The operators of the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos in Connecticut say they want to move ahead with a joint casino in East Windsor, designed to compete with the MGM Springfield resort, just a few miles away.
The planned$300 million project has stalled. The Connecticut state law authorizing the casino requires the tribes to get federal approval, but they're still waiting. And representatives from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes during a legislative hearing called out MGM for overpromising revenue, but underperforming on those projections.
Meanwhile, police in Springfieldseized 200 pounds of marijuana from a "vendor party" taking place in the same building as a strip joint. Visitors could pay an admission fee and purchase the drug, or products containing pot. And the bust brings into question whether these gatherings are legal.
Also, this week we heard the story of Mark Schand, who was exonerated in 2013 in connection with a 1986 fatal shooting at a Springfield nightclub. He served over 20 years in prision, and then had to engage in a lenghthy battle to win compensation from the state. He's now going into the smoothie business and is looking to open a chain of stores.
And the Patriotswill go for another Super Bowl title as they take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Will you be watching?
Guests:
- Susan Bigelow, columnist, CT News Junkie
- Mike Dobbs, managing editor, The Reminder
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Disclosure: MGM has purchased underwriting from New England Public Radio publicizing the company's non-gambling activities. The NEPR newsroom operates independently of the station's development department, and editorial decisions are made without regard to any funding relationships.