Justin Laurence

1 week ago | chicagobusiness.com | Justin Laurence |Ann Dwyer

Citing the results of a long-delayed feasibility study released today, Gov. JB Pritzker is pouring cold water on the proposed One Central megadevelopment despite the developer overhauling the project's cost projections — and trimming the state subsidy he's seeking by $4 billion.

1 week ago | chicagobusiness.com | Justin Laurence

Construction at the planned Bally’s Casino ground to a halt yesterday amid an investigation by the Illinois Gaming Board into a waste-hauler working at the site with past connections to the mob. The Illinois Gaming Board issued a stop work order at the site after learning D&P Construction Co. was providing waste dumps at the site. The company was not authorized by the Gaming Board to work on the site and was previously involved in the board’s denial of a casino license in suburban Rosemont.

2 weeks ago | chicagobusiness.com | Justin Laurence

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle may face a primary challenge as she seeks a fifth term. Downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, is considering running for the seat that oversees a $9.9 billion budget, saying he’ll make a decision in the coming weeks. Mounting a challenge would be an uphill battle against Preckwinkle, who also serves as boss of the Cook County Democratic Party, which could make it difficult for Reilly to pick up endorsements from elected officials and labor.

2 weeks ago | chicagobusiness.com | Justin Laurence

Mayor Brandon Johnson made a brief tour of Springfield today to present “modest” funding requests to state leaders as the city faces threats from the Trump administration that will further strain the city’s budget. The visit comes roughly a month before state legislators will vote on a budget and Johnson defended himself against criticism his demands are coming in too late to be accommodated.

2 weeks ago | chicagobusiness.com | Justin Laurence

A prominent developer is seeking to force a City Council vote on a $1.1 billion project that’s been stalled at City Hall for nearly a year amid a dispute with a powerful union. Onni Group received Plan Commission approval last June for its development between Halsted Street and the Chicago River just north of the planned Bally’s casino, but its zoning change request has yet to be called for a vote in the Zoning Committee.