ISBE’s proposed accountability redesign would drop freshman-on-track and the college-and-career indicator, shift the attendance measure and roll out a five-tier rating system. The move has drawn both support and fierce pushback.

Mayor John Laesch picked former Roselle Chief Mark Bozik to lead Aurora’s fire department as the city navigates budget cuts and a big headquarters project. Council confirmation is set for Tuesday.

A St. Charles committee backed a three‑year extension of the district’s SRO program and a camera‑access agreement for four schools; costs and privacy limits are spelled out.

A GOP-backed bill in Springfield would let courts revoke pretrial release if a defendant is charged again while out, renewing debate over the SAFE‑T Act. Supporters call it a public‑safety fix; advocates warn it would roll back cash‑bail reforms.

The DNC voted to condemn dark money at its New Orleans meeting but declined to single out AIPAC after heavy spending in Illinois primaries. The move underscores tensions between progressives and party leaders.

A City Council committee will weigh an ordinance to let COPA probe officers accused of 'active participation' in extremist groups; the council could vote mid‑April.

A source close to Pope Leo XIV says a January Pentagon meeting with the Vatican was “most unpleasant.” Conflicting accounts from the Pentagon and the Vatican deepen tensions amid the Iran war.

A budget tweak from Mayor Brandon Johnson would charge ward accounts for pension contributions on some part‑time aides, prompting aldermen to warn of staff cuts as the city wrestles with big deficits.

Madigan's legal team urged the 7th Circuit to overturn his 2025 corruption convictions, arguing prosecutors stretched federal bribery laws. The panel will weigh the appeal.

A House committee advanced a bill that would legalize human composting in Illinois; sponsors say they'll tighten rules on licensing and liability as providers move in.

House Bill 4948 would let some repeat or extreme speeders avoid license suspensions by enrolling in a state program that fits certified speed‑limiting devices and sets fees and penalties.

Rep. Chuy García’s office launched “Our Community, Our Legacy,” a classroom program asking Pilsen students to nominate a deceased local figure to replace César Chávez on the post office. Submissions are due May 15.

Chicago unions and organizers are urging a citywide May Day economic blackout — a one‑day push for 'No Work, No School, No Shopping.'