Good morning, Chicago.
As the Illinois General Assembly wrapped up its spring session early Monday morning in overtime, Democratic lawmakers sent Gov. JB Pritzker a slate of bills targeting immigration enforcement, electric vehicles and voting rights, while a proposed prescription drug affordability board and a police quota ban joined the Chicago Bears stadium tax break package in dying without final votes.
Among the most significant measures to clear the legislature was a bill barring federal immigration detention centers from being built within 1,500 feet of schools, parks, homes, churches and other community spaces — a direct response to the violent clashes that roiled the Chicago suburb of Broadview last fall during the Trump administration’s mass deportation operation.
Despite the Democratic momentum on immigration legislation, lawmakers did not include in the final budget a $50 million grant program and an emergency loan program meant to help businesses in the Chicago area still struggling from the economic fallout of Operation Midway Blitz.
Read more about which bills passed and failed from the Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including ComEd announcing $2.5 million small business relief, four things we learned at Chicago Bears OTAs and what to expect from the 2026 Tony Awards.
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Chicago-area casinos making a land grab, with Aurora ditching its boat and Waukegan breaking new ground
After more than 30 years on the Fox River, it’s down to the last week for riverboat gambling at the Hollywood Casino Aurora. The moored riverboat, which used to ply the waterway on daily gambling junkets, will close for good on June 10 ahead of the move to dry land and a new $360 million casino complex, which is opening two weeks later.
Meanwhile, American Place broke ground yesterday on its long-awaited permanent casino in Waukegan, despite not having all the financing in place for the $302 million facility, according to casino owner Full House Resorts.
Illinois GOP governor nominee Darren Bailey seeks to block independent from Nov. 3 ballot
Republican governor candidate Darren Bailey’s political campaign, fearing an independent candidacy from a former GOP operative might siphon away votes in a general election, is challenging the petitions of Collin Corbett, alleging they lack the minimum 25,000 legally valid signatures needed to make the Nov. 3 ballot.
Berwyn man charged with aggravated DUI in weekend crash that killed tollway worker
A Berwyn man has been charged with a felony in connection with the weekend crash that left an Illinois Tollway maintenance worker dead and injured two others, Illinois state police announced yesterday.
ComEd announces $2.5 million small business relief fund as supply prices rise again this summer
With summer heat and electricity supply charges rising, ComEd announced some financial assistance for Chicago-area small businesses today with a new $2.5 million customer relief fund.
Obama Foundation offers first glance of Jackson Park campus: here is what to know
While crews were still putting on the finishing touches — including paving part of the parking garage entrance — Chicago and national media were given a preview of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park yesterday ahead of it welcoming the public later this month.
The grand opening is set for June 19, following a star-studded dedication event the day before. The Obama Foundation has not yet announced the names of guests performers at the ceremony, but it will be streamed at a neighborhood watch party at the Midway Plaisance and online.
Here’s what to expect, some basics about the opening, and items of interest to look out for when you manage to get in.
Federal judge pauses sentencing to weigh argument in Wisconsin judge’s immigration case conviction
A federal judge yesterday considered whether to throw out a jury’s guilty verdict against former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, who was convicted of felony obstruction for helping an immigrant evade federal officers.
The case was an early test of how the courts would respond to President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown.
4 things we learned at Chicago Bears OTAs, including the latest on Kyler Gordon and the preseason schedule
The Bears are nearing the end of their spring practice period. The offseason program will conclude next week with three days of mandatory minicamp. But first the Bears had one more organized team activity practice that was open to the media at Halas Hall.
On a day when Caleb Williams was revealed as the cover athlete for the Madden NFL 27 video game, the quarterback was back on the practice field sweating it out with his teammates. Here’s what we learned during OTAs yesterday.
- Column: Rome Odunze is rebuilding his confidence as the Bears WR adjusts to a ‘new normal’
- Photos: Bears OTAs at Halas Hall
Column: Chicago White Sox salvage an 8-0 win behind Sam Antonacci — and a tone-deaf José Canseco invitation
Everyone’s wondering which White Sox players will step up with Munetaka Murakami out for the next month with a hamstring injury, writes Paul Sullivan.
It’s a pivotal stretch for the Sox, whose expectations have soared since an 18-10 May made them instant contenders in the American League Central.
What to do in Chicago: The Blues Festival, Bleachers and bubbles at the Botanic Garden
Here are our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
What to expect from the 2026 Tony Awards
Will it be “Schmigadoon!” or “The Lost Boys”? John Lithgow or Nathan Lane? Susannah Flood or Lesley Manville? And what about sweet Daniel Radcliffe and his little pointy beard, fresh from cozying up for smiley selfies with tourists from Iowa having their Best Broadway Night Ever?
One thing is for sure. The pop musician Pink, now a New York resident and the host of the 79th Annual Tony Awards, will turn purple before our very eyes if anyone other than Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member Laurie Metcalf delivers an acceptance speech for best supporting actress in a play, following her gut-wrenching performance in “Death of a Salesman.”
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