A new childcare index finds infant tuition in Chicago averages about $21,613 a year — roughly the cost of many studio apartments — leaving families and early‑education staff squeezed. Local data shows long waits and limited slots in parts of the city.

Sam Sianis, the longtime owner of Chicago’s Billy Goat Tavern and a figure behind the cheezborger lore, has died at 91, the restaurant announced. The family-run spot paid tribute on social media.

A baby girl was killed in a stabbing on Chicago’s Southwest Side Friday; police say a suspect was taken into custody and charges are pending.

A crash on southbound I‑65 in Hobart left three people dead and two critically injured; lanes were closed while investigators processed the scene.

A Dayton man led police on a chase through Franklin, crashed and jumped into the Great Miami River before being arrested and treated at a hospital.

Demolition has begun at the former House of the Good Shepherd on W. Grace as the Cubs push to fold the lot into their Camry parking operation; neighbors are mobilizing.

A 40-year-old man was found shot inside a North Lawndale residence Wednesday night and taken to Mt. Sinai in critical condition.

Tilly Bagel is expanding to Lakeview; signage is up at 3162 N Broadway as owners finish interior and kitchen work ahead of a third Chicago shop.

Jerk Yard is opening a fourth location at Plaza West in Park Forest this summer, bringing rasta pasta, wings and an outdoor patio to the south suburbs.

ISBE stepped in Thursday to halt planned closures of two LEARN campuses in North Chicago, keeping LEARN 6 and LEARN 10 open while contract talks continue.

A Chicago mother shared video showing someone trying to lure her child near the East Side Little League Fields and urged other parents to stay vigilant.

Fitch cut the University of Chicago’s long‑term rating to AA, citing persistent operating deficits and a roughly $6.4 billion debt load. The move raises questions about future borrowing and capital plans.

A superhero‑themed tempura shop from the team behind Chicago Ramen has opened in Schaumburg, serving jumbo ebi tempura, tendon and hot or cold udon.