Automated gates and license‑plate readers are going up at lakefront lots; the Park District says the move modernizes payment, but neighbors are pushing back.

Broken elevators at the Ford City condo tower have left seniors stranded and neighbors climbing flights of stairs. City officials and a prospective buyer say repairs are planned.

A viral video shows a Forest Park lieutenant pulling a young driver from her car after a minor crash in North Riverside. The driver filed a complaint and police haven't commented.

An Uptown landlord says meter misreads led to nearly $10,000 in water charges; the city and comptroller will review the disputed bills.

A Chicago couple says a West Town taproom closed without notice and their $5,400 wedding deposit hasn't been returned. Local reporters say the venue's phone and site went dark.

A new state report and law-enforcement figures show violent retail theft is rising in Illinois, driven by repeat offenders and high-profile smash-and-grabs. Prosecutors say they are responding with more felony filings and coordinated stings.

DeKalb City Council approved a 3.5% water‑fee increase that will raise the average monthly bill to about $45.52 and help fund repairs and capital work.

A Vigo County judge handed Ethan Rubinacci a 50-year prison term after he pleaded guilty to sex crimes involving children; multiple counts were dismissed under a plea deal.

A 57-year-old contractor died after falling four stories from the Allen Center roof at Northwestern University in Evanston. Police say investigators and contractors are cooperating.

Richard and Gayle Landuyt pledged more than $20 million to rename the University of Illinois entrepreneurship hub and build a Chicago presence to speed startups. The gift will fund leadership, prizes and programming across campus and downtown.

City Life Center in downtown Gary says a lost federal grant has put the nonprofit on the brink, threatening after‑school programs and 29 local jobs.

A Real Deal analysis shows Chicago tenants poured roughly $600M into office overhauls as brokers, owners and lenders reshuffle deals to keep anchor tenants. High‑end fit‑outs are reshaping who wins in the Loop.

Cook County’s medical examiner lists "multiple injuries" in the death of 2-month-old Maverick Rowe. Will County investigators are working with DCFS and Comer Children’s Hospital.