A federal grand jury has indicted Rep. Carol Ammons and Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons on charges alleging falsified records, kickbacks and obstruction. The 12‑page indictment details an alleged scheme that prosecutors say funneled public and campaign dollars to family members.

Schafer Richardson will convert the upper floors of the North Loop building that houses Spoon and Stable into 42 apartments, preserving historic woodwork and adding a basement speakeasy.

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House will replace its 20‑year‑old seats and retire the seatback caption screens this summer, with new above‑stage captioning being tested. Work is expected through September and accessibility remains a priority.

A new CheckbookNYC tool from the Comptroller maps contract registration delays that leave nonprofits and vendors waiting for payments.

Joseph Nelson Ebert admitted in federal court to two civil‑rights counts tied to detainee incidents at the McCurtain County Jail, federal officials say.

Thurston County reinstated a county‑wide burn ban on July 8, halting yard‑waste and land‑clearing fires through Oct. 15. Approved campfires and grills remain allowed.

A Long Beach paletero says a July 4 beating at Belmont Pier left him with a broken nose and unable to work; neighbors and advocates have launched a fundraiser.

A SmartAsset analysis shows Tennessee households now need about 8.8 years to save a 20% down payment, while minimum-wage earners face decades-long timelines. Policy proposals aim to boost starter‑home supply.

Mayor Brandon Johnson joined survivors and city leaders as the long‑delayed Chicago Torture Justice Memorial broke ground in Washington Park. The ceremony was streamed by the city.

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow has died at 61 after a public battle with mucinous adenocarcinoma, county officials said.

At least 20 vehicles were broken into in hotel lots across Douglas County and a Ford F‑150 was stolen and later recovered. Detectives have opened case #2026‑00060461 and are asking for tips.

A state audit found most Minnesota registrations in 2024 were handled correctly but flagged missed deadlines and documentation gaps in manual residency reviews.

A July 8 shooting near Marketplace Drive and Mall Way left one man dead and another hospitalized; police say the confrontation began as a fight and there is no ongoing threat.