26 Illinois stores among 500 set to close – NBC Chicago

A Department of Health and Human Services official clarified that no autism registry is being created, contradicting NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's recent announcement about plans for a national disease registry to study autism. Concerns over patient privacy have led to backlash from advocacy groups and healthcare providers, prompting some to cancel appointments. The NIH will still invest $50 million in autism research, focusing on linking existing datasets while ensuring security and privacy, despite the...

US President Donald Trump has long been critical of Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, whom he appointed in 2018. Trump's dissatisfaction stems from Powell's management of interest rates, with the president advocating for lower rates to stimulate economic growth, while Powell has prioritized controlling inflation. Despite recent tensions and Trump's public flirtation with Powell's removal, there has been a softening of rhetoric, raising concerns about the independence of the Fed amid fears...

Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Alleged Immigration AssistanceA Wisconsin judge, Hannah Dugan, was arrested by US federal authorities for allegedly aiding undocumented immigrant Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade arrest during a court appearance. Dugan reportedly directed Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer to a side exit while US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were in the courtroom, following a scheduled hearing related to misdemeanor battery charges. Dugan, elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2022, disputes the allegations, which have drawn...

A lawsuit has been filed against American Airlines and Envoy Air after 62-year-old John Cannon died following a medical crisis during a flight. The suit, seeking at least $75,000, alleges negligence by the airline for delaying medical assistance until after landing, despite Cannon exhibiting severe distress. Cannon suffered a syncopal event on a prior leg of his journey and, during the subsequent flight, became unresponsive; he was pronounced dead after unsuccessful emergency treatment. Full Article

Former Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, now an Independent, advocates for collaboration with Donald Trump amidst Democratic struggles in his second term. He emphasizes the importance of working together to address critical issues like national debt, proposing term limits for elected officials and Supreme Court justices. Manchin criticizes his former party's focus on immigration crises instead of fiscal responsibility, suggesting that Democrats should reposition themselves on economic policies to connect better with voters. Full Article

George Santos SentencingFormer U.S. Representative George Santos is set to be sentenced for federal wire fraud and identity theft charges after pleading guilty in August, admitting to fabricating significant aspects of his background. Prosecutors are seeking 87 months in prison, citing his "unrepentant" behavior, while Santos' lawyers request only 24 months, emphasizing his acceptance of responsibility. Santos, who was expelled from Congress due to his misconduct, faces serious allegations, including fraudulent financial disclosures and misleading...