A tree smashed through an SUV in Evanston during Thursday's storms; neighbors and a Good Samaritan helped pull a wounded passenger free while firefighters cut away the limb.

Five teenagers were charged after a Fourth of July disturbance at Joliet's Bicentennial Park. Police say officers were pushed, spat on and targeted with fireworks during arrests.

A Lake County SWAT team breached a North Chicago home and arrested a man after more than 1,000 child sexual abuse videos were reportedly found on seized devices.

A new heat‑map analysis of Chicago crash records found pedestrian‑involved crashes rose about 35% between 2021 and 2025, concentrating in downtown corridors and involving many hit‑and‑runs.

Prosecutors say a North Chicago man sold cocaine to a confidential informant; investigators seized more than 173 grams and he remains detained pending trial.

A trash-chute fire at a South Side high-rise sent seven people to hospitals and emptied the building in Greater Grand Crossing. Authorities say the cause is unknown.

A large police response was reported Friday at South Chappel Avenue and East 79th Street on Chicago's South Side. A news helicopter captured aerial footage as the investigation remained developing.

A whiskey bar and permanent food truck have opened at Elgin’s Wing Park, anchored in a new $4.3M clubhouse with simulators, a pro shop and local beverage collaborations.

A woman wanted in a Russell County, Alabama, armed-robbery case was arrested in Oak Park after a U.S. Marshals task‑force tip, the Cook County Sheriff's Office says.

A Richland Center Kwik Trip sold a $167,000 Badger 5 ticket in the July 1 drawing. The retailer could receive a small bonus under the Lottery’s program.

A rooftop fire ripped through a Tru by Hilton on Diehl Road near I-88 in Naperville overnight; officials say the cause is unknown and investigators are on scene.

A fallen tree derailed a CTA Yellow Line train in Evanston late Thursday; 31 riders were evacuated and there were no reported injuries.

A River North traffic stop on July 1 led deputies to recover a loaded handgun and suspected cannabis; prosecutors approved a felony weapons charge.