Business
Chicago is no hellhole to us
At the recent GOP gubernatorial debate, downstate candidate Darren Bailey derided Chicago as a "hellhole."
Why it matters: For starters, the comment rankles unabashed Chicago-lovers like us.
- But it could also prove a questionable strategy in a state where three-quarters of the population resides in the Chicago metro area, and almost a fourth lives in the city.
15 ideas for thrift shopping, as told by Chicago readers
Last week, we asked about where you like to shop for your secondhand duds.
👗 Arianna V.: "I love all of the Village Discount stores. Not only do they have great prices, but you can get lost in there for at least an hour because of the mass amount of items out on the floor."
Chicago to vote on city's first-ever casino
The first Chicago casino could be on its way to breaking ground as the City Council plans to vote on Bally's proposal in River West later this morning.
Why it matters: The $200 million in expected annual revenue would go to paying for police and fire pensions, but some opponents say that estimate is overblown.
Courts may release marijuana dispensary licenses
It could be a huge week for the state's maligned marijuana industry.
- Cook County Circuit Court may remove the injunction that has kept 185 social-equity applicants from receiving their dispensary licenses.
Chicago will host future-of-food summit
World Business Chicago is hosting a new food innovation summit at the end of the month.
- Called Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Food, the event will bring together companies from all over the world to experience our food innovation ecosystem.
Lightfoot rolls the dice on Bally's
It's official: Mayor Lori Lightfoot has chosen the Bally's River West site for Chicago's long-awaited casino.
Why it matters: The city's first casino will generate revenue to offset the costs of fire and police pensions.
Whole Foods abandons Englewood
After six years, Whole Foods is shutting down its Englewood store.
Why it matters: When the store was breaking ground in 2014, former Whole Foods co-CEO Walter Robb said it was aimed at bringing food "education'' and "fresh, healthy food choices" to the area.
- Some also saw it as a litmus test for the viability of premium food stores in low-income areas — not to mention a test of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's commitment to revitalizing Englewood.
Despite inflation, Chicago is still building
One fascinating way to eyeball economic growth in Chicago is to look up and count construction cranes.
Why it matters: Inflation is affecting Chicago's construction industry, but a North American biannual survey says the city is still building.
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