A Rockford resident hit a $1 million top prize on the Illinois Lottery’s $25 Crossword 50X scratch-off. The selling store gets a $10,000 bonus and the winner plans to share with family.

Mayor Brandon Johnson stood by comments defending immigrant-welcome policies as Sheridan Gorman’s family demanded answers after the March 19 killing. The case has reignited debate over enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities.

Leasing and move‑ins are underway at The Junction at OC Living, a 75‑unit, mixed‑income building in North Lawndale. Most units are reserved as affordable and the site sits next to a new health and retail hub.

Severe storms Thursday night knocked out power to thousands across northern Illinois; ComEd crews prioritized hospitals and large-customer restorations as warnings stayed in effect.

October Café opened a second Northwest Side location in Gladstone Park, bringing its year‑round autumn menu, student deals and neighborhood pop‑ups to Elston Avenue.

A morning ground stop paused departures at Chicago O'Hare as thunderstorms moved through. Forecasters warned of damaging winds and hail later in the day.

Two teenagers were arrested after an alleged West Side carjacking; both face aggravated vehicular hijacking charges, police said.

Dos Toros is reopening in the Loop this May after leaving Chicago in 2022.

A pedestrian was struck by a Metra UP‑West train near Geneva on April 2, halting inbound and outbound service and creating major morning‑rush delays.

A compact Buffalo Wild Wings GO opened Thursday at 840 W. Route 22 in Lake Zurich, emphasizing digital orders, heated pickup lockers and a limited menu. The shop is hiring about 15 people and opened with a wing giveaway.

Chicago attorneys filed a $2B bad‑faith suit against Travelers after a Madison County jury ordered $241M in a dry‑ice wrongful‑death case. Lawyers say the insurer refused to settle and left Prairie Farms exposed.

The owner of the 261‑room Royal Sonesta Chicago River North has put the hotel at 505 N. State Street on the market, a high‑profile listing for downtown Chicago. Investors will watch the sale as a test of demand for large urban hotels.

A still-and-box alarm brought CFD to the 800 block of South Kedvale after flames burned through two roofs; crews worked defensively and no injuries were reported.