Astronaut Jim Lovell of Apollo 13 fame died at 97; his leadership is celebrated for averting a lunar mission disaster, marking an end to an era of early US space exploration.

Illinois DMVs in 13 suburban locations will have extended Saturday walk-in hours for services like Real ID procurement, driver's license, and vehicle registration renewals.

Chicago Park District extends pool and beach operations through Labor Day to combat heat, while juggling a young workforce's academic commitments and using the Heat Vulnerability Index to prioritize openings.

Chicago awaits an appellate court decision on whether serious police misconduct hearings can be conducted privately, affecting public access to police disciplinary actions.

Wrigley Field held a naturalization ceremony where 977 individuals from 109 countries became American citizens, amidst a tense political climate on immigration.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a consumer alert about scammers exploiting the back-to-school rush, urging vigilance in online shopping and charitable giving.

Illinois will certify therapy dog teams for law enforcement crisis response, as mandated by Senate Bill 1491, effective January 1, 2026, aiming to lessen trauma in emergencies.

The Illinois Gaming Board has implemented new rules to regulate gambling advertising, focusing on protecting young people and those prone to addiction.

Illinois EPA invests $983,750 in energy efficiency grants for four communities, funded by the U.S. DOE via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Chicago Public Schools is expanding its sustainable community school program to 16 more schools, integrating academic and community services, despite a $734 million budget deficit.

26 dogs were rescued from a Chicago home following an animal cruelty complaint; no arrests have been made yet. The incident strains the city's near-capacity animal shelters.

Cook County has announced the "Pathways to Cook County" Summit for August 6, 2025, to enhance small business engagement and procurement opportunities.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul has filed a lawsuit with other states against the Trump administration's policies affecting health care for transgender youths, asserting these federal actions are unlawful and overreaching.