These states rank as the best to raise a family in 2026, data suggests
A new WalletHub analysis finds that some states offer significantly better conditions for raising a family than others.
A new WalletHub analysis finds that some states offer significantly better conditions for raising a family than others.
Same-sex couple ties the knot after receiving Cook County's first marriage license of 2026
The couple issued Cook County’s first marriage license of 2026 were married Friday morning at the Cook County Clerk’s Office, in a ceremony that also marked the county’s first same-sex wedding tied to the new year’s license issuance.
The couple issued Cook County’s first marriage license of 2026 were married Friday morning at the Cook County Clerk’s Office, in a ceremony that also marked the county’s first same-sex wedding tied to the new year’s license issuance.
Same-sex couple ties the knot after receiving Cook County's first marriage license of 2026
The couple issued Cook County’s first marriage license of 2026 were married Friday morning at the Cook County Clerk’s Office, in a ceremony that also marked the county’s first same-sex wedding tied to the new year’s license issuance.
The couple issued Cook County’s first marriage license of 2026 were married Friday morning at the Cook County Clerk’s Office, in a ceremony that also marked the county’s first same-sex wedding tied to the new year’s license issuance.
Chicago-area hospitals welcome first babies of 2026
As the clock struck midnight and 2026 officially began, several Chicago-area families were already welcoming brand-new additions to start the New Year.
As the clock struck midnight and 2026 officially began, several Chicago-area families were already welcoming brand-new additions to start the New Year.
Handling in-laws that are hard to deal with
60% of Americans say they have a hard time dealing with their in-laws. Relationship expert and certified marriage and family counselor, Love McPherson, joins via zoom to dive deeper and share some helpful tips.
60% of Americans say they have a hard time dealing with their in-laws. Relationship expert and certified marriage and family counselor, Love McPherson, joins via zoom to dive deeper and share some helpful tips.
Cool experiments to try this winter break with MSI | ChicagoNOW
The ChicagoNOW team gets a demonstration from MSI Chicago of some experiments that kids will love this winter break.
The ChicagoNOW team gets a demonstration from MSI Chicago of some experiments that kids will love this winter break.
Navigating family dynamics during the holidays | ChicagoNOW
Sometimes family dynamics can make holidays difficult. Dr. Joy Berkheimer, licensed family therapist & relationship expert, joins to share some tips on how to navigate possible tensions with family.
Sometimes family dynamics can make holidays difficult. Dr. Joy Berkheimer, licensed family therapist & relationship expert, joins to share some tips on how to navigate possible tensions with family.
Botulism outbreak linked to infant formula expands; sickens 51 babies across 19 states
The FDA says 51 infants in 19 states were hospitalized with botulism linked to ByHeart formula. Here’s what we know.
The FDA says 51 infants in 19 states were hospitalized with botulism linked to ByHeart formula. Here’s what we know.
Map: The income you'll need to support a family in 2025
Experts say though having a dual income can offer stability, there are tradeoffs such as less time with your child and added stress.
Experts say though having a dual income can offer stability, there are tradeoffs such as less time with your child and added stress.
Here's how much your family needs to earn to have a stay-at-home parent
How much does one parent need to earn for the other to stay home with a young child? A new ranking reveals huge state-by-state gaps.
How much does one parent need to earn for the other to stay home with a young child? A new ranking reveals huge state-by-state gaps.
With 'Trump Accounts,' your child could qualify for $1,000: What to know
Trump’s new $1,000 baby accounts and a major donation could grow kids’ savings. Here's what to know.
Trump’s new $1,000 baby accounts and a major donation could grow kids’ savings. Here's what to know.
FDA: Recalled baby formula that sickened 39 babies with infant botulism is still on some store shelves
The FDA says some ByHeart products are still being found on shelves at stores including Walmart, Target and Kroger despite the ongoing recall. Here’s what we know.
The FDA says some ByHeart products are still being found on shelves at stores including Walmart, Target and Kroger despite the ongoing recall. Here’s what we know.
Chicago groups celebrate Family Literacy Month with special events
Education Couture is hosting initiatives and a Saturday event to encourage families to read together and help children meet literacy milestones.
Education Couture is hosting initiatives and a Saturday event to encourage families to read together and help children meet literacy milestones.
Child care costs more than rent in these US cities; here’s where it’s the worst
The average monthly cost of child care for two children was 31.5% higher than rent, according to the data.
The average monthly cost of child care for two children was 31.5% higher than rent, according to the data.
President Trump issues ‘Fostering the Future’ executive order to support children in foster care
Children in foster care are getting more help in securing a stable future thanks to a new executive order signed by President Trump on Thursday.
Children in foster care are getting more help in securing a stable future thanks to a new executive order signed by President Trump on Thursday.
Baby formula recall linked to infant botulism outbreak is expanding: What to know
A baby formula has been recalled amid a growing outbreak of infant botulism which has now sickened at least 15 infants in 12 states. Here’s what to know.
A baby formula has been recalled amid a growing outbreak of infant botulism which has now sickened at least 15 infants in 12 states. Here’s what to know.
Data reveals most popular baby names of 2025, trends that will influence names in 2026
New data is revealing the most popular baby names of 2025, along with trends that will influence baby names in 2026.
New data is revealing the most popular baby names of 2025, along with trends that will influence baby names in 2026.
Father says feds sprayed his family, 1-year-old, with a chemical agent in Cicero
A family said federal immigration agents sprayed them, including their 1-year-old daughter, with a chemical irritant while they were driving to get groceries in Cicero on Saturday.
A family said federal immigration agents sprayed them, including their 1-year-old daughter, with a chemical irritant while they were driving to get groceries in Cicero on Saturday.
The holidays are the right time to plan 2026 trips | ChicagoNOW
If you've ever thought about taking the whole family on vacation, now is the time to get started. Travel expert, Jeanenne Tornatore, joins with her top tips for planning memorable multi-generational getaways.
If you've ever thought about taking the whole family on vacation, now is the time to get started. Travel expert, Jeanenne Tornatore, joins with her top tips for planning memorable multi-generational getaways.
Santa comes to Woodfield Mall November 6th | ChicagoNOW
Taking a picture with mall Santa is a tradition we’ve all enjoyed, and that opportunity is coming back to Woodfield Mall on Thursday, November 6th.
Taking a picture with mall Santa is a tradition we’ve all enjoyed, and that opportunity is coming back to Woodfield Mall on Thursday, November 6th.