Arts and cultural programming drew nearly 1.5M visits to the Loop in Q2 and generated roughly $395M, boosting restaurants and sparking conversions even as weekday traffic lags.

Uptown’s Green Mill has restored late‑night Friday and Saturday jazz under new owners, with post‑midnight jam sessions and a $5 cover. Chicago players are on the bill.

A Chicago mother says her 9-year-old with autism slipped out of a CPS summer program and walked down State Street before a CTA driver found him. She wants answers about supervision and handoffs.

Twelve progressive aldermen pledged to refuse campaign money from companies tied to immigration enforcement, naming major firms and putting City Hall fundraising under new scrutiny.

St. Charles will run an evening mosquito spray after local traps tested positive for West Nile virus. Officials say the EPA‑registered treatment dissipates quickly and residents should take basic bite‑prevention steps.

Illinois will distribute blue envelopes at Secretary of State DMV facilities starting Jan. 1, 2027 to help drivers with autism flag communication needs during police contacts.

Community event tonight at Finn McCool’s will raise money for Orlando Rivas’ family, with White Sox memorabilia, a video tribute and a $20 buffet.

A Chicago man was sentenced to two years after prosecutors say he livestreamed himself with a Glock fitted with a conversion "switch" at Riis Park and fired a shot. Video and social posts were central to the federal case.

Per Scholas opened a satellite campus at the Gary Comer Youth Center to deliver no-cost cybersecurity training and connect learners to apprenticeships with local employers.

Maine Township landed $1M in state grants and has closed on a Milwaukee Avenue property, moves officials say will let the pantry expand refrigeration, storage and hours.

A 35-year-old man was wounded early Tuesday in Wentworth Gardens after someone in a dark vehicle opened fire. He was taken to UChicago Medical Center and detectives are investigating.

State data show Illinois dispensaries sold more items in the first half of 2026 even as receipts fell, squeezing margins and prompting deeper discounts.

Highland Park police asked people on the 300-block of Walker Avenue to shelter in place while officers searched the area; authorities are seeking two people and asking for tips.