Organizers say the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon injected $756 million into the metro economy and set a record $47.1 million for charity. The uptick supported thousands of jobs across hospitality and retail.

Vanderbilt named University of Chicago vice provost Jason Merchant as the new Searcy Family Dean of Arts and Science. He starts July 1 and will hold an endowed chair in philosophy.

A new study finds Chicago’s community-built Whole School Safety process—paired with investments in mental-health and restorative supports—could be a template for other districts.

Aurora has shut down its Aurora's Promise child savings pilot after low enrollment and budget concerns, ending a program that gave kindergarteners a $50 starter deposit. City officials say staffing and financial limits made the pilot unsustainable.

The West Suburban Irish's 33rd annual St. Patrick's Parade returns next Saturday at 10 a.m., stepping through downtown Naperville with bands, dancers and dozens of floats. Organizers say large crowds are expected and officials have posted route and traffic guidance.

Longtime Wicker Park tattoo shop Metamorph says an eviction threat, a vacant lot next door and falling demand have put the studio's future at risk. Owner Derek Mullins has launched fundraising and litigation as he fights to stay open.

Easterseals’ HB Threads pays at least $15 and is being promoted as a practical model as Illinois phases out 14(c) subminimum wages by the end of 2029.

A South Side nonprofit took home two Pulitzers for reporting that exposed police mishandling of missing-person cases and for an audio memoir on a 1990s hate crime.

A judge ordered clergy into the Broadview ICE center for Ash Wednesday, but a Chicago Reader report says the visit may have happened after detainees were moved. The discrepancy raises oversight questions.

A small, bipartisan fleet is following ICE operations in major U.S. cities, offering legal aid and recording enforcement for future oversight. Organizers say the footage could feed oversight or court actions.

Rob and Rose Bronstein pledged $15 million to Buckets Over Bullying to expand anti‑cyberbullying programs and a new grants stream for small nonprofits. The family said remaining funds will be paid through 2028.

Respond Now reopened a renovated Chicago Heights pantry on Feb. 9 as federal SNAP work requirements took effect Feb. 1, raising worries about rising need in the south suburbs.

Airbnb says South Side hosts earned about $15.1 million in 2025 as the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open in June. The company and the foundation are offering workshops to help residents capture visitor dollars.