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Secret Chicago

publisher · 7.1K followers

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Illinois landlords can’t charge more than $50 for a rental application or any fee to renew your lease

We have good news for Chicago renters: Starting Jan. 1, 2027 , Illinois landlords can’t charge more than $50 for a rental application, including a background check. They also can’t charge a fee to renew your lease. House Bill 3564, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed , amends the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705/35) and is enacted as Public Act 104-479. The rules apply to residential leases entered into on or after the effective date , including new and renewed leases. They do not cover units in an owner-occupied building with six or fewer units. The $50 cap and the first-page rule Every non-optional fee, one-time or recurring , must appear on the first page of the lease . If it doesn’t, you don’t have to pay it. A landlord can charge more than $50 for screening only if the actual third-party background-check cost is higher. The landlord must pay the provider first, then bill you with the provider’s receipts within 14 days . If the landlord misses that window, you don’t owe the fee. A landlord also can’t use an unpaid background-check fee as grounds for eviction during the first year of a lease. In Cook County,

Illinois · 2d
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whatnow.com

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5918 Catering & Events Leases Kitchen Space in Hazel Crest

Soul food will soon be prepared out of a storefront in the suburb. Matanky Realty recently carried out the lease for 5918 Catering & Events, coming to 17503 Kedzie Avenue in Hazel Crest. The owners Anthony and Rhonda Williams have been serving the Chicago area at pop-ups and have been looking to prepare their meals out of a brick-and-mortar. Rhonda told What Now Chicago it is too early in the process to announce an opening date right now.

Hazel Crest, IL · 1d
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WGN News

partner publisher · 99.3K followers
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Unsanitary conditions at south suburban schools have parents, teachers pleading for change

Dirty conditions at a south suburban school district have not yet improved months into the school year, according to parents and teachers who pleaded with the school board on Tuesday night.

Blue Island, IL · 2d

WGN News

partner publisher · 99.3K followers
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Sandburg High School student uses math to bowl two consecutive perfect games

A south suburban teen is making bowling look as easy as one-two-three by apply his math skills.

Palos Hills, IL · 20h

mchenrycountyblog.com

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Township Atrocities: Will County’s Wesley Township

From By Bob Anderson, former McHenry Township Trustee. the boberwl@gmail.com. These Tiny Townships are out of date 1800s government bodies, have virtually zero oversight, and do not deliver their two duties of property assessments and general assistance aid. 1* Property Assessment: In townships with less than 500 residents property is...

Will County, IL · 1d

WBBM News Radio

partner publisher · 61.7K followers

Cook County Offers Storm Recovery Funding Applications

Cook County Offers Storm Recovery Funding Applications

Cook County, IL · 1d

hoodline.com

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Logan Square Senior's Tax Bill Doubles to $27,411, Fears Losing Home in Years

Cook County Assessor's Office — Site of Property Assessment Appeal. Randy Temple has lived in his Logan Square two-flat since 1992, when he paid about $100,000 for it. Now, approaching 80 years old, he says his property tax bill has climbed so high that he figures he can only afford to stay in the home for another two or three years.

Chicago, IL · 2d

NBC Chicago

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I-80/94 lanes blocked after deadly crash involving semi; heavy traffic, backups expected

A deadly crash in the westbound lanes of I-80/94 Borman Expressway on the Illinois side was leading to heavy traffic and delays for the Friday morning commute. The crash comes as heavy, wet snowflakes fall across portions of northwest Indiana, creating slick and slippery road conditions. The two-vehicle crash occurred...

Lansing, IL · 11h

ABC 7 Chicago

partner publisher · 193.4K followers

Cook County Sheriff's Office transforms prison transport bus into mobile library for children

A former prisoner transport bus has been transformed into a mobile library, bringing thousands of books to children in Cook County communities with limited access to reading resources.

Cook County, IL · 2d

hoodline.com

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Cook County Jury Hits UI Health Doctors With $28M Birth Injury Verdict

University of Illinois Hospital — Reported Hospital of Defendant Doctors. A Cook County jury has awarded $28 million to a Bellwood family after their son suffered severe injuries during childbirth, a verdict that centers on accusations that University of Illinois Hospital doctors ignored repeated warning signs during labor. The mother argued that despite those signals, physicians failed to deliver her son by Cesarean section in time to prevent harm.

Cook County, IL · 2d

chronicleillinois.com

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Democrats flip final Cook County Board seat

When Sean Morrison leaves the Cook County Board next month, so will any Republican voice on the government body. Cook County Democrats flipped his 17th District seat, which has been Republican since it came into existence in 1994. Only three Republicans – Herb Schumann, Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman and Morrison – have served the district over its 22 years.

Cook County, IL · 1d

Country Herald

publisher · 13.6K followers

Illinois Weather Alert: 35 MPH Winds, Snow Chance Nov 11-15

Chicago faces 35 mph wind gusts, an 80% rain chance and possible snow before the weekend.

Chicago, IL · 2d

WTTW - Chicago PBS

publisher · 12.7K followers

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on 2027 Budget, Historic Midterm Election

Cook County is preparing to pass a $9.6 billion budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal year. Board President Toni Preckwinkle said her plan closes a projected $550 million budget gap without any new taxes, fees or layoffs. It comes as the county grapples with unprecedented federal funding cuts and threats...

Cook County, IL · 1d

southblueprint.com

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Pollutants in Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is known for its urban coastlines and stunning views; yet, the lake has been polluted with 11 million pounds of plastic from industries with plants along the lake. Chicagoland citizens consume large amounts of microplastics as a result of this plastic...

Cook County, IL · 2d

fwrnews.com

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Shine On at Frankfort’s Lighting of the Green

The Village of Frankfort invites residents to celebrate its annual Lighting of the Green on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Breidert Green. Inspired by the beloved holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” this year’s celebration embraces three simple but powerful themes: Kindness. Generosity. Hope; as the Frankfort community reflects on the challenges it has faced and the strength it has found in coming together. As part of this year’s celebration, residents are encouraged to think about how they can be someone’s light. It might mean helping a neighbor, offering encouragement to a friend, sharing what you have with someone in need, or simply letting someone know they matter. These everyday acts of kindness are what bring a community together and make it shine. The evening will feature including live holiday music performed by the HCMS Choir, free hot cocoa and cookies, a special light projection on the Grainery Tower, and the grand illumination of Breidert Green. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be there to greet families and pose for holiday photos. Residents are also invited to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item to help those in need. (Photo courtesy of Kevin DelGrosso/Village of Frankfort)

Frankfort, IL · 1d

hoodline.com

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Cook County Hospital Fires Pharmacy Tech Over Vaccine Refusal, Appeal Fails

A federal appeals court has sided with Cook County in the case of a pharmacy technician who was fired from John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in Chicago after she declined COVID-19 vaccination and was denied a religious exemption. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed the judgment against Jetaime Flores on November 6, upholding a December 2025 ruling by a federal judge in Chicago that had already gone against her.

Cook County, IL · 1d

fwrnews.com

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Hope Manor Village Joliet Bringing Help for Vulnerable Will County Women

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) joined Volunteers of America of Illinois (VOA Illinois), Silver Cross Hospital, local officials, community members, and construction and labor representatives to celebrate the grand opening of Hope Manor Village Joliet, a $25 million affordable housing development bringing 48 much-needed supportive homes for Will County women.

Will County, IL · 1d

southwestregionalpublishing.com

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Summit’s Maple & Mozza pairs scratch-made brunch with Italian dinners

A new restaurant on Archer Road in Summit is serving the kind of food its owner says people would otherwise go to downtown La Grange to get. Maple & Mozza opened in October at 6151 S. Archer Road. It serves breakfast and brunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 to 10 p.m., with a happy hour and wine specials from 4 to 6 p.m.

Summit, IL · 4h

Secret Chicago

publisher · 7.1K followers

Accumulating lake effect snow possible in South Chicago suburbs Thursday and Friday

Chicago’s first snow of the 2026-27 season could come Thursday night into Friday, according to predictions from the National Weather Service (NWS). Here’s the kicker—what was previously projected to amount to a few flurries could turn into up to an inch of accumulation in some areas. Here’s a breakdown of the forecast and what to expect. “Slushy accumulations” of lake effect snow possible late Thursday into Friday The NWS issued a Special Weather Statement Thursday morning for Southern and Eastern portions of Cook County, as well as portions of Northwest Indiana and areas along the Illinois I-57 corridor. The weather statement predicts accumulating lake effect snow beginning Thursday night and continuing into Friday morning. The NWS notes that a “band” of rain will turn into snow overnight, causing “localized slushy accumulations” along its path. The rainy and snowy mix could impact the Friday morning commute. “Those driving late tonight through Friday morning should allow for extra travel time and plan for potentially slick roads and sudden sharp visibility reductions,” said the NWS. Areas south and east of Chicago could see highest accumulations According to NWS predictions, areas south and east of Chicago could see the highest accumulations of snow Thursday

Chicago, IL · 1d