Good afternoon, Chicago.
A winter storm watch will be in effect for much of northern and central Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana from 3 p.m. this afternoon until 6 a.m. Sunday, with possible snow accumulations of over 6 inches.
Snow will develop late today through tomorrow night, and will fall heavily at times — up to an inch per hour, especially during the day tomorrow. Daytime temperatures both days will remain in the lower to mid-30s, dropping to the 20s at night.
Travel will be most affected on Saturday, as snow-covered roads and reduced visibility will lead to hazardous conditions. Wind gusts from the southeast will reach up to 25 miles per hour.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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Chicago Heights priest nears end of two-month walk to New York for immigration justice
The Rev. Gary Graf set out walking Oct. 6, from Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home in Dolton. On Dec. 2, he expects to mark his successful arrival at the Statue of Liberty in New York City. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- National Guard shooting suspect to face first-degree murder charge
- Unsolved Lane Bryant murder case focus of new documentary

What a federal ban on THC-infused drinks and snacks could mean for the hemp industry
Buried in the bill that ended the federal government shutdown this month was a provision to ban beverages and snacks made from hemp, which have proliferated across the country in recent years. Now the $24 billion hemp industry is scrambling to save itself before the provision takes effect in November 2026. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- Aurora expands number of gambling machines allowed in local businesses
- Loop 3-bedroom home with marble and wide-plank hardwood flooring: nearly $2.5M

Nick Martinelli scores 28, but Northwestern rally falls short vs. Oklahoma State at United Center
Nick Martinelli scored a season-high 28 points on 12-of-16 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds, his first double-double this season, for Northwestern (5-2). xxx Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- If they make it through this week, No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana would give Big Ten a historic title game
- Julian Sayin’s defining moment: Can Ohio State’s QB end the 4-game losing streak against Michigan?

Review: ‘Hamnet’ is a deeply sad, utterly beautiful Shakespeare story
Enveloped in soft green, the forest holds Agnes (Jessie Buckley) with the comfort and safety of a womb. Curled up in a centuries-old tree root, she is cradled by the lineage of her mother and the mothers before her, who walked out of the forest knowing of plants and dirt and animals. When she strides out of the woods in her red dress, a powerful hawk on her arm, a young tutor peering out of an attic classroom window is struck dumb at the sight of her. A man of words and letters, William (Paul Mescal) doesn’t quite know what to say. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- Carpentersville bringing back Jamboree Days music festival in 2026
- Rick Steves’ Europe: The sips and sounds of a Greek taverna
- The Kitchn: Turn leftover mashed potatoes into pan-fried potato pancakes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff resigns as corruption investigations widen
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Friday the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, whose residence was searched earlier in the day by anti-corruption investigators. Yermak has been Ukraine’s lead negotiator in peace talks with Russia and the United States. He has also been a trusted confidante of Zelenskyy’s for years. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
