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Chicago Tribune: Mayor's race gives us a shot at a new Chicago Way. Here are 4 ways to start.
There’s an old saying that if you’re lucky, life is one damn thing after another. If you’re not, it’s the same damn thing over and over.
In Chicago, everyone thinks the current race for mayor is something completely different. On the surface that’s true. But so far, candidates have not discussed one question that will truly reveal whether they’re ready for change, or if the city will continue doing the same thing over and over.
Chicago Tribune: $8.3 million in Cook County property tax overpayments will be refunded automatically
In the coming weeks, thousands of Cook County homeowners are set to get a few hundred dollars back in property taxes they overpaid to the county, Treasurer Maria Pappas said.
The Cook County treasurer’s office is sending nearly 30,000 homeowners refunds totaling $8.3 million — the average is $280 — without requiring an application, her office said.
Associated Press: Paying for Medicaid, schools will be priority for lawmakers
Big-dollar decisions about health care and education will top the agenda in many state capitols as lawmakers convene for their 2019 sessions with a closer balance between Republicans and Democrats.
Some states will be considering anew whether to expand government-funded health coverage to more people after Democrats put a sizable dent in Republican statehouse dominance during the November elections. Others will be wrestling with how to boost salaries for teachers and funding for their public schools.
Chicago Tribune: Here's what will mess with your commute in 2019
Chicago-area commuters in 2019 will see plenty of road construction — from the closed Chicago Avenue bridge and ongoing repairs on the Jane Byrne Interchange to rebuilding on the Central Tri-State Tollway.
What they won’t see is fare hikes on public transit. The CTA, Metra and Pace all agreed to hold off on fare increases this year.