Gov. JB Pritkzer joins in DHS briefing with other governors day before Iran attacks US base in Qatar
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Gov. JB Pritkzer joined in a briefing with other American governors Sunday from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

On Monday, Iran launched missiles targeting a U.S. base in Qatar after Israel and Iran fired more strikes at each other overnight a day after Operation Midnight Hammer.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Homeland Security and the FBI are warning state and local officials that the strikes have “raised the threat environment.”

Pritzker said on X that he’s keeping a close eye and is in consultation with federal authorities.

But there are no known local threats at this time.

There are major questions about how much of Iran’s nuclear program was destroyed in Saturday’s attack.

President Donald Trump says the facilities were “obliterated.”

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says it’s too early to tell the full scope.

“Final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessment indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction,” Gen. Dan Caine said.

Satellite imagery shows the damage to the three nuclear facilities targeted in the attack.

The Trump administration has said the Fordow facility, built underground, was a key target.

That’s where the 30,000-pound “bunker buster bombs” were dropped.

From the sky, the only damage that can be seen are the holes the bombs created, when they dug into the ground before exploding.

“We really can’t know what went on underneath the ground in Fordow. The president called it a monumental success, but it all happened 200 feet down, and we can’t see with satellites,” Col. Steve Ganyard said.

Israel and Iran traded missile attacks Monday.

In one video circulating online, a large blast can be seen at the site of an electrical substation in Israel.

It comes as President Trump floated the idea of a regime change in Iran.

Trump posted online, “If the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn’t there be a regime change?”

The vice president has said that’s not their goal.

“Well first of all, we don’t want to achieve regime change; we want to achieve the end of the Iranian nuclear program,” JD Vance said.

“If they refuse to engage in diplomacy moving forward, why shouldn’t the Iranian people rise up against this brutal terrorist regime? That’s a question the president raised last night,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday morning.

Locally, organizations who oppose U.S. involvement said there’s a planned anti-war protest at 5 p.m. Monday at Federal Plaza.

Dr. Louis Kraus, who leads Rush’s child and adolescent psychiatry efforts, said it’s normal to feel anxious or fearful amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

How to process fear and anxiety amid escalating tension in the Middle East.

He gave some tips Monday on how to process these “out of our control” events.

Kraus said it’s important not to show anxiety to children, wait for them to bring up concerns and offer them assurance everything will be OK.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Flu surges across US as holiday travel fuels record infections

Holiday Travel Sparks Record Flu Spike Across the US

The flu is making its presence felt across the United States just…
FBI gives update on daycare accused of $4M taxpayer fraud

FBI Unveils Latest Developments in $4 Million Taxpayer Fraud Case Involving Daycare Facility

FBI Director Kash Patel has announced an intensified effort to tackle fraud…
Russia strikes Ukraine ahead of Trump-Zelensky meeting

Russia’s Aggressive Move: Airstrikes in Ukraine Set the Stage for High-Stakes Trump-Zelensky Summit

In a series of early morning strikes on Ukraine, Russia has left…
Brigitte Bardot, 1960s sultry sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist dies at 91

From Iconic 60s Star to Fierce Animal Advocate: Remembering Brigitte Bardot’s Legacy at 91

In 1969, Brigitte Bardot’s striking features were chosen to embody “Marianne,” the…
Unsung heroes of 2025: First responders and everyday Americans who saved lives across US

Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of 2025: How First Responders and Everyday Americans United to Save Lives Nationwide

In a year overshadowed by calamity and destruction, it was the quiet…
Bob Ross' curls were actually a perm - see him before the iconic style

Discover Bob Ross’ Surprising Hair Secret: See His Transformation Before the Iconic Perm!

Bob Ross, the beloved painter known for his soothing voice and happy…
Landlord allegedly kills 71-year-old tenant, hides body in barrel on Washington property

Shocking Discovery: Landlord Accused of Murdering Elderly Tenant and Concealing Body in Barrel in Washington

Authorities are investigating a chilling case in Washington after a landlord is…
Creative Cypher enters new era with first woman president of the entertainment powerhouse company, Cindy Beasley

Creative Cypher Breaks New Ground: Cindy Beasley Appointed as First Female President

CHICAGO (WLS) — Riding high on the success of two Emmy nominations,…