A review of disclosure records shows Illinois campaign accounts spent millions at restaurants from Gibsons to Chicago Cut, prompting fresh scrutiny of the rules. Large fundraiser tabs and repeated meal entries raise questions about oversight.

Mayor Ann Tennes says Skokie has begun 'very preliminary conversations' about extending the CTA Yellow Line north to Old Orchard. Officials stress the talks are exploratory with no route or funding yet.

Chilly morning gives way to a sunny Thursday with a high near 58°F. Slight overnight shower chance and a breezy, warmer Friday ahead.

Burke’s campaign accounts still write checks — $10K to Ald. Ray Lopez and $1K to Niles’ mayor — despite his conviction and recent prison confinement.

An adult was hurt in a police-involved shooting at Methodist Northlake Hospital in Gary; Lake County deputies are investigating the incident. Details remain limited.

Illinois lawmakers advanced HB5295 to separate abortion and gender‑affirming care records and stop out‑of‑state access, requiring health networks to add safeguards by 2027.

A Joliet man was arrested and charged after a maintenance worker was shot to death in a Kenwood apartment building. Officials say the victim stepped in during an argument, and detectives are still investigating.

Yummy Bowl is moving into the former Applebee’s at McHenry Plaza; the owner says the opening depends on final work, staffing and a county health inspection.

A Chicago federal jury awarded $49.5 million to the family of Samya Stumo in a wrongful-death suit tied to the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crash. The award includes about $21 million for pain and suffering and the family plans to seek punitive damages.

The five‑building Pavilion Apartments near O’Hare sold for $167 million, the largest Chicago‑area apartment trade this year and a signal of investor interest in large commuter rentals.

A Downers Grove operator was sentenced to nine years after prosecutors say he fabricated asylum documents, failed to remit payroll taxes and possessed thousands of images of minors.

A 53-year-old convicted felon was arrested after security screening found a loaded .380 pistol, 29 rounds and knives in a bookbag at Chicago’s Dirksen courthouse.

A former Munster nurse's aide faces felony charges after alleged assaults at two care homes left a 95‑year‑old resident dead.