Your trusted source for local Chicago, IL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has revised his proposed corporate head tax as part of a $16.6 billion budget plan for 2026, aiming for a vote next week. The head tax, now set at $21 per person for companies with over 200 employees, faces opposition from business groups but is viewed by some City Council members as essential for funding public safety programs.
Artist Anish Kapoor plans potential legal action against U.S. Border Patrol after agents posed for photos in front of his Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago. Kapoor condemned the agents' actions as intimidating, drawing a parallel to Nazi troops, and expressed support for Mayor Brandon Johnson's denunciation of the incident.
The Chicago City Council approved a zoning change for a cannabis dispensary near Wrigley Field, clearing the way for Entourage Holdings to open at 3650 N. Clark St. The dispensary, which will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., will implement security measures and contribute to veteran organizations as part of its community engagement.
Chicago police district council members demand a public hearing to investigate local police interactions with federal immigration agents amid recent raids. They seek to evaluate potential violations of the city's Welcoming City Ordinance and document any coordination during immigration enforcement activities.
A federal judge limited the use of force by immigration agents in Chicago, prompting an appeal from the Trump administration. The government argues the ruling threatens officer safety and oversteps judicial boundaries. The case stems from allegations of excessive force against protesters and journalists.
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino and several agents may leave Chicago this week amid ongoing controversy over their enforcement actions. Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the federal operations for taking undue credit for crime reductions in the city, while a DHS official asserted that federal agents would remain active in the area.
Claudia Quiñónez and Jocelyn Telles are rebranding their cafe from Cultura Ccafe to Terra Coffee as they relocate to a larger space next to the Belmont Blue Line stop. The new cafe will feature a broader menu, emphasize Guatemalan coffee, and aim to foster community connections. The opening is expected in late December or early January after construction delays.
A stop sign was installed at the intersection of Belmont and Karlov avenues in Irving Park after years of complaints from local residents. Business owners reported frequent accidents, including a recent crash that narrowly avoided injuries. The new traffic measure aims to improve safety in the area.
Ald. Gilbert Villegas proposed a $1.25 tax on package deliveries in Chicago to address a budget deficit and avoid a corporate head tax. The tax could generate between $137.5 million and $275 million annually while exempting groceries and medicine. Mayor Johnson indicated state approval would be necessary for implementation.
"Hamilton" returns to Chicago for a limited engagement from March 6 to April 24 at the CIBC Theatre. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, priced between $40 and $159, with a lottery for 40 $10 seats available for each performance. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical is based on the biography of founding father Alexander Hamilton.