Sam Sianis, the longtime owner of Chicago’s Billy Goat Tavern and a figure behind the cheezborger lore, has died at 91, the restaurant announced. The family-run spot paid tribute on social media.

Park Forest police are trying to reunite a horse found wandering near Western Avenue and Steger Road with its owner.

Fitch cut the University of Chicago’s long‑term rating to AA, citing persistent operating deficits and a roughly $6.4 billion debt load. The move raises questions about future borrowing and capital plans.

A new $3.5M fundraising campaign backed by tech and neighborhood groups aims to revive the SALUD Center pool — the only year‑round indoor pool that’s been closed since 2017.

University of Chicago will guarantee tuition‑free undergraduate study for families earning under $250,000 and cover housing and meals for those under $125,000.

Mayor Brandon Johnson said CARE will be available across all 77 community areas, sending clinicians and EMTs — not police — to eligible mental-health calls.

A stop at Kelley's Market turned into a $1 million surprise for an Island Lake man who bought a Millionaire Club scratch-off and scanned it in-store.

Border Tails Rescue in Northbrook is caring for beagles from Ridglan Farms and needs fosters, adopters and supplies as the dogs adjust to life outside a research facility.

A CPD memo says most police stations will stop accepting stray animals and owner surrenders, pushing finders toward shelters, vets and microchip scans.

Zion Elementary District 6 says revamped vaccination tracking and school‑based clinics pushed district measles coverage toward the 95% target, though some schools still trail. Officials point to tighter recordkeeping and mobile clinics as the fix.

Nearly 3,000 nurses at Endeavor Health's North Shore hospitals are organizing over pay cuts and staffing shortfalls, citing patient‑safety concerns.

A $1 million Lotto ticket sold at Lucky Mart in Ashburn remains unclaimed; the retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus and the winner has a year to claim.

A Better Chicago is investing at least $10 million over five years to fight chronic absenteeism in six South and West Side neighborhoods as CPS attendance topped 40% last year.