The state of Illinois began accepting applications Thursday from Chicago restaurants and bars that hope to operate video gambling machines.

As many lined up to pay their respects for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. on Thursday, funeral arrangements in the civil rights icon’s native state of South Carolina were announced.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed a bill Thursday that outlines a financial structure for a Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond, while Illinois lawmakers inched closer to a tax deal to keep the team in the Land of Lincoln.

Iran and the United States held hours of indirect negotiations Thursday over Tehran’s nuclear program but walked away without a deal, leaving the danger of another Mideast war on the table.

Two ratings agencies have downgraded the city of Chicago and kept their negative outlooks intact, citing the city’s back-to-back budget shortfalls.

The Indiana Senate gave final approval to an immigration bill that allows local and state police to enforce federal immigration laws and cooperate with ICE.

Dolton Mayor Jason House supports three referendums on the March 17 ballot, including extending term limits for elected officials, but former Mayor Tiffany Henyard is pushing back.

Single-use plastic bags will be banned at large retail stores in Elgin starting in June 2027 under an ordinance approved Wednesday by the City Council.