Illinois launches a Black History Month campaign, focusing on honoring and supporting Black businesses and entrepreneurs through events and a dedicated webpage.

Chicago businesses plan a one-day closure in protest of Trump's immigration policies as part of the "Day Without Immigrants" movement, despite concerns over potential negative effects on local economies.

A regular customer at Headline Newsstand in the Loop won $650,000 from a Lucky Day Lotto ticket with numbers they chose. The newsstand will receive a $6,500 retailer bonus.

IDOC has formed new partnerships for cadet training, creating regional academies with local educational institutions to address staffing shortages and enhance training accessibility for cadets.

Chicago Public Schools and community leaders are taking steps to protect undocumented families from mass deportation threats, including not allowing ICE in schools without a warrant and forming sanctuary teams.

Peoria, Illinois, inaugurates its first LGBTQ+ community center, established by Central Illinois Friends, offering a safe space and resources to the community.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office criticized the Illinois Trust Act for restricting collaboration with federal agencies like ICE, claiming it compromises public safety.

The University of Chicago's Kuvia event was canceled by students in protest of a peer's arrest; the tradition since 1983 emphasizes solidarity over tradition.

The Civic Federation warns that the new Chicago Public Schools board needs to address staffing and operational cuts and seek state assistance to prevent financial crises.

ASPIRA will close Haugan Middle School in Chicago due to enrollment decline and financial issues, with current enrollment at 89 students and a "million-dollar deficit."

Cara Walsh was crowned the queen of Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade, an event judged by community notables. She will participate in cultural events leading up to the parade.

CTU President Stacy Davis Gates apologized after comparing CPS CEO Pedro Martinez to a special needs student, drawing criticism from the special education community.

The CPS OIG report found many employees lied about income for benefits, impacting school funding and fee waivers. Additionally, former Mayor Lightfoot's campaign emails to teachers raised constitutional issues.