The Chicago Fed's CFNAI rose to +0.18 in January, reversing December weakness and nudging the three‑month average higher. Analysts say the breadth of the gain matters.

A Springfield bill would add EMTs, dispatchers and other licensed EMS clinicians to Illinois' Line of Duty Compensation Act, extending duty‑death payments to more prehospital workers.

Crain's 2026 ranking shows the U.S. government still leads the Chicago-area job list, with CPS and the City close behind while hospitals and firms fill out the top 10.

A guide has circled describing venues and logistics for a Trump rally near Chicago, but the campaign’s events page shows no confirmed stop yet.

Lawmakers are pressing a new adequacy‑based funding formula to steer more state dollars to struggling regional campuses, sparking pushback from the University of Illinois system.

Aldermen want the mayor to launch a national search after volunteers reported animals left unwalked, inexperienced staff and alleged retaliation at the city shelter.

Federal 2026 tax changes expand the educator deduction but move larger classroom costs to Schedule A, helping itemizers while many teachers who take the standard deduction may get nothing.

Rep. Robin Kelly said Israel's campaign in Gaza 'turned into' genocide at a Chicago debate, drawing fresh attention to the March 17 Democratic primary.

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.