City records show more than $8.2 billion in unpaid fines and fees, with about $1 billion added since late 2023. Officials are weighing debt sales and tighter collections amid a $1.15B budget gap.

The Illinois Department of Revenue warns shoppers about cybercriminals during the holidays and provides online safety tips, including secure payment methods and avoiding public Wi-Fi.

Attorney General Raoul successfully defended services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, ensuring they aren't impacted by immigration status.

The Damen Green Line station reconnects the Near West Side with a glass‑fronted station, barged steel bridge and a public mosaic. Designers leaned on mass timber and natural ventilation to make the stop a civic anchor for nearby development.

Illinois is launching the 2026 Supportive Housing Institute to combat homelessness by providing training to development teams, led by IHDA in partnership with CSH.

Two maintenance workers died in a murder-suicide at Dana Point Condominiums in Arlington Heights, with one man fatally shooting the other and himself.

State and city health officials say Candida auris detections are rising in Illinois, with clusters in hospitals and long‑term care; experts urge tighter screening and cleaning.

Darius Kennedy, 31, was fatally shot by police at St. Louis Airport after refusing to drop a knife and advancing on officers despite a taser being used.

A developer team tied to Harley Clarke and Celadon has revealed early concepts to restore Pullman’s Hotel Florence into a boutique hotel, event hub and affordable housing.

Cook County Crime Stoppers offers a $10,000 reward for information on two Loop shootings, including one fatal to a 14-year-old. Another probe is on for a homicide victim found with a puncture wound.

Morgan Geyser, involved in the 2014 "Slender Man" stabbing, was caught after fleeing a group home and severing her monitoring device. She is set for extradition back to jail.

Robb Report ranked Chicago and Austin restaurants among the best of the 21st century, honoring places like Alinea for innovative cuisine. Franklin Barbecue in Austin was noted for its impact on the barbecue scene.

Two women were wounded in a drive-by on Chicago's West Side; one is in critical condition.