More than 200 Brookfield Zoo staff authorized a strike after rejecting the zoo's final contract offer. Negotiators meet May 1 as the contract expires.

Franklin Partners and Bixby Bridge Capital bought the loan on the 23‑story tower at 200 W. Monroe in the Loop, marking another discounted Chicago‑area office deal. The purchase spotlights continued distress and opportunistic buying in the downtown market.

A dark Jeep plowed into PLS Check Cashers in Brighton Park early Wednesday; suspects ran inside and fled, leaving the vehicle behind. Detectives are canvassing the area.

Crews cleared fallen trees and debris across Aurora's west side after severe storms; the city outlined how to report damage and prepare branches for pickup.

A grocery-style Statesmen Market at Kennedy-King gives students free fresh food and essentials as part of City Colleges' Food Security for Life pilot.

A Park City part-time officer was arrested after an Illinois State Police probe into alleged sexual abuse during traffic stops; he was fired and faces multiple felony counts.

Optima converted construction debt into a $60M Freddie Mac refinance for its 100‑unit Optima Verdana in Wilmette, clearing the way for an adjacent 128‑unit phase. The move reflects strong suburban demand for stabilized luxury rentals.

Seedo’s Levantine Bakery moved from a Sterling Food Hall stall into a Loop storefront, turning Palestinian pastries like pistachio croissants and basbousa into downtown favorites.

McKinsey is relocating its Chicago office to Salesforce Tower at Wolf Point, joining other firms that have taken prime space in the new riverfront tower.

Chicago representatives unveiled the Living Wage For All Act, a proposal to lift the federal minimum to $25 with a decade‑plus phase‑in and an end to subminimum wages. Sponsors say it’s about affordability; critics warn of costs to small businesses.

A 28-year-old man was shot and later died Monday night in Austin; Area Four detectives are asking neighbors to share tips or video.

Lyric Opera, Ravinia and other Chicago arts groups backed an Illinois bill to ban speculative 'ghost' ticket listings after patrons were turned away and venues lost thousands.

Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago will update sewers and water lines to protect health and better withstand extreme storms. The plan highlights long‑running lead‑line and flooding problems.