FARE is opening an Old Town cafe at 868 N Wells this summer, expanding its Chicago footprint. Expect seasonal bowls, coffee and grab-and-go breakfasts.

Facing mounting deficits, the Chicago Sinfonietta will pause most programming for 2026–27 and lay off its administrative staff as it seeks to rebuild.

Illinois unveiled $56M in CDBG grants for public infrastructure, housing rehab and downtown revitalization, with application windows opening now and two tracks due in late August.

An eaglet hatched in Park No. 597 on April 28 — the Chicago Park District says it’s the first bald eagle born within city limits in more than 100 years. Officials credit habitat restoration and ask residents to keep their distance.

A massive T5 data campus is moving ahead in Grayslake even as neighbors accuse officials and developers of hiding the project's scale and water impacts.

A 31-year-old man was shot in the chest on a Hyde Park sidewalk early Thursday and taken to UChicago Medicine in critical condition.

After a widely publicized 2019 raid and a $2.9M settlement, Anjanette Young has moved closer to a seat on Chicago’s police oversight commission. Her appointment exposes lingering divisions over warrant policies at City Hall.

Shorewood Development Group bought the cleared 37.5-acre former Walgreens campus in Deerfield for $13.1M, with state records showing retail, medical and apartments as possible uses.

Millennium Park's free Summer Music Series returns June 15–Aug. 6 with Sheila E., Arrested Development and local favorites headlining free nights at the Pritzker.

Mini City Play Cafe — a kid-focused play cafe from two local parents — is moving into West Town this August with playhouses and a full coffee program. The spot will host classes, parties and drop-in play for children 0–6.

Developers shrank a plan for a vacant lot on California Avenue to 105 units, including 21 below‑market homes, after neighborhood objections.

After 30 years, Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap will close next Monday and relaunch as Lake Street Tavern in June, keeping its signature rotisserie chicken and ribs.

George Cardenas has formed an exploratory committee to test a Chicago mayoral bid after a narrow Board of Review win. His role on the tax appeals board could make property values a campaign issue.