2023 year in review: The stories and people of our communities
Throughout the year in 2023, we reported on a variety of people and organizations who have made history or are making a difference today.
Community Journalism
Chicago restaurant owner opens space to all those in need on Christmas Day
The cozy restaurant was packed - with turkey and the trimmings, and with good conversation.
Chicago Police, community group offer Christmas surprise to family after tragedies
Chicago Police officers escorted four tow trucks decorated as reindeer - filled with toys and electronics for the kids.
Northwest Indiana Santa's workshop has surplus of toys, wants visitors
The Santa's Workshop in question is transformed each holiday season out of a nonprofit office space In East Chicago, Indiana.
Renovated Ramova Theatre to host first-ever live music performance on New Year's Eve
Born in the late 1920s as a movie theater, the iconic Ramova Theatre is making a triumphant return, reimagined as a 1,500-person capacity music venue in the heart of Bridgeport.
Oak Forest grad uses his name, image, and likeness proceeds to give back
CBS 2's Jermont Terry was at the school when Robbie Avila presented their big surprise Wednesday night.
Volunteers wrap gifts to make sure Southwest Side Chicago kids can enjoy Christmas
"Operation Christmas" kicked off in 2016 with Magic UpLighting – and event lightning and party rental company. For eight years, Magic UpLighting has teamed with the nonprofit Stuffed Love.
Chicago Archdiocese hosts toy and coat giveaway for migrants
Holy Name Cathedral hosted a Spanish-language Advent mass for newly arrived migrants on Sunday.
Cook County Jail inmates learn financial literacy from Harvard grads in popular class
The program was run by volunteers from the Harvard Club of Chicago – brought in by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
Englewood businessman wants community to bloom with flower business
At first glance, one would never guess what's inside a modest building at 62nd and Morgan.
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McHenry Co. woman makes bizarre court appearance on charges in child's death
The sheriff's office says they were called to a home in Richmond for an unresponsive child. The boy was taken to the hospital where he later died.
CTA Blue Line trains suspended at O'Hare after body is found on tracks
Trains were running only from Rosemont to Forest Park. Shuttle buses were made available from Rosemont to O'Hare.
Chicago liquor store was targeted multiple times in a week, and it's not alone
Galleria Liqueurs was torn up and cleared out twice. The first time was on Christmas Day.
CTA Yellow Line service resumes operations weeks following crash
The crash sent 19 to the hospital, injured three others, and caused $8.7 million in damages.
Johnson, members of Congress discuss ongoing migrant crisis
There were two main priorities: more funding and faster work permits. Illinois Democrats in Congress said they're all aligned, but they have to sell that message in Washington.
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Michael Bolton reveals he had brain tumor surgery, taking break from stage
Singer Michael Bolton said he was taking a temporary break from touring for a few months as he recovers from surgery to remove a brain tumor.
Crime Stoppers offer $15,000 for information on Chicago shooting death
On December 18, police found 44-year-old Jaquinn Sawyer shot to death in front of a home on the 1600 block of North Mango which is between North and Wabansia.
Amtrak cancels more than a dozen trains into and out of Chicago ahead of winter storm
The rail agency said it is canceling a total of 18 trains between Sunday and Tuesday.
White Sox agree to 1-year contract with Martín Maldonado
The Chicago White Sox have brought in some help for their young pitching staff, agreeing to a $4.25 million, one-year contract with veteran catcher Martín Maldonado.
Chicago's Puerto Rican community celebrates Three Kings Day
"Only in Puerto Rico do you reference the three wise men as saints and that is because they are deeply rooted in the Puerto Rican imaginary."
Bulls' LaVine, Vucevic to play on minutes restriction in return from injuries
LaVine was averaging 21 points per game in the Bulls' 5-14 start to the season. They've gone 10-7 since and look forward to the All-Star guard's return.
What families need to know about the new version of FAFSA
Some families seeking financial aid for their children are still hitting roadblocks.
Chicago high-rise fire leaves one person injured
Investigators are looking into what started those flames.
Supreme Court agrees to hear Colorado case over Trump's 2024 ballot eligibility
Former President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court review a landmark decision in a case from Colorado finding he should be kept off the state's primary ballot.
The Smashing Pumpkins put out ad on social media for new guitarist
Guitarist Jeff Schroeder left the band in October after 16 years.
Is a plant-based diet really healthier? Experts weigh in.
Looking to boost your nutrition in the new year? Experts point to plant-based diets as a way to look and feel better.
Snow in Chicago expected overnight into Saturday; snowstorm for Tuesday?
Temperatures will warm above freezing by mid-morning Saturday, so expect a light rain/snow mix through the afternoon and evening.
Chicago man charged with shooting woman in back of head, killing her in Roseland last year
Jamari Champion, 19, was arrested by Chicago police officers and members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force on Wednesday.
Scam Warning: Suburban police warn of fake Stanley cup sales
Morton Grove police took to Facebook to alert residents of scam websites selling off-brand cups, pretending to be Stanley's.
Facade of West Englewood church collapses after failed inspection
City records show the building failed an inspection on Nov. 20 of last year. Inspectors noted three violations.
Virginia McCaskey, matriarch of Chicago Bears, turns 101 years old
Virginia McCaskey, the principal owner of the Chicago Bears, turned 101 years old on Friday.
Wayne LaPierre to resign from NRA ahead of corruption trial
The National Rifle Association's longtime leader will step down on the eve of a legal showdown with New York's attorney general over allegations of corruption.
Rideshare driver robbed at gunpoint while inside car on North Side
This comes after another rideshare driver was shot during an attempted carjacking in the Austin neighborhood Wednesday night.
2's Got Your Ticket: The 2023 Theater Year in Review
Some favorites are highlighted in this week's edition of 2's Got Your Ticket.
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McHenry Co. woman makes bizarre court appearance on charges in child's death
The sheriff's office says they were called to a home in Richmond for an unresponsive child. The boy was taken to the hospital where he later died.
CTA Blue Line trains suspended at O'Hare after body is found on tracks
Trains were running only from Rosemont to Forest Park. Shuttle buses were made available from Rosemont to O'Hare.
Chicago liquor store was targeted multiple times in a week, and it's not alone
Galleria Liqueurs was torn up and cleared out twice. The first time was on Christmas Day.
CTA Yellow Line service resumes operations weeks following crash
The crash sent 19 to the hospital, injured three others, and caused $8.7 million in damages.
Johnson, members of Congress discuss ongoing migrant crisis
There were two main priorities: more funding and faster work permits. Illinois Democrats in Congress said they're all aligned, but they have to sell that message in Washington.
CBS 2 Investigators
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Chicago car thefts surged in 2023, but numbers ticked down through the year
CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey has been digging into that new trend and asking why.
2023 year in review: What the CBS 2 Investigators uncovered this year
As we close the books on another year, we wanted to take a moment to focus on why what we do matters.
After getting hosed twice over bogus Chicago water bill, man finally gets $5,000 refund
David Steele got the $5,000 refund he'd been wanting for months, but didn't get an explanation why the city suddenly changed its mind.
City hits towing company with cease-and-desist; more complaints of cars being held hostage
This order comes less than a month after CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey first exposed the company's history of complaints.
Chicago man receives second look at murder conviction after proclaiming innocence from start
But that didn't happen until a possible conflict of interest was revealed between a Chicago Police detective and an employee in the prosecutor's office.
Politics
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Supreme Court agrees to hear Colorado case over Trump's 2024 ballot eligibility
Former President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court review a landmark decision in a case from Colorado finding he should be kept off the state's primary ballot.
House GOP to move toward holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress
Hunter Biden, President Biden's son, refused to comply with a congressional subpoena for a deposition in December.
Ald. Anthony Beale drops out of race for Democratic party post in 9th Ward
Beale has been the 9th Ward Democratic committeeperson since 2000.
Voters seek to have Donald Trump removed from Illinois Primary ballot
A petition filed this week asks for a hearing with the Illinois State Board of Elections to keep the former president off the ballot on March 19.
Feeling caucus confusion? Your guide to how Iowa picks presidential nominees
The race for the White House officially begins in less than two weeks.
Consumer News
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Some helpful reminders if you're making exchanges or returns after Christmas
With Christmas ending, you may be assessing your holiday gifts, looking at what you'll keep and what you'll return or exchange.
City hits towing company with cease-and-desist; more complaints of cars being held hostage
This order comes less than a month after CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey first exposed the company's history of complaints.
Couple on the hook after fire from neighbor's garbage burns down their house
The coach house owners have argued it wasn't their fault, because their neighbor's insurance provider won't cover their loss.
Illinois offers rebates for electric vehicle purchases, but many find themselves ineligible
Loopholes in the way the state law is written only allow buyers who purchase within certain windows of time to apply.
West Side man gets huge water bill for vacant house with no operating utilities
Glenn Jones can't sell the vacant house until he figures out the water bill issue with the city.
Health News
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UChicago cancer center aims to address disparities in care
CBS 2 is examining the disparities in cancer patients and death on the city's South and West Sides and how a local hospital aims to tackle the problem.
Rush hospitals requiring masks again amid rise in COVID-19 cases
Rush is also adjusting visiting hours and the number of visitors permitted.
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy linked with language delays, study finds
Susan Schantz, professor emerita of comparative biosciences and one of the authors of the study, spoke to CBS 2 about the findings.
South, West Sides have more cancer patients, less access to care
CBS 2 is examining the disparities in cancer patients and deaths on the city's South and West Sides and how one nonprofit is trying to improve access to care.
5 million blenders sold at Costco, Target and Walmart recalled
BlendJet has received dozens of reports of injuries from portable blenders sold between October 2020 and November 2023.
Business News
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Stellantis pulls out of Chicago Auto Show
This means Camp Jeep – with its famous off-road track – will be absent.
Chicago issues grants to community organizations to help fill vacant storefronts
The community organizations will identify vacant sites in their neighborhoods, negotiate leases, and recruit small businesses for test ventures and pop-up shops.
Shoppers flock to Aurora outlet mall for returns, after-Christmas deals
Over just a few hours, CBS 2 saw many families spending the day together at the outlet mall in Aurora.
Last-minute Christmas shoppers line Chicago's State Street
It was the final hoorah. Some call this "Super Saturday," and all of those out and about were soaking in the final moments before Christmas.
Customers line up for hours at drive-thru for new McDonald's concept, CosMc's
CBS 2's Jermont Terry took a trip out to Bolingbrook, off Weber Road, to see if it lived up to the hype.
Sports
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White Sox agree to 1-year contract with Martín Maldonado
The Chicago White Sox have brought in some help for their young pitching staff, agreeing to a $4.25 million, one-year contract with veteran catcher Martín Maldonado.
Bulls' LaVine, Vucevic to play on minutes restriction in return from injuries
LaVine was averaging 21 points per game in the Bulls' 5-14 start to the season. They've gone 10-7 since and look forward to the All-Star guard's return.
Virginia McCaskey, matriarch of Chicago Bears, turns 101 years old
Virginia McCaskey, the principal owner of the Chicago Bears, turned 101 years old on Friday.
Bears wrap up season vs. Packers: Three things to watch
Since misery loves company, the Bears are hoping to bring the Packers season to a close too.
Rangers down Blackhawks 4-1 as Chicago loses 4th straight
Artemi Panarin scored his team-best 24th goal, Vincent Trocheck added three assists and the New York Rangers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1.
Weather
Entertainment
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Michael Bolton reveals he had brain tumor surgery, taking break from stage
Singer Michael Bolton said he was taking a temporary break from touring for a few months as he recovers from surgery to remove a brain tumor.
The Smashing Pumpkins put out ad on social media for new guitarist
Guitarist Jeff Schroeder left the band in October after 16 years.
Christopher Nolan heard Peloton instructor rant about his movie
Peloton instructor Jenn Sherman has issued an apology to director Christopher Nolan, after he found out he took her Peloton class and heard her harsh criticism of his movie.
David Soul, who played Hutch in TV's "Starsky and Hutch," dies at age 80
David Soul played Detective Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson in the 1970s TV show "Starsky and Hutch."
"Mary Poppins" star Glynis Johns dies at 100
Glynis Johns won a Tony Award for her role in "A Little Night Music" and starred in the 1964 movie musical "Mary Poppins" as suffragette Winifred Banks.
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Car lands on house after hitting utility pole
Police said a teen was behind the wheel when that car hit a utility pole and landed on a house in Tennessee. Five teens in the car, including the driver, were hurt, but they're all expected to be ok. No one was in the house.
Owner can't believe his liquor stores were hit by burglars three times in one week
Benjamin Pourkhalili owns Galleria Liqueurs in Old Town and Lakeview, and his businesses are not alone in being targeted. CBS 2's Tara Molina reports.
Ex-Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn announces congressional run in Maryland
Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer who has extensively spoken out about the violence he and other law enforcement experienced on Jan. 6, 2021, announced Friday that he is launching a campaign for Congress in Maryland.
Woman charged in connection to death of 14-year-old in McHenry County
This week, police found a deceased 14-year-old boy in the house with a bag of fentanyl in his room in Richmond, Illinois. Cara Ullrich, 45, has now been charged in his death. CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey reports.
Work permits for migrants among issues Chicago mayor discusses with members of Congress
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met with Democratic members of Congress on Friday to discuss how they would support the city's effort to address the ongoing migrant crisis this year. CBS 2's Sabrina Franza spoke with some of the participants of that meeting.
Crime
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Chicago liquor store was targeted multiple times in a week, and it's not alone
Galleria Liqueurs was torn up and cleared out twice. The first time was on Christmas Day.
2 people shot in Princeton Park, including 11-year-old boy
The other victim was a 24-year-old man who was listed in critical condition.
Search on for man who invaded home in Willowbrook, came back with knife
The DuPage County Sheriff's office released images from the second incident.
6th grade student dead, 5 others injured in Iowa school shooting
A middle school student was killed and multiple people were injured in a shooting at Perry High School in Iowa on Thursday morning, officials say.
Thieves break into several Bronzeville stores with rocks and bricks
The burglaries happened six times between early in the morning on New Year's Eve and early Tuesday morning.
