Gov. J.B. Pritzker met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and presented a four-pack of Chicago-brewed "Da Pope" beer. The private audience included talk of immigration and an invitation to Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools says ASPIRA’s finances show “failure of governance” and declined a $5M bailout; the network’s CEO warns schools may miss payroll.

Skokie amended its code to bar ICE and CBP from using village-owned property without a criminal warrant after residents pressed leaders at a rally. Officials plan signage and outreach.

National Guard troops from Texas and California are set to return from their deployments in Illinois and Oregon, with legal challenges affecting the federal use of troops in cities.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined LGBTQ+ leaders during Transgender Awareness Week, affirming support for transgender rights and honoring lost lives due to violence.

Grand Crossing inaugurated the Xchange Chicago tech hub, expected to create jobs and boost the local economy with support from officials and community leaders.

Mayor Johnson stands by his corporate tax plan to help bridge Chicago's $1.9 billion budget gap despite City Council members' concerns over its impact on businesses.

AG Kwame Raoul leads a coalition of 23 states supporting an FTC commissioner against President Trump's removal efforts, emphasizing the FTC's bipartisan role in consumer protection.

A Riverwalk vendor says Chicago ignored its own rules in awarding a kiosk; FOIA files and a lawsuit have raised transparency concerns. The dispute could reshape how Riverwalk leases are handled.

Jesse Jackson is hospitalized for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy but is stable and not on life support. His condition recently improved, allowing him to forgo blood pressure medication.

Cook County homeowners received delayed property tax bills, with a December 15 deadline. Delays, caused by a complex technical overhaul, prompted no-interest loans for local jurisdictions. Homeowners are urged to check for exemptions to save money.

The Illinois Department of Revenue issued a tentative property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000 for Moultrie County, indicating consistent property assessments and tax burdens, similar to the previous year.

Chicago settled with DoorDash for $18 million over deceptive practices affecting restaurants, consumers, and drivers, affirming its dedication to fair market practices.