Chicago placed a $100M+ order for 120 emergency vehicles — 42 pumpers, 38 ladder trucks and 40 ambulances — to modernize an aging fleet and boost front-line safety.

Chicago's Harold's Chicken opened a Hobart location this week, bringing the South Side fried-chicken staple and its signature mild sauce to Northwest Indiana. The Times covered the opening.

Chicago’s Office of Labor Standards published clarified paid‑leave rules that took effect Monday, tightening joint‑employer responsibilities and changing accrual and payout mechanics. Employers should audit payroll, PTO policies and notice practices right away.

Police released clothing descriptions after two people allegedly attacked a 26-year-old on a CTA platform in the West Loop. Detectives ask anyone with tips or video to call 312-745-4447.

Portillo’s will open a 5,500‑sq‑ft flagship at 304 N. Michigan, its first inline Chicago location. The Magnificent Mile spot will seat nearly 100 and serve the chain’s classics.

Police say 32-year-old Dennis Laird was arrested and charged in two violent robberies near Wrigley Field and River North. He faces multiple felony counts and is due in court Friday.

Move-ins have begun at Inside Info Fremont, a five-story, 132-unit building at 1549 North Fremont. The project includes street-level retail, a 29-vehicle garage and a rooftop garden.

Cellphone video shows multiple cars burning early Friday in Humboldt Park; the cause is unclear and officials had provided few details at first.

Drones helped sheriff's deputies spot three people looting a freight car in Gresham; two men were arrested and 12 portable AC units were recovered.

A large fire response in Lincoln Park early Friday saw firefighters battle a blaze at an apartment building; initial video shows heavy smoke and multiple units on scene.

A Turkish smokehouse has opened in Mount Prospect with halal, slow‑smoked meats and nightly flamethrower performances at Randhurst Village.

Minooka will cut ribbons on a 92,700‑sq‑ft field house Aug. 15 and a 56,200‑sq‑ft career and technical center Aug. 29, both open to the public.

A WBEZ–Chicago Sun‑Times probe found Illinois’ excessive‑idling law is rarely enforced while downtown residents report daily diesel plumes from idling buses and trucks. City departments issued most local tickets, but the state produced almost no citations.