Anthony Beale

Chicago City Council advanced seven advisory referendum questions for upcoming elections, including compensation for federal immigration enforcement costs and reinstating gunshot detection technology. Two of Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposals were blocked by the council's rules committee, which approved four questions for the November election and three for the February 2024 municipal election.

Bally’s has hired the law firm of former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to challenge the city’s legalization of video gambling terminals, which it claims violates a casino host agreement negotiated by Lightfoot. Critics argue this creates a conflict of interest, as Lightfoot previously oversaw the agreement that Bally’s now seeks to contest.

Bally’s proposed installing slot machine lounges at O’Hare and Midway Airports to replace $6.8 million in projected revenue from newly legalized video gambling terminals in Chicago. The city’s 2026 budget assumed 80% of eligible establishments would apply for licenses, but delays in processing have created a revenue uncertainty. Ald. Anthony Beale highlighted concerns about sweepstakes machines operating illegally while advocating for airport slot machine revenue.

Thirteen people were injured in a drive-by mass shooting in Roseland's Princeton Park neighborhood when two individuals opened fire on a crowd from a red SUV. Victims, aged 17 to 47, sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to local hospitals, with one teenager in critical condition. Officials condemned the incident as a senseless act of violence.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's allies defeated Ald. Anthony Beale's attempt to ban sweepstakes machines in Chicago, allowing approximately 7,000 such devices to remain operational. Beale argued the machines compete unfairly with video gambling terminals and avoid city revenue, while opponents, including Ald. Jason Ervin, claimed banning them would harm Black-owned businesses excluded from other legal gambling sectors.

22 Chicago City Council members plan to reject the sale of city parking meters to Stonepeak Partners, accusing Mayor Brandon Johnson of withholding critical information and unilaterally setting a June 30 deadline for council approval. The alderpersons argue the mayor's actions violate the separation of powers by making binding decisions without legislative input.