teacher 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.amperwavepodcastin

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on testimony from the Minneapolis City Council president during a Chicago City Council hearing.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on how last weekend's fatal shooting by ICE agents in Minneapolis could spark a partial federal government shutdown.

Some duck hunters in Indiana had to be rescued after their boat froze in a river during this weekend's winter storm. The Department of Natural Resources says they received a call for help at around 11:30am Saturday about five men stuck in a boat on the White River near Haysville.

The annual Jean Banchet Awards recognize the best of Chicago's culinary scene. The awards debuted in 2002 and are named for the late restaurateur Jean Banchet, who put Chicago dining on the map in the 1970s and ‘80s with Le Francais.

Made in Chicago S&G Restaurant full 108 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:07:44 +0000 qYNG2uQhluYFQehPeEkRNyqbrC3p167W news Chicago All Local news Made in Chicago S&G Restaurant 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%2

Just a day after snow fell across the Chicago area, the city is marking the 59th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1967, the most powerful snowstorm in its history.

Wienermobile race headed for Indy full 30 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:23:14 +0000 bYByNCpdutQ6TXEwgdjPwjJNEHpAEYuT news Chicago All Local news Wienermobile race headed for Indy 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%2

Record snowfall followed by dangerous cold continued to create hazardous travel conditions across central Indiana on Monday, as police and snowplow crews responded to dozens of crashes and hundreds of stranded motorists.

Police in Marengo say they will increase patrols at the community's middle school this week after a juvenile reportedly made a threat to bring a weapon to campus.

A Chicago man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he shot and seriously injured a woman and then fired at officers on the city's South Side.

As Chicago's arctic weather continues, a weekly coat and warm clothing drive is underway at a popular indoor farmers market.

The Archdiocese of Chicago has announced the planned permanent closure of several schools.

Military veterans put up billboard encouraging to disobey illegal orders

With many changes to the new tax code, scammers are expected to flood consumers with phony messages this tax season. Jordan Wright with the Better Business Bureau's Tip-Off to the Rip-Off® on WBBM Newsradio has the scoop.

It's not just humans who dislike these sub-zero temperatures - trees can have volatile reactions too. The internet has stories of trees exploding due to rapidly dropping temperatures but an expert from the Morton Arboretum says that's rare. Plant Clinic Manager Sharon Yielsa says frost cracks are much more likely.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on the introduction of the St. Patrick's Day Parade queen at Chicago City Hall.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on a new initiative designed to cater to the CTA's youngest passengers.

Chicago's extreme cold could be taking a toll on your tech. Carl Prouty, Technologist at Abt, tells us Batteries will discharge at a faster rate, adding continued exposure to the extreme cold can have a permanent effect.

Eleven-year-old Peoria native Amelia Ly performed Beethoven's “Piano Concerto No. 2” with the Lviv National Philharmonic of Ukraine on January 16. The concert marked Amelia's international orchestral debut.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed a mandatory retirement age of 75 for workers in all three branches of the federal government.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on a vote in Chicago City Council to restrict sales of Delta-8 and similar hemp-based products.

A famous designer will help cancer patients on Chicago's south side and south suburbs. A grant from the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation will establish the first cancer center bearing his name in the Midwest and the fourth in the country.

A man in Woodstock suffered a severe head injury after falling from a forklift.