Daywatch: Gaming Board stops construction at Bally's Chicago casino site

Chicago Tribune

02-05-2025

Good morning, Chicago.
The Illinois Gaming Board issued a stop work order yesterday at the planned Bally's Chicago casino site in River West after it was discovered that the construction project was using an unauthorized subcontracted waste hauler previously alleged to have had ties to organized crime.
D&P Construction, a Melrose Park company which provided dumpsters used at the 30-acre site, was hired by the Chicago Community Builders Collective, a minority-led general contracting partnership constructing Bally's Chicago $1.7 billion permanent casino complex.
'Today we were informed by IGB that the contractors working on the Bally's Chicago site were utilizing an unapproved vendor and were issued a stop work notice,' a Bally's spokesperson said in a statement yesterday evening. 'We appreciate the diligence and action of IGB. This is the process at work. We look forward to working with the IGB to eliminate the possibility of it happening again.'
Read the full story from the Tribune's Robert Channick.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including a look yesterday's May Day rally, a deal over Chicago's Columbus statues and a homecoming for Chicago Sky players.
President Donald Trump signs executive order directing federal funding cuts to PBS and NPR
It's the latest move by Trump and his administration to utilize federal powers to control or hamstring institutions whose actions or viewpoints he disagrees with.
At Chicago's May Day rally, thousands call for immigrant protections, end to deportations in rebuke of Trump
Thousands gathered for a rally on May Day, a celebration with Chicago ties that commemorates the labor movement. The group marched to Grant Park in the afternoon, as hundreds of thousands turned out for rallies around the world, many united in anger over Trump's agenda, including aggressive tariffs and immigration crackdowns. This year's rally and march comes nearly 140 years after the Haymarket Affair and just over 100 days into Trump's second term.
Chicago Park District announces deal over Columbus statues lawsuit
The Chicago Park District announced yesterday they reached a deal to end a lawsuit brought over the removal of Christopher Columbus statues from city parks during 2020 protests.
Cook County Jail inmates claim guards allowed assault in retaliation for prior complaint about forced sex
A pair of Cook County Jail detainees are alleging sheriff's deputies encouraged a third inmate to tie them up and sexually assault them at knifepoint after one of them complained about forced sexual encounters with a guard in the jail complex.
The alleged misconduct is outlined in a lawsuit filed yesterday, which contends the attack came after one of the inmates had made a prior complaint about a nonconsensual sex with a female correctional officer.
Retrial for ex-AT&T boss accused of bribing Madigan postponed as prosecutors 'consider our position'
A federal judge yesterday postponed the retrial of of ex-AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza on bribery counts related to former House Speaker Michael Madigan, allowing the new U.S. attorney in Chicago to consider next steps in the case and avoiding the possibility that Madigan would be sentenced in the same courthouse while La Schiazza's jury was deliberating.
Harvey Ald. Colby Chapman arrested at council meeting
A Harvey alderwoman has been charged with misdemeanor offenses after being forcibly removed by police during Monday's City Council meeting, according to the city.
Driver who killed 4 by smashing through an Illinois after-school camp may have had medical emergency
The driver of a car that barreled through a building used for a popular after-school camp in central Illinois, killing three children and a teenager, was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and may have had a medical emergency, police said yesterday.
Column: Will sampling Chicago Bulls uniforms help the White Sox dress for success? It certainly can't hurt.
The biggest day of the Chicago White Sox season finally is at hand.
After an 8-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday, the Sox will debut their new Chicago Bulls-themed alternate uniforms, celebrating what the team's website described as two 'iconic' franchises.
Like the vintage Reese's commercial in which someone accidentally gets peanut butter in his chocolate while another person gets chocolate in his peanut butter, this is a melding of two franchises that was bound to happen.
3 takeaways from another Chicago Cubs series win, including a red-hot Seiya Suzuki leading a power surge
The Chicago Cubs have touted a diverse offense that isn't reliant on home runs to win games.
But long balls certainly help and were pivotal in the Cubs' 8-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday at PNC Park.
Chicago Sky's preseason game at LSU provides homecoming for Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith and Kamilla Cardoso
The Chicago Sky's preseason opener in Baton Rouge, La., will offer a rare return to the past for three of their youngest stars.
The game is part of a new WNBA series to bring preseason games to college markets of its top stars. This year's slate will include games hosted at Iowa, Oregon and Notre Dame to feature top alums such as Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale and Jackie Young.
Harry's Long Bar boosts security after temporary shut down over 'violent incident'
After Blue Island officials temporarily shut down Harry's Long Bar following a fight involving patrons outside the establishment, the owners are stepping up evening security measures.
What to do in Chicago: Polish Parade, Japanese Breakfast and May the 4th Be With You