Mostly clear and mild Wednesday; lakefront cooler than inland. Warmup Thursday, then storms likely late Thursday night into Friday.

Area 3 detectives posted an alert about an aggravated battery aboard a downtown CTA vehicle and asked riders with footage or tips to contact investigators.

Mayor Brandon Johnson marked the start of CTA’s spring Refresh & Renew work as crews return to stations for painting, lighting upgrades and targeted repairs. The 2019 program will expand modestly under the 2026 budget.

A precautionary boil water advisory covers parts of Schererville after system pressure fell below the 20-psi threshold; testing is underway and officials say contamination is not suspected.

CPD transit officers recovered two firearms — including a ghost gun — from two people on a CTA train; one suspect is a recently paroled felon.

An early‑morning explosion at the Coogee Chemicals plant in Ottawa prompted street closures and a public‑safety warning as crews and investigators worked the scene.

Two brothers admitted in federal court that they funneled cash to a former Oakbrook Terrace mayor tied to a red‑light camera contract.

A fast-moving fire gutted a condo building at Lake of the Four Seasons near Crown Point; officials say residents escaped and the structure appears to be a total loss.

Evanston added fines of $100–$1,000 per violation per day to its landlord-tenant code after tenant complaints and a dispute with a major landlord.

A South Side foundation in memory of 17-year-old Boaz Flemister will fund counseling and competitions to help dancers process grief after his death.

A 33-year-old was arrested after firing shots inside a parked CTA bus at the Midway Bus Depot; the vehicle was damaged and no one was hurt.

Near West officers recovered a firearm after a street stop at Throop Park and arrested one person, who was charged with unlawful use of a weapon.

A Sycamore mother says she’s still waiting for justice as the teen‑stabbing case returns to court this week. Judges will weigh a defense bid to move the case into juvenile court.