Chicago's decomposing corpse problem

Gambling in Chicago

Bally’s is pausing some construction on its casino complex in River West, the latest move in an ongoing battle over the city’s decision to legalize video gambling.

Video gambling in Chicago: Although video gambling has been legal in Illinois, Chicago chose not to allow terminals within the city … until recently. To avoid Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed corporate head tax, City Council legalized the machines as part of Chicago’s 2026 budget.

• However: Licensed machines are not yet live, and Johnson hopes to reverse course on the rollout.
• In June, Chicago also rejected banning (similar) sweepstakes machines.
• Bally’s beef: The casino company says allowing video gambling terminals in the city breaches a previous agreement reached under then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot and could cut into casino profits. Video gambling in Illinois has generated more net income than the state’s 17 casinos this year.

Speaking of Lightfoot: In June, Bally’s hired Lightfoot’s legal firm to represent them in a possible lawsuit against the city over said video gambling terminals.

• “A pretty bald conflict of interest,” one government watchdog called the move.

The Big Bally’s: In 2022, Lightfoot awarded Bally’s Chicago’s sole casino license as part of a deal that cost Bally’s $40 million up front, plus an additional $4 million per year. The total $1.7 billion project will replace the former Tribune Publishing Center.

• Construction woes: The opening has been pushed to 2027 following multiple snafus: infrastructure concerns, a demolition spill into the Chicago River, and a contract with a mob-tied dumpster vendor.
• Now, construction on non-gaming structures like the hotel is halted amid the video gambling standoff.

The Medinah Temple: While the massive Bally’s complex remains unfinished, Bally’s operates a smaller, temporary casino out of the landmarked Medinah Temple. In January, state Rep. Kam Buckner introduced a bill that would allow Bally’s to stay there another year. It’s yet to pass, though, and the current expiration date is coming up.

Mishandled Human Remains at TWO Chicago Sites

More than 50 decomposing human bodies were removed over the weekend from South Chicago Chapel, a South Deering funeral home. They were discovered during a business walkthrough following a complaint about improper storage. [Tribune 🔒]

Then, at Bohemian National Cemetery in North Park, 35 human remains were discovered at improper temperatures as they awaited cremation. Additionally, multiple pieces of equipment were not working, and the state has halted cremations there. [WGN]

Mayor Pays Social Media Influencers For, Well, Influence

Mayor Brandon Johnson is employing social media influencers for political ads. The words “paid post” accompany videos posted by the creators, and mark Johnson as the first (technically potential) mayoral candidate to utilize this strategy. [Tribune 🔒]

Can Insight Even Afford West Suburban and Weiss?

Insight Health Systems is in talks to take over West Suburban Medical Center and Weiss Memorial Hospital, two safety-net hospitals that recently closed. Previously, Insight took over Mercy Hospital in Bronzeville. However, that hospital has consistently lost money, with Insight losing nearly $30 million in 2024 alone. [WBEZ]

• Meanwhile: Patients whose hospitals closed are delaying care and arriving to ERs sicker. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Try Playing Chicago Scattegories!

Back in June, we played a Chicago-themed game of Scattergories during our live taping at Switchyards Chicago. Hear it on today’s podcast. Plus, in today’s members-only segment, the team discusses some of the worst things about moving in Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

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