A Lincolnwood resident won a $3.6 million jackpot from a $10 "20 Years of Cash" lottery ticket sold at CVS, choosing a lump sum over monthly payments. The CVS store will receive a $36,000 bonus for the sale.

Chicago's Little Village now has a shelter for asylum seekers, opened by the Illinois government, providing housing and self-sufficiency services to about 220 people.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of 16 attorneys general filed an amicus brief supporting a California school district's policy to protect the privacy rights of transgender students.

An Arlington Heights, Illinois lottery player won the first $1 million of 2024. The ticket was sold at a local Marathon Gas station, which will get a $10,000 bonus.

CPS seeks $56,000 from a family who falsely claimed Chicago residency for school enrollment; a separate case involves a family allegedly lying to get their children into selective schools.

Aurora's Orthodox Christian community celebrated the Holy Feast of Epiphany with a Blessing of the Waters ritual at the Fox River, marking Jesus' baptism in a unity event for local congregations.

The Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren and his wife Greta donated $1 million to the Lurie Children's Hospital's cancer center to support families dealing with pediatric cancer costs.

A shopper in Chicago won $500,000 from a Powerball ticket bought at a local Jewel Osco store. The winning ticket matched four numbers plus the Powerball.

Angelica Rodriguez and Alfonso Arroyo were the first to receive a marriage license in Cook County in 2024 and married with gifts from local businesses.

Chicago's legal community is providing critical services to assist migrants with their rights and legal challenges in a complex system, amid broader local efforts to support the growing immigrant population.

A Texas plane landed migrants in Rockford, IL, who were then bused to Chicago suburbs, amid criticism of the uncoordinated approach and strain on local resources.

Cardinal Blase Cupich held a Christmas mass at Cook County Jail, emphasizing inclusion and hope for inmates, marking a commitment to outreach by the recently elevated Cardinal.

Two instant ticket players won $1 million each from the Illinois Lottery's new $50 scratch-off game, which includes top prizes of $10 million. Tickets were sold in Oak Park and Lockport.