A winning Illinois Lottery ticket worth $10.4 million was purchased at a Des Plaines Mobil station, with the winner and gas station co-owner yet to identify the lucky individual.

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site offers fireside chats on Lincoln's life every Wednesday and Saturday from Feb. 12 to 26, welcoming history enthusiasts.

The Chicago Teachers Union rejected a fact-finding report in negotiations with Chicago Public Schools, citing demands for better pay, smaller classes, and hiring more school librarians.

Trump's Department of Education is investigating antisemitism claims at five universities, focusing on Title VI violations following pro-Palestinian protests.

The Chicago Police Department celebrated the addition of 241 new officers at a ceremony that stressed reforms and compassion in policing, amid mixed crime statistics and staffing challenges.

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.