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.
Latest News Stories
Monee Solar Farm Projects Granted Extensions
Frankfort Man Arrested in Gas Station Robbery Found Hiding in McDonald’s Restroom
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for December 11, 2025
Residents Lodge Complaints Regarding Truck Noise
New Lenox Homeowner Granted Variance for 4,000-Square-Foot Accessory Space
County Expands Paratransit Services, Board Members Question Long-Term Funding
Village Approves Agreement with Solar Energy Company
Mental Health Board Updates Committee on 2026 Grant Cycle and Funding Priorities
Beecher Police Investigate Attempted Armed Robbery, Seek Public’s Help
PZC Approves Homer Township Landscape Business Despite Neighbor Concerns; Adds Berm Condition
Chicago council, ‘starting to legislate,’ sends $16.7 billion budget to mayor
Hegseth promises to fix barracks, but work could take time