Your trusted source for local Chicago, IL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Chicago's Polar Express train rides have been canceled for the 2025 holiday season due to ongoing city street construction. This marks the second consecutive year the event has been called off, with organizers expressing hope for a future return. While the rides will not occur in Chicago, similar events will still take place in other locations across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
TNT Ramen opened as South Chicago's first ramen shop on August 1, replacing a former Mexican restaurant. Co-owners Antonio and Maricruz Macias aim to provide an affordable, authentic ramen experience with a limited menu featuring tonkatsu, chicken paitan, and vegetable ramen. The restaurant's gradual customer flow is expected to improve as temperatures drop.
A group of 10 burglars stole over $130,000 in designer merchandise from a Nordstrom store in River North on Sunday evening. The thieves, dressed in black and wearing face coverings, forced entry into the store, causing $5,000 in damages. No injuries were reported, and police are investigating the incident.
Chicago puzzle maker Sandy Weisz launched his latest word game, Raddle, in March, inspired by popular games like Wordle. Raddle requires players to transform words step-by-step on a ladder, with daily puzzles and various themes drawing a growing audience. The game now attracts around 7,500 daily visitors, boosted by exposure from a popular YouTube streamer.
Chicago leaders, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, urged President Trump to refrain from deploying federal troops to the city, following reports of potential military intervention. They emphasized a significant drop in crime rates and criticized the proposed deployment as a political stunt. Pritzker vowed to seek justice if the administration harms Chicago residents.
Jennifer Solarte founded &Rise, a nonprofit supporting abuse survivors, after overcoming her own traumatic experiences. The organization, established in 2019, now offers multiple weekly support groups and counseling services in Chicago, aiming to provide a safe space for women to share their stories. Solarte emphasizes the importance of accessible mental health resources, particularly for women of color.
A train derailed Monday morning between the Kimball and Southport stations on Chicago's Brown Line, disrupting service. No injuries were reported, and shuttle buses replaced rail service while crews worked to restore normal operations. Commuters were advised to consider alternative transportation and allow for extra travel time.
Chicago experiences unseasonably cool temperatures this week, with highs only reaching the low-to-mid 70s and overnight lows dipping near 46 degrees. This weather marks a significant drop from the typical August averages, following a notably hot summer.
President Donald Trump plans to deploy armed forces to Chicago, prompting strong opposition from Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, who argue the move is unnecessary and unconstitutional. Trump has previously deployed troops to Washington, D.C., citing crime reduction despite a significant drop in Chicago's crime rates.
University Commons in Chicago celebrated the centennial of the former South Water Market with a block party on August 24, 2025. The event featured a recreated produce stand and vehicles from the 1920s, allowing attendees to experience the area’s historic significance. Many former vendors returned to commemorate the market's legacy, which operated from 1925 to 2001.