Politics

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.

Here's a quick debrief of the week on the 2022 campaign trail as we get closer to the June 28 primary election.

Instead of losing numbers in the 2020 census, Illinois actually grew in population.

Why it matters: The population numbers, recently updated by the U.S. Census Bureau, could have a significant impact on the upcoming election season.

The new ward map was approved on Monday with a 43-7 council vote.

Why it matters: Many Chicagoans will find themselves living in a different ward under a newly drawn map that will readjust power centers for the next decade.

The Chicago Teachers Union holds its tri-annual election Friday.

Why it matters: The CTU has emerged as arguably the most powerful labor force in the city. Its moves affect hundreds of thousands of residents and rattle the mayor.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a citywide 10pm weekend curfew for unaccompanied minors just a day after instituting a 6pm weekend minors curfew at Millennium Park.

Why it matters: After a teen was fatally shot in the park Saturday, the mayor is using city curfews to try to curb mass gatherings and violent crime.

It's not every day that a local assessor's race is hit with accusations of antisemitism.

Why it matters: Eleven Jewish lawmakers sent a letter to Water Reclamation Commissioner Kari Steele, a Democrat running against incumbent Fritz Kaegi for Cook County assessor, about remarks made on her husband Maze Jackson's WVON talk show.

It looks like we won't be voting on a new ward map after all.

• A new City Council compromise gives the Chicago United Map the 41 votes it needs to pass, avoiding a referendum.