The Latest Breaking News from Walter Burnett

Frustrated by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events’ decision to notify alderpeople by email about events instead of seeking their approval, Vice Mayor Walter Burnett (27th) has threatened to block the Windy City Smoke-Out summer festival that showcases country music and barbecue in…

Johnson helped cut the ceremonial ribbon Tuesday at Medinah Temple, which is expected to take bets for the next three years while a bigger permanent casino is built in River West.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s version requires annual approval from local alderpersons before restaurants and bars are allowed to set up.

By a 41-9 vote, Mayor Brandon Johnson reshaped the City Council in his progressive image.

The endorsement from a man who four times got more votes than any other statewide candidate could give Vallas a major boost in his efforts to get the 20% of the Black vote strategists say he needs to win the April 4 mayoral runoff.

Chicago’s 30-year quest for a casino and entertainment complex is now exclusively in the hands of the Illinois Gaming Board. Bally’s plan is for a $1.7 billion complex in River West, at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street.

“He may be sunsetting his political career, but he thankfully will be continuing his humanitarian work,” Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) said during a sendoff Saturday at White’s namesake community center on the Near North Side.

Just because Ald. Walter Burnett is willing to put up with the inconvenience of a casino doesn’t mean Mayor Lori Lightfoot will easily round up the other 25 City Council votes she needs to ratify Bally’s River West site.

Bally’s was picked over two rival bids involving South Loop sites: one by gaming behemoth Hard Rock International and another by hometown favorite Rush Street Gaming, chaired by billionaire Rivers Casino mogul Neil Bluhm.