Chicago’s minimum wage rises to $17.05 on Wednesday; tipped workers’ cash pay will be about $12.96. Employers should update payrolls, notices and POS settings before the next pay period.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed three bills in Chicago strengthening privacy for gender‑affirming care, expanding hormone coverage and simplifying gender‑marker changes on IDs.

A 30-year-old man was shot twice while sitting in his car early Sunday in West Ridge; Belmont Area detectives are investigating.

Three women were robbed of their purses on Chicago’s South Side; Area One detectives are asking for tips and any timestamped video that could identify a suspect.

Two overnight robberies on the Blue Line's West Side targeted riders; police released limited suspect descriptions and are seeking tips.

A 22-year-old man was shot in the back in Austin and later died at Mount Sinai; Area 4 detectives have opened a homicide investigation.

A 45-year-old man was critically wounded in an argument-turned-shooting on North Richmond Street; police detained a suspect and Area Three detectives are investigating.

A Beach Park man was charged after prosecutors say he and others beat and robbed a Bally’s Chicago employee inside a River North restroom on Dec. 29.

After 40 years on Route 12, Red Dogs will close Sunday as owner Pat Heuer retires and Culver’s prepares to take over.

A multi-vehicle crash on northbound I‑57 near the Calumet River in Blue Island early Saturday left one person dead and an IDOT worker hospitalized, Illinois State Police said.

Gary's U.S. Steel Yard hosts a free, daylong R&B festival Saturday with Deniece Williams, Eric Roberson and Raheem DeVaughn. Tickets are free but required.

City inspectors found a paved, unauthorized parking lot at the former Damen Silos site and ordered it closed while the owner files a stormwater plan. Officials warn fines are possible.

Chicago police released images of a teen suspected of shoving a 69-year-old down stairs at the Chicago/State Red Line. Detectives are asking the public for tips and information.