Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Chicago casino’s future may depend on who’s willing to take less cash
After years of failed efforts, a Chicago casino seemed within reach this spring when Illinois lawmakers approved massive gambling expansion.
But after a report raised questions about whether a city casino would be profitable because of the heavy tax burden exacted by the city and state, the players may need to go back to the table.
Chicago Sun-Times: Taxes will ground Chicago casino, but taking a flier on airport slots could pay off, study finds
Despite issuing a dismal financial forecast that has put a potential Chicago casino on standby, a state-hired consultant determined slot machines at O’Hare and Midway airports could take off for city coffers.
In a brief analysis tucked at the bottom of its highly anticipated 50-page feasibility report on the prospects of a city gambling house, Union Gaming Analytics estimated that installing 500 slots at Chicago’s busy transit hubs could pull in nearly $37 million from globetrotting gamblers each year.
Crain's Chicago Business: Former State Senator Rickey Hendon is in the pot business
The opening of the store, CBD Chicago at 2946 W. Madison, last month is the first step in the colorful ex-pol’s plans for a suite of pot-based enterprises, including a dispensary and a restaurant in the same building.
Daily Herald: Huge voter turnout in 2020 could mean huge costs for DuPage County
DuPage election officials say voter turnout in 2020 is predicted to be historic, which could be very expensive for the county.
County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek is asking to more than double the budget for her election division to $7.84 million for fiscal 2020 from $3.63 million this year.
Peoria Journal-Star: State labor board sides with Peoria firefighters
The city of Peoria is 0-for-2 against the union that represents the city’s firefighters.
Earlier this week, the Illinois Labor Relations Board upheld a decision in February by an administrative law judge here that found City Hall didn’t respond in time to the union’s unfair labor practice accusations, a clerical error that could cost Peoria millions of dollars.
State Journal-Register: Council to vote on annexation of east-side properties
For nearly 30 years, Paul LeJuene has sold used cars along Clear Lake Avenue.
The first location of his business, Patriot Auto Sales, drew significant attention for the 1955 two-door Bel Air hardtop perched atop a three-story pole out front, which has been nicknamed by locals “Chevy-on-a-stick.”