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BALLY’S CHICAGO LAUNCHES HIRING PUSH FOR FUTURE RIVERFRONT RESORT, EXPECTED TO CREATE 3,000 JOBS

Bally’s Chicago is expanding its hiring efforts as it builds toward its permanent riverfront resort, which is expected to create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs in Chicago. Following a major construction milestone at the site, the company is now focused on growing its team and identifying leaders who will help shape one of the city’s most significant new developments.

Illinois Drivers Hit With 18% Rate Hike Will Get Relief as Giannoulias’ Insurance Reform Bill Heads to the Governor

Illinois lawmakers passed sweeping auto insurance reforms that would give state regulators the power to challenge excessive rate hikes for the first time, ending Illinois’ status as one of only two states without such authority.

Illinois Advances Legislation to Get Cancer Patients the Right Treatment Faster

Cancer Advocates Applaud the State Legislature's Passage of Biomarker Testing Legislation, Ensuring Illinoisans Have Better Access to Personalized Care. SPRINGFIELD, IL – May 22, 2026 – The state legislature has passed Senate Bill 3509, which would improve access to biomarker testing, a game-changer in the fight against cancer and other conditions, and an essential step toward accessing precision treatments.

LOTTO Unveils 'Legends Begin with LOTTO' Global Campaign Ahead of Football's Biggest Global Stage

Iconic Italian sports and lifestyle brand LOTTO today announced the launch of its 2026 global brand campaign, 'Legends Begin with LOTTO,' debuting with a 90 second film directed by Anthony Mandler. Launching ahead of football's biggest global stage this summer, the campaign brings together a cross generational cast of athletes, tastemakers and cultural voices to sStructured as a cinematic relay, the film follows a soccer ball as it moves across generations, geographies and creative disciplines. Each pass represents a moment of connection, linking individuals through shared ambition, creativity and energy, and illustrating how ideas and influence travel across cultures.

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Urges General Assembly to Reject Digital Advertising Tax

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce urges the General Assembly to reject a proposed new tax on digital advertising in Illinois that would increase costs on small businesses, make it harder for businesses to reach customers, and ultimately raise prices for consumers.

Designate a “Water Watcher” this summer to prevent child drownings

As warm summer days approach and families gear up for backyard pool parties and trips to the beach, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Safe Kids Illinois and Lurie Children’s Hospital are teaming up to promote a simple life-saving strategy everyone can use to keep children safe when they are in or near water: designate a Water Watcher.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES FUNDS TO REEVALUATE DECISION TO CUT OFF DONATIONS TO SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 15 attorneys general, urged several large donor-advised charitable fund sponsors to carefully evaluate their decisions to stop payments to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) following the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) highly controversial indictment of the SPLC. In a letter to the donor-advised fund sponsors, the coalition warns of the harm that could result from penalizing nonprofit organizations being targeted by the Trump administration for exercising their First Amendment rights.

Lookingglass Theatre Company presents Ice Cream Circus! 2026 in association with Actors Gymnasium June 2 – 7, 2026

Lookingglass Theatre Company presents Ice Cream Circus! 2026, a free, family-friendly theatrical event presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series. Created in association with Actors Gymnasium, Ice Cream Circus! tours parks across Chicago and Evanston June 2 – 7, 2026.

NEW NFIB SURVEY: Small Business Optimism Remains Below Average But Stable

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.1 points in April to 95.9, below its 52-year average of 98.0 for the second consecutive month. The Uncertainty Index fell 4 points from March to 88, remaining well above its historical average of 68.

2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® Presented by Coca-Cola® Reveals Night-by-Night Lineup Featuring Babyface, Leon Thomas, Public Enemy and George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic with Friends

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® returns to New Orleans July 3–5, 2026, unveiling its night-by-night Evening Concert Series lineup with newly announced performances from Babyface and Leon Thomas, joining a cross-generational mix of artists across hip-hop, R&B, soul, and funk at the Caesars Superdome. The announcement builds on previously revealed performers including Cardi B, Latto, Kehlani, Patti LaBelle, Brandy and Monica, Public Enemy, and George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, who will celebrate 50 years of the Mothership landing in New Orleans with a collaborative performance featuring Big Boi, Scarface, Big Freedia, Nona Hendryx, and Durand Bernarr, with additional special moments to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago goes Jurassic with Dinos! summer experience

Dinosaurs are taking over Brookfield Zoo Chicago this summer with Dinos!, a summer adventure featuring more than 20 animatronic dinosaurs, hands-on activities, photo opportunities, themed food and merchandise and live programs for guests of all ages.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all persons in the City of Calumet City, Cook County, Illinois that a public hearing will be held by the CALUMET CITY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS on Wednesday June 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., in the Calumet City Hall Council Chambers, 204 Pulaski Road, Calumet City, IL 60409 relative to the following:

RAINBOW PUSH COALITION ANNUAL CONVENTION ANNOUNCES LINE-UP OF GREAT SPEAKERS, PANELISTS, AND HONOREES

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition will convene its annual conference June 10–13, 2026, at its Chicago headquarters located at 952 E. 50th St., Chicago, Illinois, drawing leaders, advocates, policymakers, and community members from across the nation for four days of dialogue, reflection, and action. This year, the convention requires no registration fee and is open to the public.

Rainbow PUSH Mourns the Passing of Spencer Leak, Jr.

The Rainbow PUSH family mourns the passing of one of its own, Spencer Leak, Jr., a distinguished civic leader, businessman, philanthropist, and pillar of both Chicago's business community and the broader African American business community, whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

County, State and Local Officials Express Condolences To Fallen Long-Time Business Owner

Spencer Leak Jr devoted his life to lifting people in poverty, the marginalized, and those pushed to emotional distraught. However, his contributions could never be merely limited to his role of a funeral director. Through the family business, he pushed barriers and opened doors so people of excluded communities could step into opportunity and dignity. Spencer cast a bold vision of an inclusive society—uniting people across race, class, and faith to build power together and expand the table of economic opportunity.