IDOC says it will close Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln and build a women's prison at or near the Stateville campus in Crest Hill — a roughly $1B project that has drawn sharp local opposition.

Cook County will raise its minimum wage to $15.40 for non‑tipped workers and $9.25 for tipped employees on July 1, 2026. The county’s updated FAQ explains who’s covered and where to file complaints.

Chicago’s Office of Labor Standards published clarified paid‑leave rules that took effect Monday, tightening joint‑employer responsibilities and changing accrual and payout mechanics. Employers should audit payroll, PTO policies and notice practices right away.

The Chicago Board of Education has reinstated a teacher found to have pushed a third‑grader, approving back pay while treating part of the leave as a suspension.

Bailey’s campaign asked election officials to disqualify Collin Corbett from the Nov. ballot, saying thousands of petition signatures are invalid.

A Northwestern experiment finds voter support for gay candidates has grown, but visible gender nonconformity still costs some men votes.

Naperville’s City Council approved a new ordinance limiting ICE use of city property and requiring departments to document any federal civil‑immigration activity on municipal sites.

Illinois lawmakers passed HB 5487 to curb private‑equity and non‑lawyer control of law firms; the measure limits access to client records, fee‑sharing and MSO power and now awaits the governor’s decision.

Waukegan Ald. Sylvia Sims Bolton says she is "reconsidering" a reelection bid after being charged over a mail ballot linked to her late mother. County officials say the ballot was flagged before it was counted.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza launched a 2027 bid for Chicago mayor, releasing a video and holding a Little Village kickoff while pressing for fiscal fixes and public safety.

Illinois passed SB 315, forcing large frontier AI developers to publish safety frameworks, report critical incidents quickly and submit to annual third‑party audits. The measure now heads to the governor.

A former WGN employee has filed a $10 million administrative claim after she says Border Patrol agents violently detained her during last year’s Midway Blitz sweep in Lincoln Square.

A federal judge paused Illinois' ban on swipe fees for taxes and tips, leaving restaurants and small retailers in limbo as appeals and regulator moves continue.