Illinois
IL Sen. Dick Durbin on Trump's chaotic 2nd week in office from executive orders to DC plane crash
CHICAGO (WLS) — From a barrage of executive orders to a midair disaster, the second week of President Donald Trump’s second term has been fast-changing and tragic for the country. Illinois’ senior Senator Dick Durbin weighed in on the chaotic days.
The fear of ICE and deportation continues to permeate Little Village. Compared to this time last year, some businesses said they are experience a 50%-60% loss in business since Trump took office almost two weeks ago.
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“Fifty to 60% is dramatic. You can’t keep your workforce in place to get that kind of a loss. So, I do not rule out the possibility of helping these businesses. They’re an important part of our future,” Sen. Durbin said.
Durbin joined Latino lawmakers and community leaders at Nuevo Leon restaurant to urge legal residents outside of Little Village to eat and shop here.
“That is the best thing we can do right now, is count on those who have the ability to come here safely and support us,” said Jennifer Aguilar, Little Village Corridor executive director.
MORE COVERAGE: ICE makes arrests in Chicago, suburbs as part of nationwide immigration raids
Senator Durbin and other Illinois lawmakers returned home after a chaotic week in Washington that started with an executive order from Trump to freeze all federal funding which was promptly subject to a lawsuit from multiple state attorneys general, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and then was rescinded the next day. It was formally blocked by a federal judge on Friday. Even Republicans were not on board.
Trump funding freeze blocked by federal judge
“They went about it probably not the best approach,” said U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL 16). ” I think they realized there were real ramifications.”
But with a $36 trillion deficit, Republicans do support cutting federal spending.
The flurry of executive orders out of the White House continues at a fast pace all week. Friday, Trump announced tariffs against China, Mexico and Canada.
READ MORE: How Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico will affect your groceries, gas prices
” That means a lot of products that we take for granted are going to be very expensive. That’s not going to help inflation in this country,” Durbin said.
The senator said while the amount of executive orders has made his head spin, President Trump’s response to the Reagan National Airport plane crash that killed 67 people was over the top. Trump blamed the crash, caused by a midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, on Democrats and DEI programs.
“How insensitive can you be, with more families mourning the loss of someone they love, indelicate, insensitive and typical of him,” Durbin said.
Rep. LaHood was not surprised.
“President Trump is blunt in the way he goes about these things. He’s opinionated that is the kinda of campaign he ran. People are used to that,” LaHood said.
When asked if the chaotic start to Trump’s second term will affect his timeline on when he decides if he plans to run for reelection, Senator Durbin laughed and said he will make an announcement in due time. His current term is up in 2026.
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Illinois
Illinois officials investigating death connected to Rock Co. homicide
PRINCETON, Ill. (WMTV) – The Illinois State Patrol is investigating a death after officials found a suspect’s vehicle wanted in connection to a Wisconsin homicide, Illinois State Police reported.
Just before 10 p.m. on December 10, ISP troopers and several other agencies attempted to pull a vehicle over in Princeton, Illinois, that was wanted in a Rock County homicide.
Officials did not specify which Rock Co. case this incident is connected to.
Princeton is about an hour and 45 minutes away from Rock County, Wisconsin.
After the driver did not pull over, police chased the vehicle into the Great Sauk Trail Rest Area on I-80 westbound.
When officers went up to the vehicle, authorities stated the driver was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities did not identify the driver.
ISP is working with the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office in this investigation.
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Illinois
Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a significant modernization initiative for the Illinois Court of Claims, introducing electronic filing options and remote hearings. This transition replaces the outdated paper-based system, which often delayed case processing and complicated access for claimants. “For too long, the state’s Court of Claims has been forced to rely on outdated, paper-driven processes that made filing a claim slower and more complicated,” Giannoulias said. “By making this a fully digital process, we’re making government more accessible, more transparent and more efficient for the people it serves.”
Starting today, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal. Users can create an account, follow step-by-step instructions, and submit their claims directly through the system. Training videos will be available to assist first-time users. The digital platform allows Illinoisans to manage their claims conveniently, track updates instantly, and receive real-time notifications as their case progresses. It also eliminates the need for mailing multiple paper copies and reduces administrative processing times.
The modernization initiative aligns with broader technology upgrades across the Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois court system. Enabled by HB 1576, sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and State Sen. Michael Halpin, the measure authorizes remote hearings and allows the public to file claims, submit evidence, and pay fees online. The Illinois Court of Claims serves as the venue for individuals seeking financial compensation from the state in cases involving state responsibility, including injuries, property damage, and wrongful imprisonment. Improving access and efficiency is crucial for Illinoisans navigating these complex circumstances. Claimants with questions can contact the Court of Claims Clerk’s Office at ClerkofCoC@ilsos.gov or (217) 782-7101.
Illinois
‘Home Alone’ house being restored to mirror iconic Christmas movie
Sunday, December 14, 2025 6:16PM
WINNETKA, Ill. (WLS) — “Home Alone” is one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time.
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The holiday classic debuted 35 years ago. Now, the iconic house featured in the film is in the spotlight, again.
It underwent an interior renovation and was sold earlier this year.
Now, ABC7 learned that it will be transformed back to the way it looked in 1990, when film audiences got to peek inside it for the first time.
John Abendshien is the former owner of the Winnetka house. He has fond memories of the days spent filming the movie.
READ MORE | Original owner of ‘Home Alone’ house writes memoir about iconic movie
Abendshien said he and his family stayed and watched while the movie was being shot.
He has written a memoir called “Home but Alone No More.”
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