DeKalb County has hired Ruth Kedzior as county administrator; she starts March 9, 2026 with a $185,000 starting salary. The board thanked interim administrator Derek Hiland as the county prepares a handoff.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker asked lawmakers to require school districts to limit student phone use and provide secure storage, backing Senate Bill 2427 with narrow medical and special‑education exceptions.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Rep. Brad Schneider in Winnetka to hear how rising rents, groceries and childcare are squeezing suburban families. Local leaders laid out living-wage shortfalls and rising pantry use.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order launches a 150‑day review to identify potential sites and rules for roughly 2 GW of new nuclear capacity, with an early target of construction by 2033.

Illinois says it has erased more than $1.1 billion in medical debt for over 500,000 residents through a state program that partners with nonprofit Undue. Officials say the average relief was about $1,200 per person.

Toni Preckwinkle and Ald. Brendan Reilly traded sharp lines over whether Cook County should help fund infrastructure for a possible Bears stadium as the team eyes options beyond Illinois.

Sen. Neil Anderson filed SB3572 to declare a fertilized egg a legal person; after a Springfield news conference he lost GOP committee spokesperson duties amid backlash.

Lewis University temporarily moved in-person Oak Brook classes online after learning ICE will operate in the same office building, the school said.

City regulators temporarily shut down a business described as a "sex dungeon" while they review where it fits under Chicago’s licensing rules.

A WTTW report says CPD didn't file a required Feb. 1 update on an early‑warning system to flag officers with repeated complaints, raising oversight and budget concerns.

Less than half of the 28 Cook County circuit court seats drew multiple candidates for the March 17 primary, leaving many races uncontested. Voters will face fewer choices than in past cycles.

A federal judge ordered ICE to allow Catholic clergy into the Broadview processing center so detainees can receive Communion and ashes on Ash Wednesday. Plaintiffs and organizers say the move restores long‑standing pastoral access that had recently been blocked.

Administrative errors delayed four years of retro pay for Chicago firefighters and paramedics, and the union has filed a grievance seeking interest and arbitration.