26 Illinois stores among 500 set to close – NBC Chicago

The Pentagon has reportedly set up a system in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's office that allows him to access the encrypted messaging app Signal, bypassing standard security protocols. This arrangement, involving a monitor linked to his personal phone, poses a security risk as it enables Hegseth to view personal messages within a sensitive compartmentalized information facility (SCIF) where cellphones are typically banned. Hegseth has faced scrutiny for sharing sensitive details about U.S. airstrikes in Yemen...

SummaryLuigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot outside a Manhattan hotel in December. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, arguing the murder was politically motivated to protest the health insurance industry. The trial, expected to involve extensive evidence, will take place no earlier than 2026, as Mangione also faces state charges in New York and Pennsylvania, with public support for him...

SummaryStars from the reality show *Love On The Spectrum* defended the autistic community after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that individuals with autism contribute minimally to society, stating they "will never pay taxes" or engage in typical activities. While Kennedy's comments sparked anger and calls for greater understanding, some parents echoed concerns about the challenges faced by children with autism, highlighting a divide in perspectives. Advocacy group Autism Speaks noted the importance of language in...

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...