Rihanna's fashion brand, Savage X Fenty, opens its first Illinois retail store at Orland Square Mall with an event featuring giveaways for early customers.

Severe storms in Chicago caused print newspaper delivery disruptions, leading the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune to offer digital access. Over 134,000 residents lost power, prompting ComEd to seek additional help for restoration efforts.

Patel Brothers, a family-owned South Asian grocery chain, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, displaying growth from a small shop to 52 stores nationwide with diverse offerings catering to different South Asian communities.

The CROO study shows Illinois has the US's highest diversity in cannabis business ownership, with 59% of dispensary licenses held by minority or women-owned businesses.

Fox Valley Mall in Aurora introduced twelve new diverse, mostly minority-owned businesses, emphasizing economic inclusivity and growth potential for local entrepreneurs.

Illinois hits $1 billion in cannabis retail sales, with over $850 million from adult use and $150 million medical sales, reaching the milestone earlier than the previous year.

Northwestern College in Oak Lawn has closed after 122 years due to financial issues linked to federal fund delays.

Vuori and Sandro open outlet stores at Fashion Outlets of Chicago, with the mall set to welcome a Maje outlet soon.

Barnes & Noble's new Wicker Park location in Chicago will now open on September 4 due to the preservation needs of the historic bank building it will occupy. No cafe will be featured due to structural issues.

Chicago businesses have mixed reactions to the upcoming NASCAR street race, with some expecting a sales boost and others planning closures due to the disruptions. The two-day event also aims to generate significant economic impact for the city.

Several black- and gay-owned cannabis businesses, such as SWAY dispensary, are opening in Illinois, marking progress in diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Chicago restaurants must now adhere to a new tipped minimum wage of $11.02 per hour, sparking debate within the industry. Some warn of higher prices and staffing cuts, while others foresee improved stability for workers.

Illinois AG Kwame Raoul is set to distribute $70 million from a legal settlement with banks over rate manipulation claims, benefiting state bond issuers and whistleblower Edelweiss Fund LLC.