A Chicago college student says a man pinned her against a pole in the Gold Coast before a Maple & Ash valet and staff pulled her inside. Police later arrested a man on trespassing charges.

Judge Robert Gettleman returned to the bench after a three‑month illness he says was likely Legionnaires from Dirksen courthouse water; the GSA disputes the link as lawmakers press for repairs.

Relatives say a throat-cancer survivor died after a Fourth of July booking at the Porter County Jail and are demanding records and a public accounting.

Chicago has put a planned extra pension payment on hold after Cook County said second‑installment property tax bills will be delayed by roughly two months, creating a cash‑flow pinch.

A juvenile, state‑endangered black‑crowned night heron landed on a River North windowsill and became a viral curiosity, shining a light on Chicago's urban rookery.

Cook County is placing a nonbinding "Millionaire's Tax" question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot asking whether Illinois should add a 3% surcharge on incomes over $1M to fund schools and property-tax relief.

Multi-agency crews searched Lake Michigan after a vessel sent a mayday call near Indiana Dunes; authorities asked anyone with information to contact DNR dispatch.

SB 3164 lets Illinois revoke licenses when a Move Over violation causes serious injury or death, a change pushed after repeated roadside strikes.

Bank of America withdrew from Chicago’s plan to sell roughly $1 billion in vehicle fines, stalling a controversial budget move and leaving questions for people who owe tickets.

Sheriff’s police say a smoke‑shop worker was arrested after a July 8 search at a South Damen gas‑station storefront recovered large amounts of cannabis, psilocybin and a loaded firearm.

Neighbors in Bronzeville say the Nat King Cole mural at 43rd and King Drive was taken down during exterior repairs, and residents are demanding a transparent plan for restoration.

CTA and IDOT moved the Forest Park Blue Line into a funded design phase while the city approved a Division‑Austin bus‑turnaround refresh.

A late‑night motorcycle crash near Chicago Rockford International Airport killed two people; the Winnebago County Coroner identified the victims and police are investigating.