The Latest Breaking News from Jennie Huang Bennett

Brandon Johnson fleshes out senior staff, shows continued influence of Preckwinkle, Chicago Teachers Union

Annette Guzman, budget director for Cook County, will be city budget director under Johnson. Jennifer Johnson, chief of staff at the CTU, where Brandon Johnson has been a paid organizer, will serve as deputy mayor for education.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 11, 2023

Firefighters’ pension bill could cost Chicago taxpayers $3 billion, city official says

The bill increasing pension benefits for Chicago firefighters hired after Jan. 1, 2011, is co-sponsored by state Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, whom Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson has picked to serve as his deputy chief of staff

Chicago Sun-Times · May 6, 2023

Brandon Johnson not ready to clean house at City Hall, adviser says

Don’t expect “wholesale, universal changes” in city departments, said Jason Lee, a senior adviser to Johnson’s mayoral campaign and transition team, citing a need for “at least some initial continuity so that we can make sure that government maintains its core functions.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 27, 2023

Lightfoot rushing to get City Council approval of Bally’s casino bid next week

It’s an unusual timeline for any legislation to move through the council, and unnecessary at that, said Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), who vehemently opposes Bally’s proposal to break ground at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 20, 2022

Bally’s to chip in $2 million annually for public safety around temporary casino site — ‘totally insufficient,’ opponents say

With crime among the top concerns of a vocal contingent of neighbors vehemently opposed to the development, the $2 million is meant to bolster security around the temporary site at a River North intersection that already has entrenched crime issues, opposing Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) has said.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 20, 2022

Lightfoot’s pre-election budget shortfall now $561 million lower, due to surging tax revenues, held over federal relief

Nearly a year ago, a $866.8 million shortfall had been projected for 2023. But a top city official warned Wednesday that the revised shortfall of roughly $306 million is still “very preliminary” and easily could rise.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 18, 2022

Chosen casino developer lays out his cards — but wary residents would rather Bally’s folds its hand

Soo Kim, CEO of Bally’s Corp., joked that after gaining Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s backing to build a casino at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street, “it would be easier for me to be hiding in some dark, smoky room. I’m here in person telling you that we’re going to keep our…

Chicago Sun-Times · May 13, 2022

Labor groups join aldermen in critique of casino plans over lack of living wage guarantees

The president of the Chicago Federation of Labor said none of the proposed casino operators has agreed to negotiate union contracts.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 25, 2022

Bally’s claims casino would actually reduce traffic — but River West residents say don’t bet on it

Rhode Island-based Bally’s Corporation pitched its plan for a sprawling gambling complex on a 30-acre plot near Halsted Street and Chicago Avenue, which is currently home to the Chicago Tribune’s printing plant — and the source of traffic headaches on a daily basis.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 7, 2022

Afternoon Edition: March 22, 2022

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 22, 2022