Illinois police departments had a busy year in 2023, with an increase in traffic stops over the year before.

In Illinois Department of Transportation data compiled by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, there was a 12% increase in traffic stops last year from 2022.

Led by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois’ leading Democrats joined others from across the nation Monday in swiftly closing ranks behind Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid to succeed President Joe Biden as the party’s 2024 White House nominee exactly four weeks before Chicago hosts the party’s national nominating convention.

While Pritzker took himself out of the running to potentially challenge Harris for the party’s presidential nod, the state’s second-term governor did not address whether he would seek to join her as the party’s vice presidential running mate.

The owners behind the United Center announced on Tuesday that the parking lots and area surrounding the United Center will be replaced by a $7 billion mixed-use district — a price tag they say would make it the largest private investment in the West Side.

Dubbed The 1901 Project, if approved, the estimated 10-year development would transform the West Side with green space, mixed-income housing, a music hall and more. Construction is planned in seven phases, with the first estimated to start as early as next year.

Illinois officials and President Joe Biden spoke after bodycam video of the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey was released by Illinois State Police Monday afternoon. The video shows the chaotic scene after a sheriff’s deputy shot Massey in the face during a tense moment over a pot of water in her home.

Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He is being held in the Sangamon County Jail while he awaits trial.

Following President Joe Biden’s announcement to not seek reelection in 2024 — and subsequent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris — all eyes turn to the Chicago, as the Democratic National Convention is set to convene in The Windy City in less than a month.

The chair of the upcoming 2024 DNC insisted the DNC’s mission “remains the same,” even in the wake of Biden’s sudden withdrawal from the already turbulent battle for the White House.

As Illinois seeks to end federal court oversight of its disability services, an independent court monitor says the state continues to fall short of promises made 13 years ago to allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live outside of institutions.

Court hearings are set to begin this week as to whether the state will be released from what’s known as the Ligas consent decree. The consent decree originated from a 2005 lawsuit alleging that Illinois’ insufficient funding for community living options led to the segregation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Due to the lack of support for living in the community, many were forced to seek care in large, hospital-like facilities. The lawsuit argued this violated a landmark 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision in a case against Georgia, which mandated states accommodate individuals in the most integrated setting of their choosing.

Rivian got the go-ahead by the Bloomington City Council for two new buildings on Monday.

The Enterprise Zone, where Rivian is located, got approved for expansion unanimously as part of the council’s consent agenda.

A new bill in the Capitol aims to keep everyone a bit safer during severe weather, particularly those who live in mobile homes. Now, weather radios are required to be installed in newly manufactured mobile homes.

Ed Shimon, the warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln, knows this is a crucial step, especially after the damage across Central Illinois last week.