Illinois Quick Hits: Downtown Chicago office vacancies hit another record high
(The Center Square) – Downtown Chicago’s office vacancy rate has risen to a record high for the 15th consecutive quarter.
Crain’s Chicago Business reports that vacancies climbed to 28.6% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 28.2% at the end of 2025.
TEACHERS UNION OBTAINS RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST CHICAGO FLIPS RED
A court hearing is scheduled for April 22 after the Chicago Teachers Union obtained a workplace protection restraining order against Chicago Flips Red founder Zoe Leigh.
The order alleges that Leigh made repeated threats of violence while protesting outside CTU headquarters “almost every week” from January 5 through March 23.
Chicago Flips Red Vice President Danielle Carter-Walters said in a social media post that CTU doesn’t want CFR talking about child sexual misconduct cases in Chicago Public Schools that taxpayers are paying for.
STUDY: IL ALCOHOL USE DROPS
A new report says 54.5% of Illinois adults drink alcohol, down from 60.7% in 2018.
Using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Trace One cited shifting cultural norms and the expanding market for alcohol alternatives.
Nationally, 51.1% of adults reported alcohol use.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Manhattan Board Finalizes Round Barn Annexation, Sets New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
PZC Approves Homer Township Landscape Business Despite Neighbor Concerns; Adds Berm Condition
JJC Foundation Executive Director Retires Following $2.3 Million Estate Gift
Lincoln-Way Board Approves $92.5 Million Tax Levy for 2025
Chicago council, ‘starting to legislate,’ sends $16.7 billion budget to mayor
Manhattan Board Approves Kubota RTV Purchase for Sidewalk Plowing
Hegseth promises to fix barracks, but work could take time
‘Long overdue’: Praise for HHS’ action to bar taxpayer-funded sex-change procedures
Gas prices drop, but taxes make Illinois pricier than Midwest neighbors
Liquor License Amendments Approved for Frankfort, Joliet, and Lockport Businesses
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for December 16, 2025
Joliet Property Owner Cleared to Convert Non-Conforming Building into Two-Unit Residence
