Shootings jumped 78% in Chicago during the week of March 23–29 as the city logs back-to-back monthly increases in homicides. Officials say patrols and new officers are being redeployed.

Cool, breezy Wednesday gives way to showers tonight and a gusty, potentially severe Thursday. Expect more rain through Saturday and choppy lake conditions.

A person was killed after being trapped beneath a crane at a Carol Stream metal plant; police and the DuPage coroner are investigating.

Mexico and Belgium meet at Soldier Field in a World Cup tune‑up tonight; kickoff is 8 p.m. CT with a Futbol Fiesta and TV coverage on Univision and Fox Deportes.

Postal inspectors are offering $100,000 rewards for each of three suspects tied to mail thefts in Chicago; surveillance images and a tip hotline have been posted.

FBI Chicago released photos of two people accused of posing as federal agents and extorting money. Officials urge anyone contacted to report tips to IC3 or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Federal prosecutors say Tatiana Bazer scammed people out of at least $3.5 million using fake bank records and impersonations. A status hearing is set for April 21, 2026.

The owner of 500 Davis Street has listed the downtown Evanston office building for sale after a Fulton Market setback, adding pressure to a soft suburban office market.

IDOT reached an agreement that clears Hillside contractor Builders Paving to resume state work after a pause tied to a 2024 probe. Dozens of projects could be awarded.

Three Chicago restaurants — Monteverde, Cariño and Feld — landed on the James Beard Awards finalists list; winners will be revealed at the Lyric Opera on June 15.

Glenview's Village Board approved a plan for The Geraghty to turn 2100 Sanders Road into a single‑story events venue with gardens next to the Cook County Forest Preserve.

Skyway Lanes, the city's last Black-owned bowling alley, will close April 26 after a brief wave of support couldn't cover rising costs.

Two men were arrested after reported gunfire in downtown Aurora; police say the arrests were made without incident and investigators are canvassing for witnesses.