August 2026 - Page 9 of 9

Grocery store closures reignite debate over taxpayer-funded food access

August 2, 2026 7:08 PM The Center Square

The closure of seven Save A Lot grocery stores on Chicago’s South and West sides has renewed debate over whether government subsidies can effectively address food access in underserved neighborhoods, with one free-market policy expert arguing the shutdowns highlight the limits of public intervention.

From VIP to IDOC: Spybar co-owner sentenced for hauling 14 pounds of ketamine through O’Hare

August 2, 2026 2:55 PM Tim Hecke

A former owner of River North’s Spybar is headed to prison after receiving a six-year sentence for bringing nearly 14 pounds of ketamine into O’Hare from London. The conviction comes less than two years after he received probation in another major drug case.

Feds charge 12 in West Side drug operation that sold ‘dawn till dusk’

August 2, 2026 7:16 AM Tim Hecke

Twelve people have been federally charged and more arrests could follow after a nearly two-year investigation into what prosecutors say was a large-scale open-air fentanyl and heroin market that operated “essentially dawn till dusk every day” on Chicago’s West Side.

Illinois lawmaker, police officer says CTA anti-violence signs not enough

August 1, 2026 4:09 PM The Center Square

An Illinois lawmaker who also serves as a police officer says Chicago’s new campaign posting signs on CTA trains and stations warning that violence is illegal is a positive step, but real improvements in public safety will require stronger enforcement and a greater law enforcement presence.

9x convicted burglar did it again 3 days after judge put him on ankle monitor: prosecutors

August 1, 2026 3:31 PM CWBChicago

A nine-time convicted burglar wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor is now accused of breaking into two more garages, including one just three days after a judge decided not to keep him locked up on yet another garage burglary allegation, according to court records.

Violent carjacker had to ask Lyft driver how to put stolen Honda into gear before fleeing, prosecutors say

August 1, 2026 11:50 AM CWBChicago

A man accused of taking a Lyft driver’s car on Chicago’s West Side had to ask the victim how to operate the stolen Honda before he and an accomplice could drive away, prosecutors said. Police later recovered the vehicle parked near the suspect’s home.

After 2 shootings in 2 months, alderman invites residents to co-sign letter calling for permanent closure of The Dime nightclub

August 1, 2026 8:28 AM Tim Hecke

The alderman who represents most of Lincoln Park is inviting residents to co-sign a letter calling on city commissioners to permanently revoke the liquor and public place of amusement licenses for a nightclub that officials have linked to two shootings since June.

Month: August 2026

Grocery store closures reignite debate over taxpayer-funded food access

From VIP to IDOC: Spybar co-owner sentenced for hauling 14 pounds of ketamine through O’Hare

Feds charge 12 in West Side drug operation that sold ‘dawn till dusk’

Illinois lawmaker, police officer says CTA anti-violence signs not enough

9x convicted burglar did it again 3 days after judge put him on ankle monitor: prosecutors

Violent carjacker had to ask Lyft driver how to put stolen Honda into gear before fleeing, prosecutors say

After 2 shootings in 2 months, alderman invites residents to co-sign letter calling for permanent closure of The Dime nightclub

Man charged with killing CTA worker has 2 pending felony cases, slashed a teenager’s throat in 2018

Armed carjacking near Lincoln Park Zoo ends in crash injuring 4 near Boystown

CTA bus seat dispute ended in shooting that wounded 2 passengers, prosecutors say

‘Princely lifestyle’ funded by $14 million COVID loan fraud ends with 42 months in federal prison

Chicago postal worker pleads guilty to stealing checks from the mail