Bana, a 29-year-old western lowland gorilla at Lincoln Park Zoo, has died of congestive cardiac failure following bronchopneumonia. She was a key figure in the zoo's gorilla troop and cognitive studies.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announces the reopening of five city parks used as shelters, with a transition plan for residents starting March 30, 2024, and a refurbishment of the park facilities following.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office is expanding its Tails of Redemption program, where inmates train shelter dogs, preparing more canines for adoption and giving inmates new skills.

The Naperville Park Board approved a DAR-donated plaque to commemorate America's 250th anniversary after initial confusion and skepticism. The plaque will be placed in Veterans Park.

The Illinois Commerce Commission announces Fix a Leak Week to encourage residents to repair water leaks, potentially saving 10,000 gallons of water per household annually.

The Illinois spring trout season begins on April 6, with early catch-and-release starting March 23. Over 80,000 trout will be stocked for anglers who have the required licenses and trout stamps.

Firefighters and Forest Preserves crews battled a significant brush fire at Tinley Park's Bobolink Meadow over the weekend, containing it by Sunday evening.

Brookfield Zoo introduces koalas and a new grey seal pup, planning to showcase them alongside other recent animal additions and a 130-foot Ferris wheel for its 90th anniversary. Visitors can follow updates on the seal pup's progress via social media.

Chuck Martin has been awarded the 2023 IRAP Landowner of the Year for his efforts in conservation and public land access in Christian County, Illinois.

Illinois archers harvested 803 wild turkeys in the 2023-2024 season, slightly more than the previous year and above the five-year average, with a preference for crossbows over longbows.

Four Little Free Libraries in Oak Park were destroyed, prompting police to search for a female suspect behind the vandalism. The community is left disheartened by the attacks on these book-sharing hubs.

Efforts are underway to rename a Chicago park to honor the Pollard family, prominent early Black residents with a history of significant achievements.

Chicago celebrates St. Patrick's Day by dyeing the river green, a 63-year tradition carried out by the Journeymen Plumbers Local 130 using environmentally safe dye.