A student escaped an attempted abduction near Lincoln Elementary in Dolton and police are searching for a suspect. District officials urged families to review safety plans.

The Indian Prairie board approved nearly $26M in bids for Neuqua Valley High — part of a $96M modernization funded by last fall’s referendum. Work will add classrooms, security upgrades and a new turf field.

Advocate Health is raising its systemwide starting wage to $18.85 and committing $776M to pay and benefits, effective on Jan. 30 paychecks. The package also expands tuition, retirement and mental‑health support.

Chicago retail receipts rose 16.1% in H1 2025 as shoppers front‑loaded purchases ahead of tariff threats, lifting apparel, home‑goods and online sales.

Chicago police say Area Three detectives and the CTA secured charges after a suspect was arrested within 11 hours of a reported sexual‑abuse incident. Authorities credited quick coordination and transit resources.

A 35-year-old man was shot and later died after a verbal altercation on the 4800 block of West Ferdinand Street in Austin; police say the shooter fled in a red minivan.

COPA found two officers' use of force in a May 2024 South Austin knife attack was reasonable but faulted them for not activating body cameras sooner. The agency recommended reprimands.

Chef Zubair Mohajir will leave Coach House on Feb. 19 to open a chef‑run Lincoln Park restaurant this spring with East Asian and southern Spanish influences.

Rush University is testing Apple Vision Pro headsets paired with AI during colonoscopies in a usability trial that could inform an FDA submission and wider hospital use.

A foundation permit issued Friday clears Loyola to move from demolition to foundation work for a six‑story nursing and science building at the former Campion Hall site in Rogers Park.

A 38-year-old man was shot and later died in West Garfield Park; a 22-year-old was arrested at the scene. Area Four detectives are investigating the shooting on South Pulaski Road.

An American Airlines jet at O'Hare struck a de‑icing truck during snowy conditions, delaying Flight 2121 while crews took the aircraft out of service for inspection.

Chicago police warn River North and Fulton Market patrons after suspects grabbed phones from tables and later used victims' credit cards.