Kitten season has pushed Chicago Animal Care and Control and local rescues to capacity, prompting waived-fee adoptions and expanded spay/neuter and foster efforts.

Chicago rapper Twista (Carl Mitchell) pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay income taxes; prosecutors say he owes more than $440,000 and faces sentencing in October.

Lukas Walton and his wife are buying a minority stake in the Bulls and part of the United Center; terms were not disclosed.

USDA warned certain Private Selection Honey Dijon chicken sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer may have missing egg labeling. Check for lot 15326A and Best If Used By JUN 28.

Will County opened cooling centers Monday as a heat surge pushed heat indices above 100°F; the Joliet Salvation Army is among sites offering air‑conditioned relief. Call ahead to confirm hours.

An Antioch man was arrested after detectives say a forensic exam of his phone uncovered roughly 600 files of child sexual abuse material. He faces multiple felony counts, including production and possession charges.

Aurora will stage its downtown fireworks next Friday with DJs, food trucks and free park-and-ride shuttles to RiverEdge and McCullough parks.

A Chicago class action says the NCAA's new age‑based eligibility rule cuts off a cohort of athletes from a fifth season and NIL income.

A Chicago investment adviser was indicted on four wire‑fraud counts, accused of running a five‑year Ponzi scheme that allegedly diverted client funds.

Two vacant West Side lots are becoming a 32,000‑sq‑ft orchard that will grow fruit, host programs and soak up stormwater to help prevent basement flooding.

Wednesday night storms toppled trees and knocked out power across Gary, Griffith and Merrillville, leaving thousands in the dark as crews work to clear damage and restore service.

Two people were shot Thursday in Chicago's Dunning neighborhood near Hiawatha Park. Police blocked off the area and officials had not released victim details.

Cook County deputies recovered two stolen trailers at an Elk Grove Township truck yard containing more than $1.3M in copper, data‑center gear and other goods.