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Parents say suburban Chicago school's actions are insufficient after violent fight
WHEATON, Ill. (CBS) -- Parents at a west suburban high school rallied Wednesday night, saying several violent fights in the school have them concerned about student safety. They took their concerns to the Wheaton/Warrenville School District 200 Board Wednesday night, and district leaders told them they have made changes to address the issue.
Robbers target Chicago plumbing, electrical businesses 21 times in 2 months
CHICAGO (CBS) -- One robbery crew has struck 21 different times over just the last few months – targeting plumbing and electrical businesses on the North, Northwest, and West sides of the city. The brazen thieves were even caught on surveillance video, smashing a car into one business to break in. Once inside, the thieves have removed property, including tools and equipment. Work vehicles were targeted as well as businesses, and the thieves have committed armed robberies as well as burglaries.
Survivor of Oct. 7 attack on music festival in Israel shares story in Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Shalev Biton survived a music festival targeted by Hamas in the attacks on Oct. 7 of last year that led to the Israel-Hamas War – now in its fifth month. Biton said he is not out to change anyone's mind or talk politics, but rather to share with the world his experience of surviving the Oct. 7 attack. Biton took video at the Nova Music Festival in Israel on Oct. 7. Hours later, he woke up to a sound he said that he will never forget.
Hacking of health care company leaves Chicago area man stuck in hospital, unable to get prescriptions
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A hack at the company Change Healthcare has crippled pharmacies across the country – in just the latest in a troubling trend in which cyberattacks have affected people's health across the country. A Naperville man has been left pleading for help from his hospital bed. He said when he went to the pharmacy, he was told he would need to pay out of pocket for medicine on which he depends. "They said, 'There's nothing we can do for you,'" said Alan Townsend.
AT&T cell outage has some dreading possibility of end of landlines in Illinois
AT&T cellphone outage has some thinking about future of landlines CHICAGO (CBS) -- Could Illinois soon hang up on the landline? State legislation was passed to pave the way for providers like AT&T to end servicing traditional copper landlines. But with a major cellphone outage last week impacting thousands of AT&T users, some are ringing the alarm on the future use of the landline. Nearly three quarters of adults now live in households without a landline.
Emissions, mishaps from Northwest Indiana BP refinery draw ire of residents and activists
WHITING, Ind. (CBS) — A series of mishaps at the BP Refinery in Whiting, Indiana brought hundreds of people to a contentious meeting with state regulators Thursday night. This came as the company’s air permit is set to be renewed. Residents and environmental activists have raised a number of concerns about the new permit. They want to know what will be done to prevent future incidents, and are calling for tighter emission limits.
Emissions, mishaps from Northwest Indiana BP refinery draw ire of residents and activists
WHITING, Ind. (CBS) -- A series of mishaps at the BP Refinery in Whiting, Indiana brought hundreds of people to a contentious meeting with state regulators Thursday night. This came as the company's air permit is set to be renewed. Residents and environmental activists have raised a number of concerns about the new permit. They want to know what will be done to prevent future incidents, and are calling for tighter emission limits.
Florida sand hole collapse that left girl dead evokes memory of 2013 Indiana Dunes rescue
CHICAGO (CBS) -- After a 7-year-old girl died and her brother was hurt when a sand hole they were digging collapsed on them on a South Florida beach, there was a safety reminder for families visiting the beaches on Lake Michigan this summer. Sloan Mattingly and her family were visiting Florida from Fort Wayne, Indiana, for vacation.
Violence interrupters recognized boys shot on Chicago's South Side, suspected shooters
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Violence interrupters said the attackers who shot two boys, ages 12 and 14, in South Shore this week are also kids themselves. CBS 2 has also learned community leaders recognized the suspected shooters from their work in the neighborhood – and responded to a SWAT standoff in hopes of getting them out safely. The volunteers said they always show up to try to defuse a situation when kids from the South Shore neighborhood are involved.
Child wounded at Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting says incident has left him traumatized
Kansas City, Missouri — Among those wounded in the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade was 10-year-old Samuel Arellano, who had attended with his grandfather and worn his jersey of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Arellano on Friday showed CBS News where he was shot, near his upper ribcage. A woman was killed in Wednesday’s shooting and 22 others were wounded, nearly half of whom were children. Arellano is now recovering at home, but the memories are still fresh.
Child wounded at Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting says incident has left him traumatized Original
Wounded boy speaks out after Kansas City shooting Kansas City, Missouri — Among those wounded in the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade was 10-year-old Samuel Arellano, who had attended with his grandfather and worn his jersey of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Arellano on Friday showed CBS News where he was shot, near his upper ribcage. A woman was killed in Wednesday's shooting and 22 others were wounded, nearly half of whom were children.
Family members mourn woman killed at Chiefs' Super Bowl celebration
Those close to Lopez-Galvan are mourning after she was killed on Wednesday during a shooting at a parade celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win. Lopez-Galvan, who hosted radio station KFFI's "Taste of Tejano," was 43, authorities said. KFFI first announced Lopez-Galvan's death in a post on social media on Wednesday, and authorities confirmed her death in a news conference on Thursday.
Family members mourn woman killed at Chiefs' Super Bowl celebration: "We did not expect the day to end like this" Original
Family and friends described Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a local radio personality, as the "life of the party." Those close to Lopez-Galvan are mourning after she was killed on Wednesday during a shooting at a parade celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win. Lopez-Galvan, who hosted radio station KFFI's "Taste of Tejano," was 43, authorities said. KFFI first announced Lopez-Galvan's death in a post on social media on Wednesday, and authorities confirmed her death in a news conference on Thursday.
Mayor Johnson cancels controversial Chicago gunshot detection system
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson won't renew the city's controversial contract with ShotSpotter, making good his promise to end the gunshot detection system. The contract will expire on Friday, and the city will stop using the technology on Sept. 22. "Moving forward, the City of Chicago will deploy its resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime," the city said in a statement.
Families of Israeli hostages visit Chicago; pro-Palestinian protesters decry Rafa raid
CHICAGO (CBS) -- New video released by the Israeli military shows soldiers meeting two hostages they rescued during a deadly raid in the southern Gaza city of Rafa. The men had been held since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. News of the rescue broke just ahead of a Middle Eastern leader's visit to the White House. President Joe Biden welcomed King Abdullah II of Jordan – with whom he is working on a deal to free the rest of the hostages held by Hamas.
Family with Chicago ties believes man taken hostage by Hamas is alive
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It had been four months to the day as of Wednesday since Hamas launched its attack on Israel – and Israel stuck back. The latest cease-fire proposal includes an offer to release the remaining hostages taken all those months ago. This comes as one former Chicago family says despite Israel confirming that more than a fifth of the hostages taken are dead, they believe their son is still alive.
CPD superintendent says police will "adjust" if school resources officers removed from CPS
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Within the past couple of weeks, three different shootings have killed a total of four Chicago Public Schools students and wounded two more – first near CICS Loomis-Longwood in Longwood Manor on the South Side, then near Innovations High School in the heart of the Loop downtown, and most recently Wednesday near Nicholas Senn High School in Edgewater on the North Side. In the wake of the gun violence, police leaders have promised more officers outside schools.
Elgin road rage victim speaks out, but did he injure the other driver?
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two men were hospitalized after an apparent road rage incident in Elgin. One of the drivers was shot. The other was stabbed, according to police. CBS 2 spoke exclusively to one of the drivers involved who claims he was not at fault. it's an interview you'll see only on 2. The shooting happened in the middle of the afternoon on busy Randall Road off I-90 in Elgin.
Players, parents overjoyed as suburban Chicago school board rules basketball coach can stay on
HINSDALE, Ill. (CBS) -- A basketball showdown transpired Tuesday night in Chicago's western suburbs – not in the form of a game, but over a popular high school coach's future. The showdown ended in cheers and applause when the school board decided the coach could stay on.
Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg announces cancer diagnosis
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Hall of Fame Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg announced Monday he has begun treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Sandberg announced the diagnosis in a post on Instagram: "I have begun treatment, and I am surrounded by my loving wife Margaret, our incredibly supportive family, the best medical care team, and our dear friends. We will continue to be positive, strong, and fight to beat this.
COPA recommends Chicago Police officer be fired for shooting, killing domestic violence victim
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Thursday recommended the firing of a Chicago Police officer who shot and killed a domestic violence victim after he called for help in 2021. At a Chicago Police Board meeting Thursday night, COPA recommended that Officer Alberto Covarrubias be fired for the shooting that killed Michael Craig.
West suburban Chicago man becomes area's first cold exposure death of year
SCHILLER PARK, Ill. (CBS) -- A man in west suburban Schiller Park was found dead in his home after neighbors called for a welfare check – and his death was the first weather-related death of the year. A family who knew him well said they knew something was wrong when their longtime neighbor did not take out his trash this week. It was a tragic reminder of the importance of checking on loved ones and neighbors – especially in extreme conditions.
Security researcher finds sensitive documents from Chicago area school districts exposed online
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's something you would never want exposed on the internet – the lockdown locations, active shooter protocols, and medical data from your child's school. But a software company dedicated to making schools safer just left their cybersecurity doors wide open in a data breach. Some of the extremely sensitive documents exposed in the massive data leak are from schools right in the Chicago suburbs.
Bollards to be set up to protect Chicago businesses from crash-and-grab burglaries
By Charlie De Mar Click here for updates on this story CHICAGO (WBBM) — A crash-and-grab burglary attempt at the Prada store on fashionable Oak Street turned violent Monday – as a Chicago Police officer and a suspect were both shot in a confrontation. A new plan is aimed at preventing the crash-and-grab crime trend by keeping vehicles from being able to crash into storefronts. But will such a plan work?
Bollards to be set up to protect Chicago businesses from crash-and-grab burglaries
Protective bollards to be set up in Chicago to prevent crash-and-grab burglaries CHICAGO (CBS) -- A crash-and-grab burglary attempt at the Prada store on fashionable Oak Street turned violent Monday – as a Chicago Police officer and a suspect were both shot in a confrontation. A new plan is aimed at preventing the crash-and-grab crime trend by keeping vehicles from being able to crash into storefronts. But will such a plan work?
Environmental group warns about impact of road salt on waterways
Environmental group warns of adverse impact of road salt as winter storm arrives TINLEY PARK, Ill. (CBS) -- Salt trucks were at the ready around the Chicago area Monday night, as snow began to fall for the first major snowstorm this winter. But the salt spread on roads and sidewalks eventually ends up in our waterways – which is an environmental hazard. Thus, environmental activists urge municipalities and people at home to be mindful about how much salt they're spreading.
Supreme Court ruling on former President Trump's 2024 eligibility will have impact in Illinois
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The nation's highest court will decide whether former President Donald Trump can be removed from the Republican primary ballot in Colorado – and the ruling could impact Illinois, where a similar petition was filed this week. The case is moving very fast – with oral arguments set to begin in early February. The U.S. Supreme Court justices clearly recognized that they need to step in and determine whether the lower courts should play a role in determining who is on the ballot.
Chicago area doctors to fly to Gaza to provide aid, in what they call 'worst humanitarian crisis'
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A group of Chicago doctors with the humanitarian group MedGlobal will fly to Gaza on Friday to provide medical attention to all those in need. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar talked with two of the doctors, who said they recognize that the conflict will continue long after their trip is over – but they stressed the power and importance of simply showing up in the time of crisis.
Chicago cousins freed after being wrongfully incarcerated for 42 years
CHICAGO (CBS) – Two cousins who have been incarcerated for more than 40 years were freed after a judge exonerated them on Thursday for two 1981 murders. James Soto, 62 – Jimmy for short – and David Ayala, 60, were tried and convicted before a single jury of the Aug. 16, 1981, shooting that killed Julie Limas and Hector Valeriano in Pietrowksi Park at 31st Street and Keeler Avenue. Valeriano was a U.S. Marine home on leave, according to court records.
Chicago cousins freed after being wrongfully incarcerated for 42 years
By SHARDAA GRAY, CHARLIE DE MAR Click here for updates on this story CHICAGO (WBBM) — Two cousins who have been incarcerated for more than 40 years were freed after a judge exonerated them on Thursday for two 1981 murders. James Soto, 62 – Jimmy for short – and David Ayala, 60, were tried and convicted before a single jury of the Aug. 16, 1981, shooting that killed Julie Limas and Hector Valeriano in Pietrowksi Park at 31st Street and Keeler Avenue.
Family of suburban Chicago teen killed after being hit by car sue driver, nearby car wash
Family of suburban Chicago teen killed after being hit by car sue driver, nearby car wash HINSDALE, Ill. (CBS) – The family of a teenager killed when an out-of-control car hit a suburban deli has been quiet until now. The family was emotional as they talked about the spoke about the moments after the crash. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar heard their story. The car that struck and killed Sean Richards was pulling out of a car wash in downtown Hinsdale.
Bob Gillen, dedicated Wauconda H.S. teacher, remembered by those who loved him
Bob Gillen, dedicated Wauconda H.S. teacher, remembered by staff and students CHICAGO (CBS) -- There are new details about a dedicated teacher and athletic trainer at Wauconda High School who died after his car was struck head-on by a driver police suspect was intoxicated and driving the wrong way. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar spoke to those who knew and loved the longtime staff member. As a math teacher and athletic trainer, Bob Gillen interacted with and impacted so many students and faculty.
Body pulled from Chicago area pond amid search for missing teen Brissa Romero
VERNON HILLS, Ill. (CBS) -- Crews have recovered a body from a pond in Vernon Hills, one day after finding the car of a missing Carpentersville girl from the water. Divers in Vernon Hills pulled a body from the water of a pond near Lakeview and Executive parkways around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday amid the search for 17-year-old Brissa Romero, who has been missing for eight days.
Body pulled from Chicago area pond identified as missing teen Brissa Romero
VERNON HILLS, Ill. (CBS) -- A body recovered from a pond in north suburban Vernon Hills has been identified as Brissa Romero, a 17-year-old girl from Carpentersville who had been missing for more than a week. Divers in Vernon Hills pulled a body from the water of a pond near Lakeview and Executive parkways around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday amid the search for Brissa, who had been missing since Dec. 4. On Wednesday, the Lake County Coroner's office confirmed the body had been identified as the missing teen.
Concern rises among Chicago universities, students about antisemitism, Islamophobia
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Rising tensions in the U.S. since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7 were a topic on Capitol Hill Tuesday, as presidents at several top university were questioned on their response to antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Person questioned after 9-month-old girl is shot, critically wounded in Chicago
By CHARLIE DE MAR Click here for updates on this story CHICAGO (WBBM) — Police were questioning a person of interest Wednesday after a 9-month-old girl was shot and critically wounded in the Washington Park neighborhood the night before. But as CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar reported, there was a lot that remained unknown Wednesday night about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Late Wednesday, there was also some confusion as to when Chicago Police were notified of the shooting.
South suburban Chicago youth football teams headed to Florida to compete for title
ROBBINS, Ill. (CBS) -- It's time to play some football. Two south suburban youth teams will compete this weekend in a national championship in Florida. But the upcoming trip for the Dixmoor Vikings and the Robbins Eagles almost didn't happen. As CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reported Tuesday, it has been a challenge for both teams to find the money to make their dream a reality.
Chicago nonprofit opens table to migrants for Thanksgiving dinner
CHICAGO (CBS) -- For some migrants now living in Chicago, this will be their first Thanksgiving in the U.S. And while they are far from home, one Englewood group is making sure they feel welcome. As CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reported Wednesday night, some migrants say through it all, they feel thankful too. Outside the Englewood (7th) District police station, 1438 W. 63rd St., tents cover the sidewalk. Inside the tents, migrants who hail primarily from South America wait for what's next.
Local leaders, families react to Hamas hostage deal, short-term Gaza cease-fire
CHICAGO (CBS) --Major progress has been made toward a pause in fighting in Gaza – and the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have approved the deal. he news came after Netanyahu convened his war cabinet to discuss the deal following recent progress in the negotiations.
More and more dogs are suffering from mystery respiratory illness that can be fatal
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Our pets are a part of the family for so many of us – and now, a new mystery dog illness is causing concern for pet owners. In rare cases, the infectious respiratory disease can even be fatal. Antibiotics do not appear to be effective against it, and not much is known about the cause or how it spreads. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar spoke Monday night with a local veterinarian about what dog owners should know.
Chicago family, victims of carjacking last week, hit again for second car
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Carjackers got away with one car last week then came back for a second car on Tuesday. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reports from Mount Greenwood. Matt O'Shea, Alderman for the 19th Ward, said two people of interest are being questioned in connection to Tuesday's incident. It appears the garage opener and car keys stolen from last week's incident were used to unlock and steal the family's second car Tuesday morning.
Family reeling after Chicago man is shot, killed just after celebrating his own birthday
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A birthday party in the Gage Park ended in tragedy this past weekend – as a young man was shot and killed steps away from his family. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar spoke Friday night with the young man's family about what happened, and how they are coping. Alexis Rodriguez's family is, of course, torn apart over his violent death.
Caught on video: Chicago family carjacked at gunpoint in their own driveway
By MARISSA PERLMAN, CHARLIE DE MAR Click here for updates on this story CHICAGO (WBBM) — A Beverly family was carjacked at gunpoint outside their home in a brazen crime last week, and it was all caught on surveillance video. The violent intrusion happened just steps from the family’s door this past Thursday night. Two people armed with guns ran up to Michele Pettiford and her 12-year-old daughter – who had just pulled into their garage in the back of their Beverly home.
Neighbors, business leaders call for 100 more police cameras on Chicago's West Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Neighbors, business owners, and community leaders on Chicago's West Side are joining forces – pushing for more resources to keep their streets safe. With the Chicago Police Department facing a shortage of officers, the neighbors and business owners are asking for an additional 100 cameras to fill the void. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar dug into the plan. Last year, surveillance cameras captured a shooting on Lake Street at Kostner Avenue in West Garfield Park.
Suburban students may move to shuttered school after ceiling collapse
LOCKPORT, Ill. (CBS) -- Some southwest suburban high schoolers will have class in a different building in a different town, after a classroom ceiling collapse. As CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reported, Lockport Township High School District 205 decided on the solution Tuesday night – after kids had been having class online for days. As one could imagine, parents and school administrators want to return to in-person learning as soon as possible.
Social Security trying to force Chicago woman to pay back $88,000 in overpayments
By CHARLIE DE MAR Click here for updates on this story CHICAGO (WBBM) — The Social Security Administration is trying to reclaim billions of dollars from some of the poorest and most vulnerable; payments the Social Security Administration sent, in some cases for years, but now says the people never should have received. It’s a story first reported by CBS 60 Minutes on Sunday. The so-called money claw-back is having real life consequences for a woman in Chicago.
Social Security trying to force Chicago woman to pay back $88,000 in overpayments
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Social Security Administration is trying to reclaim billions of dollars from some of the poorest and most vulnerable; payments the Social Security Administration sent, in some cases for years, but now says the people never should have received. It's a story first reported by CBS 60 Minutes on Sunday. The so-called money claw-back is having real life consequences for a woman in Chicago.
Buses leave from Chicago area for pro-Palestinian demonstration in Washington, D.C.
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (CBS) -- Thousands from all over the country are heading to Washington, D.C., for what is expected to be the largest demonstration since the start of the Israel-Hamas War – including dozens who boarded buses Friday night in Chicago. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar caught up Friday night with a large group from our area making the trip.
Family: Why have there been no charges in shooting that killed Chicago assistant principal?
Family demands answers in high-rise shooting that killed assistant principal CHICAGO (CBS) -- It has been nearly two months since a Chicago assistant school principal was shot and killed in his downtown condo building. No charges have been filed in the death of 32-year-old Abnerd Joseph, and his family is now asking why. As CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reported Thursday night, a fellow resident at the condo building was brought in by police for questioning.
Israelis gather in Chicago to call for release of all hostages held by Hamas
Israelis gather in Chicago to plea for release of hostages held by Hamas CHICAGO (CBS) -- A group of six Israelis directly impacted by the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas was in Chicago Wednesday night – their loved ones having either been murdered or taken hostage. As CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reported, the group's ceremony of song and prayer had a loud and clear message – free the 200-plus hostages currently being held by Hamas. Seats at the Jewish United Fund vigil at the Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N.
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