The SBA announced closures of its offices in six sanctuary cities, citing resource optimization and compliance with federal immigration laws under Trump's administration. Local advocates fear negative impacts on small businesses.

The Chicago PD seeks help to find missing 15-year-old Emily Buchen, described as 5’2″, 170 lbs., with brown eyes and blond hair, last seen in the 4700 block of N. Clarendon Ave.

Chicago Police issued a community alert regarding sexual abuse in Logan Square; seeking a male suspect involved in a January 14 incident on W. Armitage Ave.

Chicagoans felt winter linger with a wintry mix and near-freezing temperatures, with light snow transitioning to rain and snow. Warmer, sunnier weather is expected in the coming days.

An Illinois man was sentenced to 12.5 years for a fatal DUI crash involving cannabis, which resulted in the death of a 4-year-old and injuries to her mother.

A single-car crash in Woodstock, McHenry County, resulted in a fatality after the car hit a tree and caught fire. The driver was believed to be wearing a seatbelt and speed was a factor.

The current Illinois state flag won a redesign contest, outvoting new designs and revealing residents' preference for the familiar symbol. The General Assembly will now decide the flag's future.

Correctional officer Brittany Hall is indicted on charges of sexually abusing four female inmates at a Chicago federal prison.

A 15-year-old in Chicago was charged with three counts of aggravated robbery after allegedly robbing three individuals at gunpoint on a train on December 29.

A major fire broke out at the Chicago Magnesium Casting Company, making firefighting challenging due to the combustible nature of magnesium. There were explosions, but no injuries were reported, and the facility was largely destroyed.

A man jumped from a burning building in Humboldt Park, Chicago, and was taken to the hospital in fair condition with an ankle injury; nine others escaped unharmed. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Mayor Johnson emphasized Chicago's commitment to safety and wellbeing, noting a decrease in violent crime and defending the city's immigrant-friendly policies against misconceptions.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with AGs from other states, issued guidance to support diversity initiatives in education, responding to federal attempts to limit them.