Smoke from out-of-state fires has triggered an Air Quality Alert in Chicago on July 16, 2026. Expect hazy skies and limited outdoor activity today.

Two 15‑year‑old girls were injured when an SUV struck their e‑bike in Libertyville; one was transferred to Lurie Children’s with life‑threatening injuries.

Cook County prosecutors declined to charge a North Riverside officer who shot a knife‑wielding man in January 2025, saying the evidence was insufficient. The family is calling for body‑camera footage and transparency.

An inspector general report says a teen in a CPD program marched in Nazi‑style garb at a high school and resigned. The watchdog recommended discipline and ineligible‑for‑rehire designations.

Videos show riders descending Wrath of Rakshasa after a stall at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. Park says guests were escorted off and the coaster reopened after a systems check.

Magnolia Bakery's Loop outpost was ordered closed after inspectors found roaches, flies and food-debris problems. The bakery says it's pursuing repairs and retraining before reopening.

Project Runway–famous Mood Fabrics will open a 2,000‑sq‑ft showroom at 109 S. State St. this August, offering thousands of swatches, workshops and QR‑powered ordering.

Thieves broke into a Rogers Park repair shop, stole an SUV and crashed it into several vehicles on North Clark; one suspect was arrested and multiple people were treated at local hospitals.

A 10-year-old girl, identified as Braelyn Stewart, died after an apartment fire on the 2900 block of Bernice Road in Lansing. Authorities say the cause is under investigation.

Federal prosecutors say Chicago‑filed charges helped push the DOJ’s Trade Fraud Task Force past $1 billion, with two jewelry‑import cases singled out.

UChicago Medicine has added four senior neurosurgeons as part of an expansion led by Chair Mohamad Bydon. The hires bolster tumor, spine, vascular and trauma care.

Chicago‑born billionaire Ken Griffin has increased donations to GOP super PACs ahead of the 2026 midterms, including a $5M May check to the Congressional Leadership Fund.

A court-ordered firearms seizure in the 4200 block of North Leavitt turned up a weapon fitted with an auto switch, 20 guns and thousands of rounds; a 50‑year‑old man has been charged.