The Illinois State Treasurer returned a Purple Heart to the family of WWII veteran Cpl. Henry Van Der Noord, an initiative part of Operation Purple Heart to restore military honors to rightful recipients.

Illinois AG Kwame Raoul suggests checking the state's sex offender registry for safety before Halloween trick-or-treating and details restrictions for offenders during the festivities.

Discarded books from Chicago's Schurz High School highlight ongoing concerns about book disposal methods in Chicago Public Schools, amid national library funding shortages.

Chicago Public Schools sees a slight enrollment increase for the second consecutive year, including a rise in English language learners and changes in demographic composition.

A federal jury awarded $750,000 to a boy beaten by a teacher and her acquaintance at a Chicago Public School with leather belts, resulting in psychological trauma.

Joliet schools switched to e-learning due to an "unsubstantiated threat" of violence. Despite no credible evidence, in-person classes were halted, and police are investigating.

Columbia College Chicago is reducing its academic programs from 58 to 40 to improve financial stability and focus on student success in creative fields.

Chicago students ingested over-the-counter medicine they found, prompting an emergency response, but none were hospitalized and all are expected to be okay.

The Northbrook Park District's Skating School is enrolling kids to teach figure skating, hockey, and speed skating skills while promoting personal growth and fun.

Chicago Public Schools parents express concerns over heat, bus shortages, and contract negotiations, while teachers seek to enrich curriculums, introducing governance systems and symbols to students.

CPS faced a transportation crisis as nearly 18% of students with disabilities lacked bus rides due to a driver shortage and surging demands. Despite efforts including a stipend, many families still struggled.

Elizabeth French, mother of the late Officer Ella French, launched "Light the Line" to provide support and nourishment to police working during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Ottawa Township High School in Illinois released students early due to a shortage of certified food service staff to serve lunches, affecting its ability to maintain a full school day.