Governor JB Pritzker announced nearly $10 million in capital grants to 47 Illinois small businesses, prioritizing very small and historically underrepresented-owned firms.

Northwestern is reportedly close to a White House deal that could restore about $790M in frozen research grants; terms may include a sizable payment and remain unfinalized. The outcome would reshape campus research and staffing.

Illinois AG Kwame Raoul, with 21 others, sued the USDA to protect immigrant eligibility for SNAP benefits, challenging guidance that may strip support from refugees and asylum-seekers.

The DuPage County Board censured Clerk Jean Kaczmarek for failing to follow financial protocols and impeding oversight, with a 15-1 vote in favor of the action.

ICE detainees in Chicago may be released after a judge ruled against "warrantless" arrests. Over 600 individuals are affected, with only 16 deemed high risk. The broader impact on communities and enforcement effectiveness is debated.

America First Legal filed a DOJ complaint alleging Chicago’s police racial-equity plan treats race as a determinative factor in hiring and discipline. The filing asks the Civil Rights Division to investigate.

Criticism arises as the Trump administration plans to exclude nursing from the professional degrees list for federal loan eligibility, potentially limiting funds for students. This decision, facing backlash, might worsen the nursing shortage.

The Chicago Teachers Union is cooperating with a federal inquiry regarding financial transparency after being accused of not providing complete audits to members.

Cook County and Park Forest announce major upgrades to the Park Forest Fire Training Site funded by the Build Up Cook program, including new infrastructure and training features for firefighters.

City records show more than $8.2 billion in unpaid fines and fees, with about $1 billion added since late 2023. Officials are weighing debt sales and tighter collections amid a $1.15B budget gap.

A federal judge temporarily blocked DHS from enforcing DEI-related certification requirements that threatened Chicago’s emergency-preparedness grants, protecting funds for cybersecurity, hazmat and first responders.

A council review of municipal charges tied to a Washington trip prompted aldermen to cut Mayor Thaddeus Jones' card limit and strip dozens of bills from the approved list.

Chicago's intense immigration crackdown led by Gregory Bovino has caused widespread anxiety, lawsuits, and investigations, with persistent federal arrests stirring community fear even after Bovino's departure.