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Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan is the only acute care hospital in the city and is owned by California-based American Healthcare Systems (AHS), which bought it in July 2023. The hospital has struggled with unpaid bills, delayed payroll, and the loss of services. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) revoked its Level II trauma designation on Oct. 23 and ordered a full EMS bypass starting Nov. 7.
Chicago's Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election was marked by ballot shortages and long lines at some polling places. The Board of Elections attributed the shortages to a coding error in ballot-quantity calculations affecting split precincts. On Nov. 9, the City Council's Budget and Government Operations Committee heard from board leaders as the board seeks a 2027 budget.
Ald. Angela Clay (46th) was elected in 2023 after beating Kim Walz in a runoff, succeeding retiring Ald. James Cappleman. She is seeking a second term in the Far North Side ward that includes Uptown. Chicago's next municipal election is set for Feb. 23, 2027, with a possible runoff April 6, 2027. Nominating petitions are currently being challenged before the Chicago Board of Elections.
The Illinois Secretary of State opened a permanent DMV+ facility at 9291 W. 159th St. in Orland Hills on November 9, 2026. It replaces the temporary Orland Park site at CTF Illinois, which closed November 5. That site had opened after the Orland Township board voted in July 2025 to cancel the state's lease at Township Hall.
A Chicago man was charged with first-degree murder in the Halloween shooting death of Matteson anti-violence advocate Andre Thomas, 57.
A mother was charged more than two years after her 12-year-old daughter died of a drug overdose in Joliet.
Gov. Newsom plans to commute death sentences, including those of notorious serial killers.