‘Wait Until 8th’ movement aims to protect kids by delaying smartphone use
The national campaign encourages parents to delay giving smartphones until after 8th grade, easing social pressure and helping shield children from the negative effects of social media.
YouTube gives deadline for users to recover accounts banned for COVID-19, election speech
YouTube is giving creators a chance to recover accounts banned over content related to COVID-19 and elections.
Chicago area man threatened to kill President Trump on Instagram, prosecutors say
A suburban Chicago man is in federal custody after authorities said he posted an online threat to President Donald Trump.
New study shows that nearly 75% of Americans have a 'love/hate' relationship with group chats
According to a new consumer study, most Americans have a “love/hate” relationship with their group chats. And most of us – 94% actually – are in at least one of them. But what's the deal with group chats? What is missing in the endless digital chatter?
ChatGPT Atlas: OpenAI launches new web browser
ChatGPT's Atlas is the latest tech initiative from OpenAI, following the launch of its online shopping experience and AI video social media app, Sora, last month.
Johnson floats social media tax to close $1.15B Chicago budget gap
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is proposing a social media tax to address the city’s massive budget deficit, drawing mixed reactions.
Is YouTube down? Hundreds of thousands report issues with online video-sharing platform
Downdetector reported over 300,000 users were having issues with YouTube.
Chicago FBI warns parents about violent online group ‘764’ targeting teens
The FBI says there has been a rise in the number of cases and victims involving 764 members. They are a violent online network the bureau says is targeting teens in Chicago and around the world.
New trend has people taping their mouths shut at night: Here's why you shouldn't
TikTok influencers are telling people to tape their mouths shut at night for better sleep. Here's why doctors say it’s a bad idea.
YouTube reversing bans on creators flagged for COVID and election misinformation
YouTube will allow creators banned under its old COVID-19 and election misinformation policies to return, Alphabet said in a letter to Congress.
Gen Alpha slang in 2025: The meaning behind words like 'clanker,' '67,' 'crashout'
Times have changed quite a lot since we went over terms like “Alpha Sigma" and “Skibidi Ohio Rizz." The language of "the kids these days" is literally evolving by the day.
Burnout is killing creativity — Here’s how to get it back | ChicagoNOW
Actor and author Josh Pais, known for his new book Lose Your Mind: The Path to Creative Invincibility, joins us to share how simple resets can spark innovation, why anxiety can actually fuel creativity, and how embracing all of our emotions — not just the “positive” ones — can transform stress into breakthroughs.
Trump to sign TikTok deal, giving US majority ownership
President Trump is expected to agree to a deal this week that would make the popular short-form video social media app TikTok mostly owned by American investors.
Study finds social media could alter teens' sleep patterns
New research finds age 13 is a turning point when bedtime screen use spikes, cutting into the sleep adolescents need most as they gain access to social media platforms.
TikTok deal approached, Trump says after call with China's President Xi
President Donald Trump announced Friday that a deal to save TikTok has been approved, though he did not immediately offer any details.
What does Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension really say about the First Amendment? | ChicagoNOW
Jimmy Kimmel’s sudden suspension isn’t just a late-night controversy—it’s ignited a high-stakes debate over free speech in America. At the heart of the storm: how far the First Amendment really goes, whether government pressure on broadcasters like ABC crosses the line into censorship, and what it means when private media companies hold the power to silence their own stars.
Hinsdale police: Video captures person crawling beneath train at Metra station | ChicagoLIVE
Hinsdale police issued a safety warning after video showed a commuter crawling under a stopped Metra train at the Garfield Crossing.
Chicago woman turns 100 and celebrates in style | ChicagoNOW
A local woman was having the time of her life celebrating her birthday!
Educators fired for 'senseless' social media posts following Charlie Kirk's murder
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder, educators across the US are being fired or disciplined for sharing "senseless" posts on social media about his death.
Barstool’s Frank the Tank steps out for Lionsgate’s The Long Walk Stunt | ChicagoNOW
From the sidewalks of New Jersey to the heart of Hollywood — Barstool’s Frank ‘The Tank’ Fleming has inspired millions with his ‘Frank Walks’ journey after shedding more than 220 pounds. Frank teamed up with Lionsgate to celebrate the release of The Long Walk with a one-of-a-kind stunt down Sunset Blvd.