Tropical Smoothie Cafe is opening a Logan Square location near the Blue Line, promising a big grand opening with discounts and free smoothies. The 1,800‑sq‑ft shop will hire about 15 people.

Volare is opening a pickup-only Gold Coast outpost that will focus on pizza and pasta to speed carryout orders. The founder signed a five-year lease for the 1,100‑sq‑ft site.

Kroger says the Mariano’s at 6655 Grand Ave. in Gurnee will close on July 17; affected employees are being offered transfer opportunities.

Kitten season has pushed Chicago Animal Care and Control and local rescues to capacity, prompting waived-fee adoptions and expanded spay/neuter and foster efforts.

An Antioch man was arrested after detectives say a forensic exam of his phone uncovered roughly 600 files of child sexual abuse material. He faces multiple felony counts, including production and possession charges.

Wednesday night storms toppled trees and knocked out power across Gary, Griffith and Merrillville, leaving thousands in the dark as crews work to clear damage and restore service.

Two people were shot Thursday in Chicago's Dunning neighborhood near Hiawatha Park. Police blocked off the area and officials had not released victim details.

Cook County deputies recovered two stolen trailers at an Elk Grove Township truck yard containing more than $1.3M in copper, data‑center gear and other goods.

A 24-year-old woman was arrested after an alleged shooting in Fuller Park left a 16-year-old hospitalized and later stabilized at Comer Children's Hospital.

A fourth-floor blaze at the Wyndham Apartments in Edgewater sent heavy smoke across Sheridan Road early Friday. Firefighters worked into the morning and the cause remains under investigation.

Two men were found shot behind a house on Chicago’s Northwest Side and later died at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, police said.

Jed Hoyer pulled a quick trade for David Peterson as the Cubs scramble to replace multiple injured starters. The move is a stopgap that leans on Chicago’s defense.

Mostly cloudy and cool today with showers mainly staying south. Dangerous heat builds Monday, June 29, with heat-index values topping 100°F.