Sparks mayor says losses could be a factor in planned plaza - 2004-01-30
Sparks Mayor Tony Armstrong said a continual loss in redevelopment dollars from casino devaluation could be a factor in whether a Chicago firm works with the city in construction a new retail and entertainment plaza downtown.

Since last summer, McCaffery Interests Inc. has worked exclusively with the city to gain tenants for an outdoor retail and entertainment mall that would be built on land north of the Sparks Century movie theater.

The company would depend on the Sparks Redevelopment Agency to acquire the needed property, Armstrong said. But the city may not be able to give the land to developers as an incentive for building the mall.
Read the full story at Reno Gazette Journal

Illinois could go into casino business - 2004-01-30
Illinois would be the first state to own a casino if a bid by a Pennsylvania company for the state's last-remaining gaming license wins at an upcoming auction.

The proposal, sources said, would see Penn National Gaming, which owns Hollywood Casino in Aurora, pay more than $500 million for the license and sell it back to the state for $1.

The state then would sign a long-term deal with Penn National that would see the company manage the casino, to be located in Rosemont.
Read the full story at Chicago Sun Times