The state has escalated a probe into Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy after finding repeated special-education violations and estimating tens of thousands of missed instruction minutes.

Federal officials have told ACT Now Illinois its community‑schools grant will end Dec. 31, jeopardizing services for 19,000 students across 32 schools.

Illinois AG Kwame Raoul criticizes Trump administration proposals that may limit health care options for transgender youth, particularly related to Medicaid and CHIP, and pledges to use legal tools to preserve access to necessary care.

Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Hicks is known for his humanitarian work and advocacy for immigration reform.

DePaul University laid off 7.6% of its staff due to a budget shortfall, affecting 114 employees. The school faces financial challenges and has launched a strategic plan to address them.

IDNR hosts self-guided hikes in 17 state parks on New Year's Day 2026, as part of a national initiative and in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

A judge ordered the Northmere SRO vacated after inspectors found hazardous conditions; tenants and advocates say relocation aid may not be enough.

After the Bondi Beach attack, Chicago menorah lightings went on with tightened security and emergency grants backing added precautions. Rabbis urged resilience as organizers worked with police.

Chicago's Christmas in the Wards event provided gifts to children, with more than 2,000 kids from 700 families receiving over 10,000 toys, electronics, and bikes.

Tenants face eviction in a South Shore building post a federal raid, with concerns over finding new homes and potential homelessness.

Cook County has released a study proposing changes to its property tax incentives program to improve fairness and efficiency, including standardizing criteria and documentation.

Des Plaines hosted its annual Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration with lower attendance amidst cold weather and immigration concerns, but with continued devotion and safety measures in place.

Parents at Haugan Elementary say classrooms are packed and the school sought to move 250 students to a nearby vacant building; CPS denied the request after a district review.