Rain will likely start in the afternoon, with the heavier rains and thunderstorms moving in by 6 p.m., the National Weather Service said

Illinois is reporting its first influenza death in a child this season

Flu activity is very high across Illinois coming out of Christmas week, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.

You may be surprised at how much you’re spending on things like coffees and TV subscriptions. Try keeping track of all expenses for a full month.

Space heaters are most often responsible for home-heating fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Illinois’ statewide 1% grocery tax will go away on Jan. 1, though many people will continue to pay it at the local level.

Scam texts typically claim that the recipient’s vehicle registration or driving privileges are at risk of suspension and prompt immediate action through a link.

The Salvation Army encourages Illinoisans to consider post-holiday giving. “As the year comes to a close, the need in our communities does not,” said Lt. Colonel Jonathan Rich,

Launch snowballs, test a blubber glove in icy water, explore the northern lights and warm up with hot chocolate at the Illinois State Museum.

Expect some slick roads late Tuesday afternoon and again on New Year's Eve as periods of light snow move in

The biggest increase in hospital admissions for the flu in Illinois is in children ages 5 to 17. Only 1 in 5 Illinois residents has received the flu vaccine

Strong winds, with gusts ranging from 45 to 55 mph, will usher in a cold front Sunday night that could result in snow showers in some areas, the National Weather Service said.

After more than a decade of whole milk being absent from school cafeterias, legislation allowing for more milk options awaits the president’s signature.

Planned Parenthood provided services for nearly 35,000 Illinois Medicaid customers across the state in 2024, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services said.

It is important to know how credit can change your spending power as well as know how you can recognize the danger signs of credit misuse.

After the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Congress appropriated $1 billion to permanently bring 14,000 mental health professionals into the schools that needed it the most.

Although this Christmas will be warmer than usual, it is far from the record set on Christmas Day in 1982, when the temperature hit 64 degrees.

Before you run out the door this Christmas — whether it’s to buy last-minute gifts or simply get out of the house — it’s wise to double-check operating hours, which can differ depending on their location.

The law created funding to support small farmers and food distributors — those with fewer than 50 employees — in producing locally grown food for Illinois communities.

“These times can be difficult, but also finding a way to help others can help us, too. Accepting the loss can be the most difficult," says hospital chaplain Darla Fernandez Draus.

Eligible seniors may defer up to $7,500 per year, including interest and fees, or as much as 80 percent of the equity in their home, whichever is lower.

Sen. Dick Durbin acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding trade and tariffs, noting their impact on farm income and market stability.

Each December, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs' office returns ICash money to nonprofit groups helping people in need. This year, Frerichs decided to assist food pantries.

“This report provides the most detailed picture to date of how alcohol use and misuse affect the health and safety of Illinois residents,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said.

Starting Monday, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal –clerkofthecourt.ilsos.gov.

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 832 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.

While wanting to help is commendable, it’s important to prioritize food safety. Those relying on food pantries often face higher risks of severe illness due to chronic health conditions, age or other factors.

Saturday will start with temperatures in the mid-20s but then see those slowly fall throughout the day. By Sunday, wind chills as low as 20 to 25 below zero are expected.

The Illinois winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers in who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating

Only one in five Illinois residents has received the flu vaccine, and far fewer have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine as of the end of November, according to the state Department of Public Health

Although we always have to be prepared for our safety, experts urge pet owners to take precautions for the furry members of their families, too.

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction in an ongoing lawsuit to block the Trump administration from enforcing the Defund Provision in the federal budget reconciliation law intended for the federal government to end Medicaid payments for one year to abortion providers

Lifting heavy snow quickly increases your heart rate. For people who have heart disease—or don’t know they have it—this can trigger a heart attack, the Silver Cross Medical Group said.

Frozen water pipes aren’t life threatening, however frozen or broken water pipes do cause damage to homes each winter.

To avoid scammers or donating to fraudulent organizations Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul offered the following tips to potential donors.

Snow and ice can create hazardous driving conditions, and extreme cold can make things even more dangerous if your car gets stranded.

Advocates of the SAFE-T Act say the law is not to blame for the arson attack of a Chicago train passenger and the arrest record of the man charged with the attack shows cash bail system didn’t work.

Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reminding residents to use caution when shopping online or in stores.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and other attorneys general are asking the federal court to vacate the new SNAP guidance and block its implementation “to ensure that families do not lose critical food assistance,” Raoul's office said

Some showers followed by cold winds may be coming to Northern Illinois this Thanksgiving week.

Farmers are rebuilding turkey flocks hit hard by avian flu, and overall demand has declined. That combination is helping keep turkey costs down for families this Thanksgiving.

About 1.9 million Illinois residents are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program this year.

Fire departments, fire districts across the country are onboarding to the new National Emergency Reporting System.

Studies across the U.S. have tracked white-tailed deer vehicle collision rates in relation to time changes, with some showing a 16% spike in deer-vehicle collisions after the fall time shift.

It appears the peak of the fall color season could be delayed by the recent unseasonably warm temperatures and drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has told states it will not fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits unless the Trump administration and Congress reach an agreement to reopen the government

Harvest began on time in mid-September and moisture early in the season helped the earlier planted pumpkins size up with good weight and color.

Prophetstown Proud announces “A Vintage Christmas” is the theme for this year’s Christmas parade.

The Henry C. Adams Memorial Library in Prophetstown in coordination with the Ogle County Health Department will be offering microgreen-growing classes to the public in November.

Lou Oswald will perform “Songs from Your Past, Present, & Future: Guitar, Harmonica & Vocals” at the next Miller Program. The event is at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at the Windmill Cultural Center, which is located at 111 10th Ave., across the street from Fulton’s windmill.