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The truth about TIFs: Chicago’s secret property tax hikes
How financial shell games and a loophole in state law denies Chicagoans the power to vote on their property tax bills.
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How to hate Chicago’s parking meter deal for the right reasons
Last week marked the 17th anniversary of the parking meter deal, but Chicagoans haven't learned the proper lessons from the city's most infamous…
Dec 7
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Austin Berg
65
5
Remembering Chicago’s greatest Thanksgiving
Lessons from a manmade catastrophe.
Nov 30
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Austin Berg
20
3
Everything you need to know about the Chicago Teachers Union's audits scandal
Local teachers' fight for transparency has finally reached Congress.
Nov 23
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Austin Berg
30
4
Why Chicago’s city treasurer is a waste of an elected office
Chicagoans vote for just three citywide officials. All of them should matter.
Nov 16
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Austin Berg
32
3
Johnson's budget ignores $1B in potential savings, here's what City Council should do about it
When it comes to the city budget, Chicago City Council has never been in the driver’s seat.
Nov 9
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Austin Berg
39
1
Is Brandon Johnson's head tax already dead?
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has pitched several major tax increases since his election in 2023.
Nov 2
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Austin Berg
21
4
2
Everything you need to know about Brandon Johnson’s ‘head tax’ proposal
In 1944, a curious new plant appeared in Hyde Park.
Oct 26
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Austin Berg
32
5
Harvey tips the first domino in Illinois’ municipal debt crisis
While cameras focused on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget speech last week, a quieter but more consequential story unfolded just 25 miles south of…
Oct 19
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Austin Berg
38
3
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