Mercadito has filed for a liquor license at 2421 N Lincoln Ave and is targeting a spring Lincoln Park opening, bringing River North favorites like empanadas and pollo tacos.

Aurora will cut the ribbon Thursday on two new fire stations, including the city’s first north of I-88. Public tours follow each opening.

A thief emptied the Block Academy's freezer, taking food and supplies that feed dozens of local children. Volunteers and neighbors are scrambling to replace meals.

Mayor Daniel Biss acknowledged a brief, "ill‑advised" 2004 relationship with a former University of Chicago student after she went public just ahead of the IL‑09 primary. His campaign says he ended it when he realized it was inappropriate.

Paper ballots ran out at Sherman School in Back of the Yards on Tuesday; State Rep. LaShawn Ford was briefly denied a ballot before the error was fixed.

Endeavor Health is advancing a roughly $29M modernization at Edward Hospital to add operating rooms and a 10‑bed ICU, aiming to ease pressure on cardiac care. State filings and local reporting detail the scope and funding.

A Missner Group–Cabrera Capital joint venture bought an eight‑acre city lot in Back of the Yards for $3.3M and plans a $24M industrial building expected to create 120 jobs.

Orion Samuelson, WGN’s longtime farm broadcaster, has died at 91. He spent 60 years explaining agriculture to city and country listeners.

A 20-year-old man was found dead with a gunshot wound after a crash in Palatine. Police closed North Rand Road near Route 53 as detectives investigate the scene.

Incumbent Brad Schneider and challenger Morgan Coghill face off in the IL-10 primary Tuesday; polls close at 7 p.m. and returns should begin afterward.

Incumbent Mike Quigley and multiple challengers are on the ballot in the March 17 primary for Illinois' 5th District; returns will follow after polls close.

Alexi Giannoulias is unopposed in the Democratic primary while Republicans Diane M. Harris and Walter Adamczyk battle for the GOP nod. Returns will trickle in after polls close at 7 p.m.

Aurora opened a temporary overnight warming center Sunday night at the Financial Empowerment Center, offering 7 p.m.–7 a.m. shelter for residents during a cold snap.