New Illinois laws starting July 1: Cocktails-to-go, AI bullying and more
Fourteen new laws will go into effect in Illinois on July 1, 2026.
Watch CBS News
Fourteen new laws will go into effect in Illinois on July 1, 2026.
Prediction market Kalshi sued Illinois on Tuesday, seeking to block new taxes and license requirements set to take effect July 1.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
The new Aurora Hollywood Casino opens its doors Wednesday night.
All 22 people charged in a massive criminal gambling operation based in Northwest Indiana have pleaded not guilty in their first court appearance Thursday.
Federal prosecutors said 22 people were arrested in FBI raids at Northwest Indiana restaurants and homes for an illegal gambling ring during "Operation Porterhouse Parlay" Wednesday.
The federal government is suing Illinois, Connecticut and Arizona over efforts to regulate prediction market operators such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
Rahm Emanuel is proposing a far-reaching measure to crack down on betting in predictive markets in Washington as part of an effort to call attention to what he sees as a culture of corruption gripping the nation's politics.
Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a shot at expanding sports betting in the state.
Former DePaul University basketball players are among 26 players and fixers charged in an NCAA men's basketball game rigging scheme.
An NBA Hall of Famer, a current star and former player are among dozens arrested in an FBI crackdown on illegal gambling that includes alleged members of organized crime families.
Masked thieves used sledgehammers to break into and steal cash from gaming machines at a bar and lounge in Dolton.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker reported a gambling windfall of $1.4 million on his federal tax return this week.
Several new Illinois laws and tax increases take effect on July 1, 2025, including new rules for single-use plastics, a tipped minimum wage increase, and taxes on sports bets, vaping and gas.
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano, a former Pittsburgh Pirate, is permanently banned from the MLB for violating the league's gambling policy.
The American Gaming Association estimates $2.72 billion will be wagered during March Madness. That's nearly twice the amount of this year's Super Bowl.
The city could be just days away from having a casino, but even before it opens, it's getting mixed reviews.
Chicago could be just days away from having a casino, but even before it opens, it's getting mixed reviews. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reported that critics aside, all the casino needs is an OK from the state.
Shauntelle Pridgeon was responsible for reviewing and approving daycare providers for children under DCFS' supervision.
Lottery officials said one state was still processing its sales data. The jackpot is the largest for any lottery, anywhere, ever.
The jackpot has eluded players since Aug. 3, the last time anyone matched all five winning numbers and the Powerball.
No one won Wednesday night's top prize of $1.2 billion, so the jackpot for Saturday night's drawing will be very close to the $1.586 billion world record for lotteries.
The board still has to approve their final licenses.
The owner of a video sweepstakes company has been indicted as part of a federal bribery case filed last year against former Illinois State Rep. Luis Arroyo, accusing the pair of bribing an Illinois state senator for his support on legislation beneficial to the video gambling industry.
Chicago can have a new casino. Gov. JB Pritzker Tuesday signed a new gaming tax bill into law that paves the way for the gambling center.
Possible measles exposures have been reported at a high school in Maple Park, Illinois, and a pediatric clinic in South Elgin, Kane County health officials said.
The ticket matched all five numbers in Monday's evening drawing.
Indiana State Police are currently searching for an escaped prisoner in Northwest Indiana.
Dolly Parton was a native and lifelong resident of Tennessee, but she made numerous visits and forged numerous ties to Chicago over the years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A federal judge on Tuesday rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's effort to toss out her 2021 conviction on sex-trafficking charges and 20-year prison sentence.
President Trump said the U.S. is considering changing the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" amid an escalating trade fight with Canada.
The Supreme Court divided 6-3 in granting the Trump administration's request for emergency relief.
President Trump said tariffs on Canadian automotive and steel imports will rise to 50% on Jan. 1, 2027, in a social media post.
Cook County homeowners are again facing a sharper increase in property taxes this year than businesses, the Office of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas announced Monday.
Contracted linemen from out of state sat idle in a Griffith church parking lot for hours without work orders from NIPSCO, as residents in Northwest Indiana approach two weeks without power.
A law firm has filed a class action lawsuit against NIPSCO, alleging the utility's failure to manage trees and vegetation has left thousands of Northwest Indiana residents without power for up to two weeks.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
A new Illinois law signed by Gov. Pritzker offers up to $1,000 to eligible homeowners hit by storm damage, but the money won't be available until next year — and the program only covers certain areas of Chicago.
Possible measles exposures have been reported at a high school in Maple Park, Illinois, and a pediatric clinic in South Elgin, Kane County health officials said.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
Researchers from the University of Chicago have uncovered some information on how space travel affects — or actually doesn't affect — the heart.
As people age, it becomes crucial to do whatever possible to protect from issues like memory loss. But leading neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter said the process actually starts well before advanced age.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
An expert blames Illinois lawmakers and "internecine political problems" for the failure to seal a deal for a new stadium within the state for the Chicago Bears.
Real estate investment and development firm Concord Capital has acquired nine apartment buildings on Elaine Place, a single-block residential street in Chicago's East Lakeview community.
The Chicago Plan Commission voted Thursday to approve a plan to redevelop Ford City Mall into an industrial complex, despite objections from some neighbors.
A new Barnes & Noble bookstore opened in the heart of downtown Chicago on Wednesday, while separately, a building that used to house an old Barnes & Noble store in the Gold Coast was being demolished.
Dolly Parton was a native and lifelong resident of Tennessee, but she made numerous visits and forged numerous ties to Chicago over the years.
Dolly Parton became an icon over her six-decade career as a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, movie and TV star and theme park owner who donated millions to help others.
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36. The coroner's office says she was found in cardiac arrest.
Buddy Guy was honored with the Chicago Music Legend Award at the Obama Presidential Center's Chicago Culture Ball this weekend.
Dolly Parton was a singer, a songwriter, an actress, a philanthropist and an American icon. Born in poverty in rural Tennessee, the fourth of 12 children, she began writing music at a young age and got her big break in 1966. In 1973, "Jolene" made her a household name and her star never dimmed. She wrote countless hits and starred in beloved movies, and spent years helping children access books and education.
Dolly Parton, the iconic country music singer, songwriter and performer, has died at the age of 80, her family announced. Known for her musical talent, over-the-top style, songbook of massive hits and passion for philanthropy, Parton was one of America's most beloved musicians and celebrities.
A new plan was announced Tuesday for express transportation between O’Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago.
A White Sox fan went viral after spilling her purse as celebrated picking up catcher Jake Rogers' walk-off home run ball on Friday at Rate Field.
Firefighters have made some progress against the Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada. The wildfire is now 27% contained.
Border patrol officers seized more than 1,000 pounds of the illegal stimulant khat at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in two busts last week.
Indiana State Police are currently searching for an escaped prisoner in Northwest Indiana.
Dolly Parton was a native and lifelong resident of Tennessee, but she made numerous visits and forged numerous ties to Chicago over the years.
A new plan was announced Tuesday for express transportation between O'Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago.
Possible measles exposures have been reported at a high school in Maple Park, Illinois, and a pediatric clinic in South Elgin, Kane County health officials said.
The program was launched by the utility company last year, with some saying it makes it easier to address problem poles.
She was counting down the days to the first day of 5th grade until her school district told her she didn't have a spot there. Now, a federal judge has ordered the district to put the 10-year-old girl with autism back in her neighborhood school.
Who you gonna call if someone locks you out of your own charity? That's the question members of a Ghostbusters-themed nonprofit say they're asking.
Residents of Ogleby Towers on Wednesday morning spoke out about the system that constantly changes their rent, which they say makes it hard to budget.
CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, Harley Johnson, gave CBS News Chicago an exclusive look inside the new park in South Chicago.
A White Sox fan went viral after spilling her purse as celebrated picking up catcher Jake Rogers' walk-off home run ball on Friday at Rate Field.
Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly hit back-to-back homers, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 7-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night.
The rate is much higher than is seen in the general population. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
The Texas Rangers rout the Chicago White Sox on Monday night to grab the AL West lead.
The WNBA has been the subject of recent debates on whether transgender women should be allowed to participate in the league.
One person was killed and another was wounded in a shooting Sunday night at a hotel in northwest suburban Wheeling.
At least four people were killed, and 17 more were injured, in weekend shootings across Chicago as of Sunday, according to police.
Chicago police this weekend issued a warning about a string of armed robberies in the city's Bronzeville community.
Illinois State Police and the FBI announced this weekend that they may have a new lead, though not a suspect, in the 1992 murder of college student Tammy Zywicki.
Chicago police were investigating early Sunday after a man was slashed to death the night before in Washington Park.
