
Good afternoon, Chicago.
After nearly four months, the former Will County Courthouse in downtown Joliet is a shell of its former self.
“The building is actually coming down considerably easier than originally thought,” said Bill Fern, director of facilities.
Demolition crews began tearing down the former courthouse, 14 W. Jefferson St., in December. The courthouse closed in November 2020 when the new courthouse opened down the street.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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Vintage Chicago Tribune: Solar eclipses and how Chicagoans viewed them
When was the last time Chicago experienced a total solar eclipse? Before the city existed. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- Homer Township Republican leader Steve Balich to seek recount after losing committeeman race by 1 vote
- Valparaiso University softball coach resigns in wake of theft charge

Johnson greenlights four ‘LaSalle Reimagined’ sites to build downtown residences
Mayor Brandon Johnson will move ahead with predecessor Lori Lightfoot’s program to fix up four aging Loop office buildings, offering $151.2 million in public money to help convert them into residences. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- Crown Point council opens door to business park proposal, but neighbors object
- Northbrook-based UL Solutions seeks up to $812 million in IPO

Chicago basketball report: Bulls clinch play-in spot, Sky stars in overseas playoffs — and UIC hires a new men’s coach
The Chicago Bulls solidified a place in the NBA play-in tournament, but their grasp on the ninth seed continues to slip after a loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- Chicago Blackhawks lose 2-1 as Bo Horvat and Simon Holmstrom rally the New York Islanders
- Today’s Chicago White Sox game is postponed because of rain and snow

James Beard awards 2024: Indienne’s Sujan Sarkar and Esmé’s Jenner Tomaska among nominees
Jenner Tomaska of Esmé, Sujan Sarkar of Indienne, Anna Posey of Elske and Lula Cafe were announced as official James Beard Award Restaurant and Chef Award nominees. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- Museum of Science and Industry closed Wednesday as military artifacts are moved
- Elsinore Theatre presents new version of ‘Mary Stuart’

Prosecutors in Trump’s classified documents case sharply rebuke judge’s unusual and ‘flawed’ order
In an unusual order, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon had asked prosecutors and defense lawyers to formulate proposed jury instructions for most of the charges even though it remains unclear when the case might reach trial. Read more here.
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