Local mechanics face challenges • Exotic cat captured in North West suburb • Billboards hacked with anti-Semitic messages

CHICAGO – Independent mechanics face challenges maintaining newer vehicles; an exotic cat was captured in the northwest suburbs of Chicago; and several electronic billboards were hacked to display anti-Semitic messages in Northbrook.

Here are Fox 32’s top stories of the week in review.

Why taking your car to a dealership for repairs may soon be your only option

For those of us who like to take our car to a local mechanic for repairs rather than a dealership, that option may not be around much longer.

In a FOX 32 special report, Scott Schneider looks at why you may soon have fewer options when it comes to making car repairs.

FULL STORY.

Exotic cat on the loose in suburban Chicago captured, owner speaks

The search for an exotic cat in Chicago’s northwest suburbs has come to an end.

“The cat was hiding under a resident’s deck and is unharmed. The Valley of the Kings Sanctuary and Retreat, located in Sharon Wisconsin, is on its way to pick him up, where we are confident he will live a healthy and happy life away from Hoffman Estates,” the Hoffman Estates Police Department said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said it is not yet known where the animal came from.

FULL STORY.

Hacked billboards display ‘anti-Semitic’ messages in suburban Chicago

Several electronic billboards in a Chicago suburb were hacked, displaying hateful messages about Israel that many described as “anti-Semitic” on Wednesday.

The billboards are located near the Edens Spur Tollroad in Northbrook, just west of Waukegan Road.

One of the billboards read “F*** ISRAEL,” while another displayed the message “DEATH TO ISRAEL.” In both, a Palestinian flag was used as a backdrop.

FULL STORY.

Two killed in crash on Chicago’s South Side after driver ran red light

Two people were killed in a car crash on Chicago’s South Side Monday morning after a driver ran a red light.

According to police, the incident occurred around 1:38 a.m. near Chicago Police Headquarters on 35th Street and Michigan Avenue.

FULL STORY.

Two Men Accused of Brazen Freight Train Robbery on Chicago’s West Side

Two men have been charged in connection with a brazen freight train robbery that occurred on Chicago’s West Side last week.

Derrick Weathers, 53, faces a felony charge of possession of cannabis (100–500 grams) and a misdemeanor charge of theft of property valued at less than $500. Lemar Hollingsworth, 21, has been charged with felony theft of property under $500, police said.

FULL STORY.

Illinois Department of Corrections Employee Arrested for Sending Explicit Messages to Underage Girls: Police

A 45-year-old Illinois Department of Corrections employee is in custody for allegedly sending explicit messages on social media to an underage girl.

Robert Arndt was arrested and taken to the Will County Jail on Wednesday for preparing and soliciting a sexual act, according to Joliet police.

FULL STORY.

Walgreens will close 1,200 stores nationwide

Walgreens will close about 1,200 stores over the next three years as the drugstore chain seeks to turn around a struggling U.S. business that contributed to a $3 billion quarterly loss.

The company said Tuesday that about 500 store closures will occur in the current fiscal year and are expected to immediately support adjusted earnings and free cash flow. Walgreens did not say where the store closures would occur.

FULL STORY.

Chicago Winter Forecast: La Niña Pattern Could Bring Colder, Wetter Conditions

Winter is still a few months away, but signs point to a colder, wetter winter than what the Chicago area experienced in the 2023-24 season.

The 2023-24 winter season was dominated by an El Niño weather pattern and was one for the record books. The winter months were marked by above-average temperatures and below-average snowfall. Last winter was the fifth warmest on record in Chicago.

FULL STORY.

Drone helps locate body of missing woman with dementia in Country Club Hills: authorities

The body of a missing Country Club Hills woman with dementia was found near a forest preserve in Cook County Saturday morning.

A search party gathered at Wolf Park Forest Preserve at 8 a.m. to help local police search for 78-year-old Yolanda Howell.

FULL STORY.

Harvey councilor broadcasts apparent arrest as she surrenders to police

A Harvey councilwoman took to Facebook Live Wednesday morning, allegedly recording herself in the backseat of a police cruiser after turning herself in to authorities.

Councilwoman Colby Chapman said she surrendered at the Harvey Police Department around 7 a.m. following allegations that she filed a false police report on Oct. 14.

FULL STORY.