A 15-year-old from Buffalo Grove was found unresponsive near Fulton Market; police say a death investigation is pending autopsy results.

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.

A South Elgin man faces 14 felony counts after prosecutors say he shared videos showing children under 13. He was ordered held after his arrest and is due in court on May 20.

A South Elgin woman won $1 million after buying a $50 Illinois Lottery scratch-off at a Speedway; the retailer will collect a $10,000 selling bonus. The winner plans to travel and buy a house.

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

Andersonville favorite Fat Chris’s Pizza And Such will close May 22 after nine years, owners cite rising food and operating costs.

Surveillance video shows burglars smashing the front of Lincoln Park Food & Liquor and targeting video-gambling cabinets just after 3 a.m. The owner says it’s another costly hit for the small business.

Carvana will add inspection and reconditioning work at ADESA Chicago in Hoffman Estates, creating about 100 jobs and expanding same-day delivery options for local buyers.

A suburban Chicago man says a caller using an AI-generated U.S. Marshals badge convinced him to move $69,000. Federal agencies warn impostor scams are growing more convincing with AI.

The License Committee advanced a ban on sweepstakes gambling machines, setting escalating fines and license suspensions and sending the measure to City Council on May 20.

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.

A 27-year-old man was charged after a Tuesday shooting in Kankakee’s 500 block of South Fifth Avenue left a 38‑year‑old dead; police ask residents for tips.

Illinois lawmakers are weighing rival AI bills: one would limit liability for frontier labs if they publish safety plans, the other would force audits, reporting and child-protection rules.