Bradford pear blossoms are back across Illinois — but the trees are being phased out under the state’s Exotic Weeds Act, with a sales ban set for Jan. 1, 2028.

Trader Joe's will open two Chicago‑area stores: a 'Coming Soon' site in Oswego and a Willowbrook Bowl redevelopment. Opening dates are pending.

Fathom, from Dorothy owners Whitney LaMora and Zoe Schor, opened last Thursday in Lakeview with a nautical, queer-forward cocktail room and a restored photo booth.

A pre-dawn blaze leveled a vacant commercial block on Chicago’s South Side at 79th and Vincennes; firefighters used tower ladders to douse hot spots and no injuries were reported.

Three men were shot Sunday night on the 5400 block of South Laflin Street in Back of the Yards; all were taken to area hospitals and are in fair condition.

Cloudy and breezy this morning with a 30–40% chance of storms this afternoon. Stronger storms possible Tuesday and Wednesday.

An SUV struck a marked Chicago Police squad car in West Garfield Park, sending two officers and three others to hospitals. The driver was arrested and detectives are investigating.

Two teenage boys were shot Saturday in Brighton Park; a 14-year-old is in serious condition at Stroger Hospital, police say.

Warm, windy Sunday in Chicago with gusts up to 45 mph and storms likely tonight. Nearshore gale warning and a midweek severe-threat window mean stay alert.

Postal inspectors and Chicago police arrested two people after a resident reported suspicious activity at an Uptown building. Officials recovered tools and bags of stolen mail.

Dutch Bros will open a drive‑thru at the northwest corner of Meacham and Biesterfield as part of a new ice‑arena redevelopment. Officials say the shop and a Culver’s are slated to arrive later this year.

A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after a Sept. 20 hit-and-run on W. 21st Place that killed a bicyclist, police say.

Cool Saturday gives way to a sharp warm-up Sunday and an unsettled start to the week. Gusty winds and scattered storms are possible.