Advocate Health is raising its systemwide starting wage to $18.85 and committing $776M to pay and benefits, effective on Jan. 30 paychecks. The package also expands tuition, retirement and mental‑health support.

Chicago businesses closed to join the National Shutdown Day, protesting aggressive immigration enforcement, with some donating proceeds to support affected communities.

District 123 in Oak Lawn closed all schools after a serious threat targeting Kolmar School; police are investigating. No additional details disclosed.

A Lucky Day Lotto ticket sold in Justice matched all five numbers on Wednesday evening, producing a $550,000 jackpot and a $5,500 seller bonus for the station.

Chicago tests a tiny fraction of homes for lead while nearby Elgin found dangerous levels in most houses it sampled. Experts say broader testing and clearer data are needed.

A Chicago mother says mold, holes and drafts in her Albany Park unit are triggering her child's severe asthma after months of stalled repairs.

An Iowa FedEx worker unexpectedly gave birth at work after saying she didn’t know she was pregnant. Both mother and baby are reported healthy and resting.

After election officials blocked their ballot bid, Southeast Side organizers say they’ll keep pushing for a binding community benefits deal and stronger cleanup at the PsiQuantum site.

Chicago schools close or switch to remote learning amid severe cold, with wind chills possibly reaching -25 degrees. Some institutions, however, remain open, and the city has set up warming centers and continues to combat the effects of the weather.

Chicago Archdiocese is closing six schools due to financial issues, while reinstating Father Kondziolka after no reasonable cause was found regarding an old abuse allegation.

UNITE HERE has filed a new suit to make the former Signature Room owners pay about $1.5M in back wages and benefits after the restaurant’s 2023 closure.

Park Forest condemned one Autumn Ridge building after 17 units lost heat during an arctic snap; officials say residents will be placed in hotels and warming centers are open.

Chicago Police announced a DUI Saturation Patrol in the 2nd District for the upcoming weekend, focusing on impaired driving and other traffic offenses from Saturday evening to early Sunday.