The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes listing the monarch butterfly as threatened, responding to population declines caused by habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides. Public feedback is sought until March 12.

Cahokia Heights settles with the US Justice Department, EPA, and Illinois over sewer system violations, agreeing to a $30,000 penalty and a $30M investment to comply with environmental laws.

Three Chicago men were sentenced to federal prison for a violent mistaken-identity kidnapping, involving extortion demands, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

A U.S. District Court has temporarily halted the merger between Albertsons and Kroger, following legal action to challenge the deal over concerns of higher prices and reduced competition.

Chicago police issued an "all clear" after the Bomb Squad investigated a suspicious object, identified as a hand grenade, at Jimmy's Red Hots. Traffic was temporarily blocked during the incident.

An Illinois man was arrested for allegedly assaulting Representative Nancy Mace in a Capitol building; the motive is unclear, but Mace has faced protests over proposed legislation.

Illinois Attorney General Raoul warns phone companies linked to robocalls, part of a crackdown on illegal calls, highlighting the role of four specific carriers in enabling such traffic.

Chicago Police are investigating a child luring attempt in Little Village, where a male tried to engage a child walking to school and followed in an SUV. Community vigilance is advised.

An Arctic blast is forecasted to bring severe cold and snow squalls to Chicago, potentially disrupting travel and plummeting temperatures to as low as -20°F wind chill.

A homicide investigation is underway in Chicago's Englewood after a woman was found dead inside a building on South Normal Boulevard. No arrests have been made yet.

The Illinois EPA allocates $1 million for grants to help underprivileged communities plan wastewater treatment projects, aiming to improve infrastructure and environmental health.

Illinois will raise its minimum wage to $15 by January 1, 2025, a step that will benefit 1.4 million workers and is part of new laws that include pay transparency, health coverage expansions, and various social justice improvements.

A 16-year-old has been charged with multiple felonies including armed robbery and aggravated battery, related to a series of violent incidents at Chicago train platforms.