The Latest Breaking News from Jennie Huang Bennett

The bill increasing pension benefits for Chicago firefighters hired after Jan. 1, 2011, is co-sponsored by state Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, whom Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson has picked to serve as his deputy chief of staff

Don’t expect “wholesale, universal changes” in city departments, said Jason Lee, a senior adviser to Johnson’s mayoral campaign and transition team, citing a need for “at least some initial continuity so that we can make sure that government maintains its core functions.”

It’s an unusual timeline for any legislation to move through the council, and unnecessary at that, said Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), who vehemently opposes Bally’s proposal to break ground at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street.

With crime among the top concerns of a vocal contingent of neighbors vehemently opposed to the development, the $2 million is meant to bolster security around the temporary site at a River North intersection that already has entrenched crime issues, opposing Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) has said.

Nearly a year ago, a $866.8 million shortfall had been projected for 2023. But a top city official warned Wednesday that the revised shortfall of roughly $306 million is still “very preliminary” and easily could rise.

Soo Kim, CEO of Bally’s Corp., joked that after gaining Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s backing to build a casino at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street, “it would be easier for me to be hiding in some dark, smoky room. I’m here in person telling you that we’re going to keep our…

The president of the Chicago Federation of Labor said none of the proposed casino operators has agreed to negotiate union contracts.

Rhode Island-based Bally’s Corporation pitched its plan for a sprawling gambling complex on a 30-acre plot near Halsted Street and Chicago Avenue, which is currently home to the Chicago Tribune’s printing plant — and the source of traffic headaches on a daily basis.

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.