The Powerball jackpot has risen to $1.7 billion, with no winner in the latest draw. Nine new millionaires were made, and excitement builds over the potential for a historic win.

Sheriff's Office staff bought and wrapped more than 200 presents and delivered them to roughly 150 seniors across several south suburban towns.

Mayor Brandon Johnson criticizes the Trump administration for policies affecting LGBTQ+ housing and healthcare, which could lead to homelessness and reduced hospital services in Chicago.

CPS is funding ASL and graduate coursework at Illinois State to train current educators and build a pipeline of teachers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

Ninety-one immigrants from 22 countries were sworn in at the Museum of Science and Industry, a milestone for families amid tightened federal immigration rules.

ISU student support professionals are pushing to unionize with UPI for better working conditions and respect, as workload and underpayment issues persist.

A Papillion truck driver found a 3‑ to 4‑year‑old alone in a median, wrapped him in a blanket and kept him safe until police located the family.

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.