Severe storms Thursday night knocked out power to thousands across northern Illinois; ComEd crews prioritized hospitals and large-customer restorations as warnings stayed in effect.

October Café opened a second Northwest Side location in Gladstone Park, bringing its year‑round autumn menu, student deals and neighborhood pop‑ups to Elston Avenue.

A pedestrian was struck by a Metra UP‑West train near Geneva on April 2, halting inbound and outbound service and creating major morning‑rush delays.

A compact Buffalo Wild Wings GO opened Thursday at 840 W. Route 22 in Lake Zurich, emphasizing digital orders, heated pickup lockers and a limited menu. The shop is hiring about 15 people and opened with a wing giveaway.

Cook County medical examiner ruled the death of a 25-year-old Avondale man a homicide after an autopsy found blunt head trauma. Investigators say no arrests have been announced as the probe continues.

An 18-year-old was shot and killed inside an Englewood gas station Wednesday afternoon. Area detectives are investigating the slaying.

An 8-year-old girl and two adults were shot near East 35th Street and South King Drive in Bronzeville; police say a dark-colored SUV pulled up and fired. All three were hospitalized and reported in good condition.

A Matteson man pleaded guilty and received a 20-year sentence in the 2023 Dolton I-94 shooting that killed Travon Mackie.

A lender sued the owner of the retail condo at 36 S. State St. for about $18 million on April 1, 2026 — a case that could affect prominent Loop storefronts.

A Chicago man was handed 24 years after pleading guilty to disseminating child pornography involving victims under 13, prosecutors say.

Longtime Logan Square renters formed a tenant union to try to buy their four‑unit building after it hit the market, testing the city's preservation pilot.

Aurora will pay $400,000 to settle a federal excessive‑force lawsuit brought by community organizer George Gutierrez. The deal ends litigation that included a 2025 jury finding of excessive force.

Chicago graduated 248 new officers on March 31, 2026, but officials say hundreds of sworn positions remain unfilled. New recruits will train on the job while filling patrol shifts across the city.