The Chicago Police Department has posted draft use‑of‑force directives and opened a public comment window through July 31, 2026. The drafts lay out de‑escalation, reporting and firearm‑discharge rules.

Boaters found part of a human arm in Lake Mattoon; Illinois State Police released photos of a Packers helmet tattoo and are asking the public for tips.

Nuveen paid roughly $26M for The Shops of Uptown in Park Ridge, a Trader Joe’s‑anchored center, expanding its grocery‑anchored retail holdings.

A late-night attempted ruse burglary near 83rd Street and County Line Road prompted a Burr Ridge police alert urging residents to verify workers and report suspicious activity.

Wheaton has selected Naperville finance director Ray Munch as its new city manager; he’ll be introduced July 6 and begin work July 27 with a $260,000 base salary.

Mount Carmel will host St. Joseph Regional on Aug. 28 in a nationally televised ESPN High School Kickoff game. The matchup pits Illinois’ four‑time champs against New Jersey’s state title team.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear appeals that could upend Chicago‑area and Connecticut bans on AR‑15‑style rifles. Oral argument is expected this fall.

One of four piping plover chicks hatched at Montrose Beach has died, volunteers said. The loss comes as monitors investigate and continue protecting the remaining chicks.

A medical emergency at the Addison 'L' station halted Brown Line trains Tuesday, forcing a suspension between Belmont and Kimball and snarling north-side commutes.

National burger champion Chris Allen is returning to Quincy to open Birdies and Brews at 4817 Broadway, pairing golf simulators with a burger-forward menu.

An 11‑day comedy festival lands in Chicago Nov. 5–15 with headliners Joey Diaz, Bert Kreischer, Nikki Glaser, Michelle Wolf and Ali Siddiq.

A Cook County jury awarded $50 million to an eight-year-old raped at a Peoria day camp; attorneys say the award may be the largest verdict against a summer camp.

Illinois now treats AI-generated deepfakes and unauthorized digital replicas as school cyberbullying, effective July 1, 2026; districts can update policies and seek grants.