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Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s casino gamble appears to be paying off, as Bally’s bid to build in River West cleared a key hurdle Monday. But as CBS 2’s Asal Rezaei reports, some aldermen and residents alike aren’t so pleased about it all.
"We feel very confident that we have the votes to make sure that this gets over the hurdle," Mayor Lightfoot said.
There is still a push from nearby residents to stop the billon-dollar Bally's project that is planned for the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site in River West.
Bally's Corporation won over Mayor Lori Lightfoot with their plan for a Chicago casino in River West, but now, they need to get the neighborhood onboard.
"It's a very complex piece of urbanity here."
The city did not conduct a new safety study to determine how crime would be impacted by a casino - in hopes of getting the casino up and generating revenue quickly.
A temporary casino is also planned for the Medinah Temple in River North, and some feel it could bring more crime to the area. CBS 2's Marissa Perlman reports.
The mayor's pick still requires approval by the City Council, and needs the Illinois Gaming Board to approve a casino license for Bally's.
"It's going to take us time to get back and surpass the 60 million tourists we experienced in Chicago in 2019 and coming out of COVID, we need every single tool avail to spur economic growth, vibrancy and job creation."
Several aldermen criticized the makeup of the special committee, saying it should include council members whose wards might end up calling the casino home.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Tuesday that the city has shortlisted three bids for a casino within the Chicago city limits.
The new casino is expect to bring in $200 million dollars every year, which will help pay for police and firefighter pension funds.
The Hard Rock Casino in Gary, Indiana is opening at 11:30 a.m. on Burr Street near I-80/94.
Ratcliff's lawsuit disputes the commission's right to take emergency action against him in December when the agency found out about the allegations against former Spectacle vice president John Keeler last January, who was indicted in September.
A top executive of an Indiana casino company that is building a new $400 million casino in Gary has been indicted on federal charges of illegally funneling campaign contributions to a former state lawmaker's unsuccessful congressional campaign, officials announced Tuesday.
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.
The casino said there are no known COVID-19 cases on the property, but it is suspending operations "out of an abundance of caution and to promote the social distancing recommended by health officials."
Sports betting is just days away from becoming legal in Indiana and the state's casinos are lining up to start collecting wagers.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday said the state statute that authorized casino gambling in Chicago would make it impossible for a casino operator to be successful.
According to the city, an "open and thorough community engagement process to solicit meaningful feedback on preferred areas" will take place. It will start first with an online survey, then a series of neighborhood town halls to get feedback.
The June 30 closure came as the current owner of the Majestic Star Casino in Gary is working to move it from along Lake Michigan to a location along the busy Interstate 80-94 in the city.
A bus went off the side of a bridge early Sunday near the Majestic Star Casino in Gary, Ind., leaving the driver unable to talk.
It was a reverse jackpot for an injured woman who got caught up in the slots. WBBM Newsradio's Bob Roberts reports.
When an Illinois grandmother bet a quarter in an Iowa slot machine in 2011, she thought she'd hit it big. The screen said: "Bonus Award - $41797550.16." But state officials later concluded the award was a computer glitch, and the Iowa Supreme Court ruled McKee didn't hit any jackpot -- no matter what the screen told her.
Its known for being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, but some gambling supporters have proposed to put a casino in the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago.
Williams, whose paintings now are celebrated around the world, and hanging in galleries, got his start in life and in art in the heart of the South Shore neighborhood.
An Englewood organizer who wants to be a positive change for his community took CBS News Chicago behind the scenes of his group's giveaway.
Zach LaVine scored 26 points, Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White each had 20 and the Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 136-122 on Friday night in an NBA Cup game.
The 29-person team will advise the prosecutor's office on everything from handling gun violence cases to wrongful convictions to public corruption.
Parking garage managers said the number of parkers is down since the pandemic, as more people work remotely, leaving them struggling to make a profit.
The 29-person team will advise the prosecutor's office on everything from handling gun violence cases to wrongful convictions to public corruption.
Parking garage managers said the number of parkers is down since the pandemic, as more people work remotely, leaving them struggling to make a profit.
Cook Cook State's Attorney Kim Foxx sat down with CBS News Chicago to reflect on her legacy after eight years in office.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Gaetz as his nominee to be attorney general last week.
The reopened Pilsen facility is one of three that Mayor Brandon Johnson promised would reopen by the end of the year.
So far, despite several requests, the woman has not been able to get a hold of her medical records to send to her new doctors.
Those in the industry who spoke to CBS News Chicago said their margins are already so slim that an increased liquor tax could drive business owners to close their doors.
Robin McElroy said she loves everything about her Morgan Park home—except for the panic-inducing surprises she has been getting in the mail about her supposedly unpaid taxes.
Scammers often get financial information and personal details, or lure in veterans with videos that claim they can win lots of money,
It's the season of giving, but if you're not careful with finances, you could be getting a hefty bill at the end of the holiday season.
Little Penelope Lo Destro's parents were about to start their family when there was a terrible diagnosis.
Lattes and other espresso-based drinks may not be available at some McDonald's restaurants due to a glitch with coffee machines.
The FDA sent a warning letter flagging "significant violations" of manufacturing regulations for Tom's of Maine toothpaste.
The 65-year-old actor and stand-up comedian, best known for portraying Joey Gladstone on "Full House," said he first noticed symptoms in October.
An attorney representing a conservative prosecutor struggled Monday to convince Wisconsin's liberal-leaning Supreme Court to reactivate the state's 175-year-old abortion ban.
Owner Ricky Burns made a big dream come true in the tiny space on Western Avenue in West Ridge.
Those in the industry who spoke to CBS News Chicago said their margins are already so slim that an increased liquor tax could drive business owners to close their doors.
The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation is working to create everlasting change—and has a vision specifically for the commercial corridor at 115th and Halsted streets.
Wonder Group, a New York-based food ordering company that touts "fast fine" dining, is set to be Grubhub's new owner.
Foxtrot will be pouring free drip coffee between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the Fulton Market location to celebrate the reopening.
The 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist's new album features 12 songs.
The British pop star is bringing her Brat 2025 arena tour to the Allstate Arena on April 28 at 7 p.m
Ravyn Lenae, a rising R&B star from the South Side of Chicago, is among the artists announced Wednesday for the popular California desert music festival.
Speaking to American Theatre in 2018, Vire said he arrived in Chicago as a "lapsed actor," and fell into theatre criticism "through the back door."
"America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars," Conan O'Brien said.
CBS News Chicago chief meteorologist Albert Ramon has the latest 7-day forecast.
An accomplished artist makes a trip back home, reflecting on his roots, and sharing his story about his "Sweet Home Chicago" years. Kevin A. Williams, known by his artist moniker WAK, got his start in life and in art in the heart of the South Shore neighborhood.
It's the season of giving, and it takes a lot of work to make all the charitable works happen around the Chicago area. An Englewood organizer who wants to be a positive change for his community took CBS News Chicago behind the scenes of his group's annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.
The holidays have arrived in downtown Chicago, as the city lit up its official Christmas tree in Millennium Park, and the annual Christkindlmarket opened in Daley Plaza.
Chicago lit up its official Christmas tree Friday night in Millennium Park, and CBS News Chicago’s very own Joe Donlon and Irika Sargent helped flip the switch.
The 53-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Holden-Shaddick family in Logan Square is wrapped with thousands of lights.
At least five robberies have been reported, with the latest happening on Wednesday.
Parking garage managers said the number of parkers is down since the pandemic, as more people work remotely, leaving them struggling to make a profit.
The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Williams, whose paintings now are celebrated around the world, and hanging in galleries, got his start in life and in art in the heart of the South Shore neighborhood.
The 29-person team will advise the prosecutor's office on everything from handling gun violence cases to wrongful convictions to public corruption.
Cook Cook State's Attorney Kim Foxx sat down with CBS News Chicago to reflect on her legacy after eight years in office.
A judge released Constantin Beldie on electronic monitoring in October, after he allegedly beat and tried to kidnap his estranged wife. He's now accused of killing her weeks later.
So far, despite several requests, the woman has not been able to get a hold of her medical records to send to her new doctors.
The police department has spent $22.6 million in overtime this year for officers working special events — only about $2 million of which has been reimbursed to the city.
Zach LaVine scored 26 points, Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White each had 20 and the Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 136-122 on Friday night in an NBA Cup game.
The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Craig Smith and Nick Foligno also scored as the 'Hawks stopped a three-game slide.
The Bears' defense hopes to make life miserable for Minnesota QB Sam Darnold this coming Sunday.
Will Riley led Illinois (3-1) with 18 points and nine rebounds while Kylan Boswell added 17 and Kasparas Jakucionis had 15.
The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
K9 officer Riggs served 8 years on the force. He was 10 years old.
One man suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to an area hospital for treatment, police said.
The woman was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition.
Don Archer helped police catch the thief in less than 24 hours.
