President Trump defends economy, blames predecessor in national address
Political science professor Stephen Maynard Caliendo weighs in on President Trump’s prime-time address, examining its tone, timing and what the president hoped to accomplish as economic concerns and unemployment rise.
Powerball jackpot surges to $1.5 billion ahead of Saturday's drawing
The huge cash prize is up for grabs again after no ticket matched all the winning numbers in Wednesday night's drawing.
Stimulus payment December 2025, IRS direct deposit relief payment & tariff dividend fact check
Hold off on that purchase! Online rumors of new stimulus checks by year’s end are out there.
Powerball jackpot soars to $1.25 billion for Wednesday's drawing
The cash prize continues to grow after no lottery player matched all of the winning numbers in Monday night's drawing.
Pastors demand relief as Cook County property tax deadline hits homeowners hard
With the second Cook County property tax payment due Monday, pastors and civil rights leaders are calling for a 60-day extension, penalty freeze, and rollback of sharp increases hitting West and South Side homeowners.
What shoppers should know before buying and returning gifts | ChicagoNOW
Consumer expert Pattie Ehsaei explains how tighter return windows, restocking fees and stricter receipt and packaging rules could affect shoppers during the busy holiday return season. | ChicagoNOW is a fast-paced, conversational show that spotlights what’s trending in and around Chicago.
Indiana Senate rejects Trump's redistricting effort
Indiana shot down President Donald Trump's redistricting plan. Now, the state might lose federal money.
Sports betting is delivering major cash for states — see what states are cashing in
Several states have seen huge tax revenues from sports betting, according to a recent analysis.
Illinois gas customers brace for rising winter heating bills as watchdogs sound alarm | ChicagoLIVE
Consumer advocates warn that escalating supply costs and repeated utility rate hikes are creating a “double whammy” for Illinois households, urging residents to stay informed, avoid risky gas deals, and seek help when bills spike.
Trump admin touts economic outlook for 2026
The White House projects lower inflation and steady jobs ahead while debates over interest rates and healthcare affordability intensify in Washington.
Trump's management of the economy hits its lowest point, poll finds
A new poll is showing declines in Trump’s economic and immigration approval. Here’s what we know.
Powerball jackpot surges to $1 billion for Saturday's drawing
Lottery players will have another chance to win this huge cash prize after no ticket matched all the winning numbers from Wednesday night's drawing.
Budget battle continues at City Hall | The Chicago Report
The city budget standoff intensifies. Will they get a deal before the holidays, or risk an unprecedented Chicago shutdown?
Federal Reserve lowers key interest rate but indicates future cuts will be harder
The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate but signaled a higher bar for any future reductions.
Instacart’s AI may be making your groceries more expensive | ChicagoLIVE
A new study finds shoppers could be paying dramatically different prices—sometimes at the very same moment—for the same items. We break down how the company’s real-time pricing tests work and why consumer advocates say the practice is “unfair and opaque.”
More states are restricting junk-food purchases by SNAP recipients — here’s where
Six more states are banning SNAP recipients from using their tax payer funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.
Trump doubles down on tariffs despite declining manufacturing
The economy keeps shedding manufacturing jobs as President Trump doubles down on his tariff policies.
Finance expert shares tips to teach teens smart money habits | ChicagoNOW
Bank of America executive, Barry Mullan, shares practical advice for helping teens learn budgeting, credit, and financial independence in real-life exercises. | ChicagoNOW is a fast-paced, conversational show that spotlights what’s trending in and around Chicago.
MacKenzie Scott gave away $7.1 billion this year: Are others living up to their pledge?
Scott described the donations as a “vanishingly tiny fraction of the personal expressions of care being shared into communities this year."
Federal Reserve weighs possible rate cut amid mixed outlook
An upcoming Federal Reserve meeting could approve an interest rate cut, but analysts remain divided on whether it will help the economy or risk driving inflation higher.