Good afternoon, Chicago.
When Google opens its new Midwest headquarters at the James R. Thompson Center late next year, brokers and developers say it could kick off a wave of redevelopment that finally cures the Central Loop’s post-pandemic hangover.
Other mammoth rehab projects in the works nearby are expected to help fill vacant offices and revive aging skyscrapers with new apartments and hotel rooms. And once Google is established in its new offices, companies that do business with the tech giant could start checking out potential spaces in the area.
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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Several Illinois counties under tornado watch today, with 2 rounds of severe thunderstorms to hit Chicago
National Weather Service officials issued a tornado watch for several Illinois counties after severe thunderstorms tore through the area yesterday. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- 4 injured in early morning Back of the Yards fire
- Home uninhabitable, six displaced after fire in Aurora, fire department says
RTA chair sends veiled warning shot to Mayor Brandon Johnson over CTA leadership
Regional Transportation Authority board Chair Kirk Dillard made it clear in a letter sent to transit officials this week that any changes to executive leadership at the CTA now need the OK of Illinois’ brand-new transit governing body. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- Average long-term mortgage rate rises to 6.52%
- Townhomes proposed for Spring Avenue and Mill Street near downtown Naperville
World Cup begins with Mexico hosting South Africa in opening match
The largest World Cup in tournament history kicks off today with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- How Stacey King — always ‘the life of the party’ — breathed new life into Chicago Bulls fandom
- Chicago Bears need Montez Sweat to build on ‘the best year of his career’ after standing pat at DE
- NBA Finals are about moments, and in Game 4, the New York Knicks had one that’ll last forever
Review: Corinne Bailey Rae weaves together 20 years of beautiful music at the Athenaeum
If you know, you know, and those who know Corinne Bailey Rae’s music know she is more than just her hit singles. Yes, she performed her timeless classic “Put Your Records On” during her lovely two-hour set at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, but she is more than that as a musician, and this 20th anniversary show was a testament to the enduring strength of her songwriting and lyricism. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- Vintage Chicago Tribune: ‘Ferris Bueller’ filming locations
- Lights! Camera! Cage match! The White House lawn’s Octagon is ready for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday bash
El Nino is here and scientists fear it’ll be big, bad and costly with heat, floods, droughts, fires
El Nino, Nature’s chaotic climate agent, has formed in a warmed-up Pacific Ocean and is expected to grow to historic strength, meteorologists announced today. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
