In conversations behind closed doors at the Mariinsky Palace on Monday, Biden sought to engage President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a detailed and urgent discussion about the next phase of the war, which US officials describe as having arrived at a critical juncture.

The legislation would take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Employees will accrue one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked up to 40 hours total, although the employer may offer more. Employees can start using the time once they have worked for 90 days.

Norma Chagnama, 29, was held without bail Monday following her arrest on a single count of felony murder in the death of Zury Cruz Sumba, who allegedly suffered brain and spinal injuries while in Chagnama’s care last week.

Northwestern and Texas A&M barged into the AP Top 25 men's basketball rankings after each had a pair of impressive wins last week.

Joe Biden spent more than five hours in the Ukrainian capital, consulting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on next steps, honoring the country’s fallen soldiers and seeing U.S. embassy staff in the besieged country.

The Get Stuff Done PAC has raised $1.74 million since early December, including $1 million from Michael Sacks, one of Chicago’s richest men and a frequent donor and adviser to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

The staffing shortfall is one of a plethora of issues plaguing the CTA in recent months. Frustrated riders and alderpeople have slammed agency leadership for late or missing buses and trains, inadequate cleaning, safety issues and not providing social services to unhoused people.

A 2018 report found 43% of those released from prison in Illinois will be convicted of another crime and return to prison. About a quarter of those re-offenses are for so-called “technical violations” like violating curfew or missing a meeting with a probation officer.

For young Black book lovers, it can be tough to find books that reflect the readers and their worlds. In 2018, the local nonprofit Young, Black & Lit took it upon itself to make sure that Black children have plenty of options for their bookshelves.

At Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern in Hyde Park, Chicago chef Erick Williams serves up classic New Orleans-style po’boys. “This will be our first Mardi Gras season. … We’re going to serve a lot of hurricanes and a lot of great food and play the music loud and have a lot of fun.”

Mental health professionals are continuing to bridge the gap on mental health care in Latino communities by offering more culturally competent care and normalizing conversations about mental health.

From Ida B. Wells to Barack Obama, Chicago’s Black history is rich. Two new initiatives are working to share that history with a broader audience, making sure it’s not forgotten.

Research shows formerly incarcerated people who maintained employment for one year after release had only a 16% recidivism rate, compared to a 52% rate for those who did not stay employed.

Carnivale is getting underway with festivals bursting with dance, music and food. All are invited to see, hear and taste some of the international Carnivale traditions in a free multicultural event at Chicago's Navy Pier.

Efforts to support people reentering their communities after prison — and keeping them from going back. Preserving and sharing some of Chicago’s rich Black history. And Mardi Gras po’boys.