Daywatch: Gaming Board stops construction at Bally’s Chicago casino site

Good morning, Chicago.

The Illinois Gaming Board issued a stop work order yesterday at the planned Bally’s Chicago casino site in River West after it was discovered that the construction project was using an unauthorized subcontracted waste hauler previously alleged to have had ties to organized crime.

D&P Construction, a Melrose Park company which provided dumpsters used at the 30-acre site, was hired by the Chicago Community Builders Collective, a minority-led general contracting partnership constructing Bally’s Chicago $1.7 billion permanent casino complex.

“Today we were informed by IGB that the contractors working on the Bally’s Chicago site were utilizing an unapproved vendor and were issued a stop work notice,” a Bally’s spokesperson said in a statement yesterday evening. “We appreciate the diligence and action of IGB. This is the process at work. We look forward to working with the IGB to eliminate the possibility of it happening again.”

Read the full story from the Tribune’s Robert Channick.

Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including a look yesterday’s May Day rally, a deal over Chicago’s Columbus statues and a homecoming for Chicago Sky players.

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The headquarters for National Public Radio (NPR) is seen in Washington, April 15, 2013. AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

President Donald Trump signs executive order directing federal funding cuts to PBS and NPR

It’s the latest move by Trump and his administration to utilize federal powers to control or hamstring institutions whose actions or viewpoints he disagrees with.

Pro-Palestinian protesters rally through the West Loop during the May Day march, May 1, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
Pro-Palestinian protesters rally through the West Loop during the May Day march, May 1, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

At Chicago’s May Day rally, thousands call for immigrant protections, end to deportations in rebuke of Trump

Thousands gathered for a rally on May Day, a celebration with Chicago ties that commemorates the labor movement. The group marched to Grant Park in the afternoon, as hundreds of thousands turned out for rallies around the world, many united in anger over Trump’s agenda, including aggressive tariffs and immigration crackdowns. This year’s rally and march comes nearly 140 years after the Haymarket Affair and just over 100 days into Trump’s second term.

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The Christopher Columbus statue in Arrigo Park was removed in 2020. (Alyssa Pointer/Chicago Tribune)
The Christopher Columbus statue in Arrigo Park was removed in 2020. (Alyssa Pointer/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Park District announces deal over Columbus statues lawsuit

The Chicago Park District announced yesterday they reached a deal to end a lawsuit brought over the removal of Christopher Columbus statues from city parks during 2020 protests.

Division 9 of Cook County Jail on Oct. 28, 2022. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Division 9 of Cook County Jail on Oct. 28, 2022. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Cook County Jail inmates claim guards allowed assault in retaliation for prior complaint about forced sex

A pair of Cook County Jail detainees are alleging sheriff’s deputies encouraged a third inmate to tie them up and sexually assault them at knifepoint after one of them complained about forced sexual encounters with a guard in the jail complex.

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Former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza, left, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after a mistrial was declared in his bribery trial on Sept. 19, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune)
Former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza, left, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after a mistrial was declared in his bribery trial on Sept. 19, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune)

Retrial for ex-AT&T boss accused of bribing Madigan postponed as prosecutors ‘consider our position’

A federal judge yesterday postponed the retrial of of ex-AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza on bribery counts related to former House Speaker Michael Madigan, allowing the new U.S. attorney in Chicago to consider next steps in the case and avoiding the possibility that Madigan would be sentenced in the same courthouse while La Schiazza’s jury was deliberating.

Harvey

Dorothy Taylor, left, Carlita Poole-Tingley, center, and Harvey 2nd Ward Ald. Colby Chapman stand in August 2023 in the 15300 block of Myrtle Avenue in Harvey. Homes on the block were in the footprint of a flood control project scheduled to begin construction in 2024. (Mike Nolan/Daily Southtown)

Dorothy Taylor, left, Carlita Poole-Tingley, center, and Harvey 2nd Ward Ald. Colby Chapman stand in August 2023 in the 15300 block of Myrtle Avenue in Harvey. Homes on the block were in the footprint of a flood control project scheduled to begin construction in 2024. (Mike Nolan/Daily Southtown)

Harvey Ald. Colby Chapman arrested at council meeting

A Harvey alderwoman has been charged with misdemeanor offenses after being forcibly removed by police during Monday’s City Council meeting, according to the city.

Damage is visible at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Damage is visible at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Chatham, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Driver who killed 4 by smashing through an Illinois after-school camp may have had medical emergency

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White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. leaps to take a grand slam away from Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins in the first inning on May 1, 2025, at Rate Field. (Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)
White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. leaps to take a grand slam away from Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins in the first inning on May 1, 2025, at Rate Field. (Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)

Column: Will sampling Chicago Bulls uniforms help the White Sox dress for success? It certainly can’t hurt.

The biggest day of the Chicago White Sox season finally is at hand.

After an 8-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday, the Sox will debut their new Chicago Bulls-themed alternate uniforms, celebrating what the team’s website described as two “iconic” franchises.

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Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki, center, gets high-fives from teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Pirates on May 1, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki, center, gets high-fives from teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Pirates on May 1, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

3 takeaways from another Chicago Cubs series win, including a red-hot Seiya Suzuki leading a power surge

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But long balls certainly help and were pivotal in the Cubs’ 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday at PNC Park.

Chicago Sky player Angel Reese answers media questions after the first day of training camp at Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield on April 27, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Sky player Angel Reese answers media questions after the first day of training camp at Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield on April 27, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Sky’s preseason game at LSU provides homecoming for Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith and Kamilla Cardoso

The Chicago Sky’s preseason opener in Baton Rouge, La., will offer a rare return to the past for three of their youngest stars.

The game is part of a new WNBA series to bring preseason games to college markets of its top stars. This year’s slate will include games hosted at Iowa, Oregon and Notre Dame to feature top alums such as Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale and Jackie Young.

Harry's Long Bar, 13115 S. Western Ave., Blue Island, on April 22, 2025. (Brett Johnson/Daily Southtown)
Harry’s Long Bar, 13115 S. Western Ave., Blue Island, on April 22, 2025. (Brett Johnson/Daily Southtown)

Harry’s Long Bar boosts security after temporary shut down over ‘violent incident’

After Blue Island officials temporarily shut down Harry’s Long Bar following a fight involving patrons outside the establishment, the owners are stepping up evening security measures.

Japanese Breakfast lead singer Michelle Zauner performs at Salt Shed in West Town on July 9, 2023. (Lou Foglia/for the Chicago Tribune)
Japanese Breakfast lead singer Michelle Zauner performs at Salt Shed in West Town on July 9, 2023. (Lou Foglia/for the Chicago Tribune)

What to do in Chicago: Polish Parade, Japanese Breakfast and May the 4th Be With You

Also around the area this weekend, comedian Laura Peek is at Zanies and the farmers markets open for summer.

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