Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for tips after a Nov. 17 Morgan Park hit-and-run that killed a 45-year-old man. Police released images of a tan/white van and are asking residents with video to call detectives.

A judge refused pretrial release for an 18‑year‑old accused of robbing a motorist at gunpoint in downtown Naperville. Prosecutors say the suspect pointed a handgun and fled with a cellphone.

Smithbucklin is in talks to lease space at the Aon Center, joining a string of recent association deals that have helped refill the East Loop trophy tower. The discussions are early-stage and terms were not disclosed.

A coalition of 29 aldermen will publicly monitor how Mayor Johnson implements the $16.6B budget, zeroing in on debt sales, video gambling and public-safety dollars.

A New America analysis puts DePaul and Loyola on a list of colleges where parents — often low-income — borrow tens of thousands in Parent PLUS loans to cover tuition gaps.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas sold a small stake in Tyler Technologies, the vendor tied to delays in the county's property‑tax rollout.

A CDOT message board in the Loop flashed profane anti‑Trump and anti‑ICE messages Thursday night; city officials had not immediately commented as video circulated.

A developer has asked Sycamore to allow a recreational dispensary at 1598 DeKalb Ave., but the site sits inside the city’s buffer zone and would require a code change.

A Sun‑Times check of 35 common items found steep sticker shock on coffee, beef and household staples in Chicago, even as national CPI looks milder. Local groups and shoppers are adjusting.

Clear, cool morning; sunny and mild Friday with highs near 51°F. Breezy afternoon and patchy fog overnight.

Chicago police recovered an unidentified woman’s body from the South Branch at 26th and Ashland; investigators say details are limited as marine crews work the scene.

City Council approved a ceremonial move that will place a new Route 66 “Begin” sign at Navy Pier, with a March 25, 2026 dedication tied to the Toast to Harry Caray. The shift is framed as a centennial tourism moment.

Two children were struck while crossing in a South Austin crosswalk; the driver fled and Chicago police have opened a hit‑and‑run investigation.