Illinois may sell Thompson Center for $70M, buy back part for $148M

By Dylan Sharkey

12/18/2021

Has Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker got a deal for you: Sell a whole state building in downtown Chicago for less than half of what taxpayers will pay to get back one-third of it.

TAGS: Chicago, Thompson Center

Chicago property tax hikes cause housing struggles for seniors

By Patrick Andriesen

12/17/2021

A report on rapid growth among Cook County’s senior population found nearly 60% spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Experts insist on more county housing options or tactics to lower costs.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

Chicago’s test to hand $500 a month to low-income families stalls

By Patrick Andriesen

12/14/2021

Quick relief was promised for select needy families in Chicago, but it now looks like it will be summer before any of the $500-a-month checks are issued. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the delay is to prevent abuse.

TAGS: Chicago, UBI: Universal Basic Income

Chicago aldermen call timeout on sports betting over casino worries

By Dylan Sharkey

12/09/2021

Aldermen are worried sports betting taxes will yield chump change while damaging the prospects for new casinos in Chicago. They are calling for a delay in the action.

TAGS: casino, Chicago, sports betting

Vaccination proof may be needed in Chicago for venue access

By Patrick Andriesen

12/08/2021

Chicago’s top doctor hinted the city could introduce a new proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirement for residents to visit bars, gyms, restaurants and other venues as have other major cities.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, vaccine mandate

Chicago’s ‘Netflix tax’ revenues more than triple in five years

By Patrick Andriesen

11/08/2021

In 2017, Chicagoans paid $40 million in taxes on cloud computing and streaming services. It was $150 million this past fiscal year.

TAGS: Chicago, Netflix, taxes

Steep property tax hikes to hit Chicago businesses struggling from pandemic

By Amy Korte

11/02/2021

While phasing in the tax impact of sharp increases in assessed value could help Cook County’s commercial property owners adjust, holding down property taxes requires reducing spending through public pension reform in Illinois.

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, COVID-19, property taxes, small business

Chicago budget hands $500 monthly to some, higher property taxes to others

By Brad Weisenstein

10/27/2021

Chicago will spend $32 million on the nation’s largest test of universal basic income. What happens after that year is one question, as is whether handing out cash will truly fix anything.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, property taxes, UBI: Universal Basic Income

Illinois’ gambling revenue chase closes in on Chicago casinos

By Dylan Sharkey

10/25/2021

Chicago is getting closer to getting a casino, but more ways and places to gamble do not necessarily mean more state revenue. Illinois would be better off betting on pension reform.

TAGS: casino, Chicago, COVID-19, gaming

Chicago police union fighting Lightfoot COVID-19 vaccine mandate

By Brad Weisenstein

10/13/2021

Chicago’s police union is planning to challenge Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate and encouraging officers to ignore demands to report their vaccination status by Oct. 15. Only about 25% of police are vaccinated.

TAGS: Chicago, FOP: Fraternal Order of Police, Lori Lightfoot, vaccine mandate

Chicago

Illinois may sell Thompson Center for $70M, buy back part for $148M

Chicago property tax hikes cause housing struggles for seniors

Chicago’s test to hand $500 a month to low-income families stalls

Chicago aldermen call timeout on sports betting over casino worries

Vaccination proof may be needed in Chicago for venue access

Chicago’s ‘Netflix tax’ revenues more than triple in five years

Steep property tax hikes to hit Chicago businesses struggling from pandemic

Chicago budget hands $500 monthly to some, higher property taxes to others

Illinois’ gambling revenue chase closes in on Chicago casinos

Chicago police union fighting Lightfoot COVID-19 vaccine mandate

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students