Farm Zero and investor Marc Calabria are planning to convert a vacant Loop landmark into a vertical-farming research hub with a market and rooftop gardens. The project would pair growing racks with health research and startups.

Amazon will launch Prime Air drones from Markham and Matteson to deliver small orders within an eight‑mile radius. Community demos and a March 2 meeting are planned.

Mostly dry Thursday; Friday warms to about 50°F and stays mild into next week.

Lizzano Focacceria is opening at 1607 Chicago Ave in downtown Evanston in early April, bringing focaccia sandwiches and spritzes to the block.

West Loop favorite Tempesta Market is opening a Rosemont deli this summer, joining an Eggsperience Café in a village-owned Higgins Road development near O’Hare. Renovations and tenant work are due to start soon.

A Chicago man pleaded guilty last week to voluntary manslaughter in the 2021 Hammond death of his 18-year-old ex; sentencing is set for April 7, 2026 with possible 16 years behind bars.

A 42‑story Loop tower at 73 E. Lake sold for about $126M to a group including Intercontinental and Magellan, reshuffling downtown multifamily ownership.

New CEO Steve Cahillane paused Kraft Heinz's planned split and will invest $600M in marketing, sales and R&D after weak quarterly results.

Neil Bluhm has pledged $50 million to Northwestern Medicine to expand cardiac research, recruit doctors and boost inpatient capacity as the system plans a new Streeterville tower.

Sunny but blustery Wednesday in Chicago — highs near 40°F with gusts up to 25 mph and a Small Craft Advisory on Lake Michigan through midafternoon.

Three people were hospitalized after two weekend stabbings in Aurora; police arrested two men as investigations continue.

A Cook County judge certified a BIPA class against Apple over Siri voiceprints, potentially including millions of Illinois users and raising high-dollar privacy questions.

Johnny's Dirty Soda and Snacks opened on Belmont, bringing Utah‑style syrup-and-cream sodas to Lakeview with a wall of imported snacks and $4.50–$5.50 mixes. Early tasters note some combinations are very sweet.