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.

A Mt. Morris man was sentenced to 18 months after entering Oregon Elementary and resisting arrest, officials say.

A local, family‑run Dunkin’ and Baskin‑Robbins operator has applied to relocate its downtown Skokie shop to 8357 Skokie Blvd, proposing a co‑branded store with a drive‑thru.

Trader Joe’s has signed a lease and applied for permits to open at Lincoln Village Shopping Center in North Park, alderman says; no timeline yet.

Illinois signed Quentin Coleman and Zavier Zens as the roster reshapes after a Final Four run; transfers and returns are already shifting the picture.

After years at markets and pop-ups, Meze Table opened a storefront at 3437 S. Morgan in Bridgeport, selling Greek mezes, pantry goods and items from local makers.