Civic Federation President Calls Mayor Lightfoot's $16.7 Billion Budget Plan 'Good News,' But Some Aldermen Aren't Sold On Specifics
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday laid out her $16.7 billion budget proposal in front of the City Council.
Civic Federation
Chicago's Budget: What Are Residents Paying For?
Facing an unprecedented $1.2 billion shortfall for next year, Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday proposed a $94 million property tax hike, a 3 cents per gallon increase in the city's gas tax, hundreds of layoffs, and eliminating nearly 2,000 vacant positions.
Ads For And Against Illinois Graduated Income Tax Proposal Are Ubiquitious, So What's The Truth?
We're being bombarded by them – ads for and against the graduated income tax proposal for Illinois that will be on the ballot next month.
How Did Illinois See An Increase In July Tax Collections During The Pandemic? 'July Was Not A Normal Month'
CBS 2 Morning Insider Lauren Victory made some interesting finds in the state's revenue report released this week.
State Budget That Depends On Federal Help, Other Pieces Of Legislation Now Await Gov. Pritzker's Signature
Illinois state lawmakers were back home in their districts for the holiday Monday, after a whirlwind of a special session in Springfield. Two of the winners after votes were cast were the City of Chicago and state restaurant and bar owners.
Civic Federation's Laurence Msall: Staggering Unemployment Claims Will Put Major Strain On Illinois, Chicago Budgets
The math is staggering – according to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were 114,663 unemployment claims in Illinois alone last week amid the coronavirus crisis.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot Says 2020 Budget Plan Doesn't Include Large Property Tax Hike, But Needs Help From Springfield
The mayor's plan relies on the Illinois General Assembly to approve a graduated real estate transfer tax, revisions to the Chicago casino plan, and statewide pension reform.
Emanuel's Plan To Fund Pensions: Amending The State Constitution
Chicago needs 276 million for police and fire pensions. And in 2022, another 310 million for municipal pensions.
Police And Firefighter Layoffs In Harvey
The layoffs this week of 18 firefighters and 13 police officers came after a court ordered pension payment Harvey can't afford to make.
Latest Illinois Borrowing Has Upside, Watchdog Says
Interest on the latest loans to pay down bills is better than paying late-penalty fees, the leader of the Civic Federation says.
Groups Slam State Lawmakers For 'Nonsense Of Not Having A Budget'
Civic Federation President Laurence Msall said the state's credit rating is "a national embarrassment" as a result of the budget impasse.
With Grand Bargain Still Iffy, Watchdog Calls Rauner Budget Incomplete
The Civic Federation has issued an 86-page report on the governor's 2018 budget plan, and has said the proposal falls short.
Expert: Possible Thompson Center Sale Is Small, Positive Sign
The move by Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to advance the possible sale of the Thompson Center is a positive sign, according to the head of the Civic Federation.
Watchdog Sees "Good News Budget" From Mayor, But Still Seeking Details
A leading government financial watchdog has said Mayor Rahm Emanuel gave the City Council a "good news budget," but said there are still some open questions about the 2017 spending plan.
Civic Federation Opposes Rauner's 'Insufficiently Detailed' Budget
A budget watchdog group has criticized Gov. Bruce Rauner's spending plan for this year as being underfunded and unrealistic.
Gov. Rauner To Give Budget Address As Stalemate Continues
After eight months of operating without a budget, tomorrow Governor Rauner outlines his state spending plan for next year.
Civic Federation: Higher Taxes, Spending Limits Needed To Fix State Budget
A research group has offered a laundry list of suggestions to help pull Illinois government out of its financial mess.
Civic Federation Backs Emanuel Property Tax Hike, But Has Concerns
A respected financial watchdog group has thrown its support behind Mayor Rahm Emanuel's budget plan, but it comes with a warning.
Expert Says Potential City Property Tax Increase "Not Going To Be Enough"
A top Chicago city official agrees with budget experts that a possible property tax hike alone will not end the city's financial crisis, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
Emanuel To Seek $500M Property Tax Hike
Mayor Rahm Emanuel will seek a massive property tax hike later this month, as he seeks to shore up police and firefighter pension funds, and close a $750 million budget hole.
Civic Federation: Many Of Rauner's Proposed Cuts Not "Achievable Or Prudent"
A respected budget watchdog group has come out with a sharply critical analysis of Gov. Bruce Rauner's fiscal plan for Illinois.
Mayor Emanuel Reveals Plans For Tackling City's Debt
With the city's bond rating just a couple levels above junk status, Mayor Emanuel told the Civic Federation he is ending or phasing out some of the city's more questionable borrowing practices.
Watchdog Criticizes CPS Budget For Using One-Time Accounting Measure To Fill Deficit
The Chicago School Board passed a budget with a one-time bump, which gets it by this year but not next according to the fiscal watchdog the Civic Federation.
Budget Watchdog Has Plan To Fix State Finances
More than three weeks ahead of the governor's budget address, a government watchdog group has issued its own plan for bringing state finances back to good health.
Budget Watchdog Surprised To Learn Daley Borrowed Millions To Run Millennium Park
The Daley administration took out nearly $30 million in loans to run the park, from the year after it opened, until the former mayor left office.
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A state trooper was left disabled in a crash, and now the driver is catching a break
Scott's Law requires drivers to slow down and move over when you approach emergency vehicles with their hazard lights flashing – but is it just tough talk?
Vehicle blasts right through house in Downers Grove
The vehicle slammed right through the house at 66th Street and Briargate Drive in the western suburb and went on to hit a tree.
Chicagoans kick off Memorial Day weekend with music, mole, and mirth
This is all proof that despite some concerns about crime and safety in Chicago lately, Chicagoans are not about to stop coming out and having fun.
Thanks to youth advocacy programs, two girls at Julian High School are now thriving at water polo
Many have pointed to the need for more programming that would engage Chicago teenagers.
New African lion cub makes debut at Lincoln Park Zoo
A new African lion cub makes his debut at Lincoln Park Zoo's Pepper Family Wildlife Center.
Woman identified in deadly hit-and-run in Ashburn neighborhood
A woman is dead after being struck by a car while crossing the street in the Ashburn neighborhood Friday evening.
5 wounded in weekend shootings across Chicago
At least five people are wounded in shootings across the city as of Saturday.
Paws Pet of the Week: Hazel
It's time to meet this week's Paws Pet of the Week -- Hazel.
3 people injured after wrong way crash on Eisenhower Expressway
Three people are injured following a wrong-way crash on the Eisenhower Expressway early Saturday morning, according to Illinois State Police
3 wounded, 1 critically in shooting in South Austin
Three people are wounded following a shooting in the South Austin neighborhood Friday night.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Sunny, slight chance of shower later in the day
It'll be a mostly sunny Saturday with a high in the middle to upper 70s, cooler by the lake.
Wolves beat Milwaukee Admirals, advance to AHL Western Conference Finals
The Wolves had a second chance for to close out the Milwaukee Admirals in Game 4 of their AHL Calder Cup playoff series – and this time, they did it.
Delay in breaching classroom during school shooting was "wrong decision," official says
Nearly 20 officers were in a hallway for more than 45 minutes before agents used a master key to open a door and confront the gunman, authorities said.
Garage severely damaged in explosion in Wicker Park
The alley side of the garage was heavily damaged. Part of an adjacent garage also sustained damage.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Clear nighttime skies, lows in the 50s
Skies cleared Friday evening, with temperatures in the 50s for much of the night. Patchy areas of fog will be possible, especially for areas near the lake.
Northwestern women's lacrosse trip to Final Four ends with heartbreaking loss to North Carolina
The Northwestern Wildcats have established themselves as one of the premiere women's lacrosse programs in the country – and this was their third straight appearance in the Final Four.
Chicago Police Department is budgeted for 1,300 more officers than are on the force now
CBS 2's Tara Molina got her hands on the numbers involved with the CPD staffing shortage and brought them to a security expert.
8-year-old girl pleaded "momma, stop!" as mother smothered her with plastic bag, prosecutors say
Why did Andreal Hagler allegedly kill her daughter on her 8th birthday? "She felt it was their time to go, because they were both born on the 24th," prosecutors said.
Shooting that killed 9-year-old boy was act of "revenge" against his grandparents, prosecutors say
A third suspect has been charged in a shooting that left a 9-year-old boy dead and his little brother wounded in what prosecutors called "a hailstorm of bullets" in Skokie.
Some Chicago public schools do not have classroom doors that lock from inside
We have uncovered a potentially dangerous concern inside two CPS school buildings. Teachers are unable to lock their classrooms from the inside.
Little Village residents, elected officials rally for local CVS to remain open
Neighbors in Little Village say the closing of a CVS pharmacy will leave many struggling to find health care, though CVS takes issue with that claim.
Doctors recommend people follow CDC guidelines over Memorial Day weekend amid COVID spike
Doctors suggest ideas including hosting events outside and wearing well-fitting masks over the holiday weekend.
Nationwide substitute shortage leads to overcrowded classrooms in Chicago Public Schools
Some Chicago Public School teachers say it's such a problem that classes have to be doubled and staff is being pulled off other duties to fill the gap.
City to send out police saturation patrols, provide recreation for teens this Memorial Day weekend
For the weekend, the city plans to saturate big gathering spots with officers — with a focus in particular on younger groups of people.
Northbrook's Nick Hardy golfs in NV5 Invitational in Glen Elyn as he prepares for return to PGA Tour
"I played a lot of golf at this course; literally a couple miles from my high school, and where I grew up. So it's really special," he said.
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A state trooper was left disabled in a crash, and now the driver is catching a break
Scott's Law requires drivers to slow down and move over when you approach emergency vehicles with their hazard lights flashing – but is it just tough talk?
Vehicle blasts right through house in Downers Grove
The vehicle slammed right through the house at 66th Street and Briargate Drive in the western suburb and went on to hit a tree.
Chicagoans kick off Memorial Day weekend with music, mole, and mirth
This is all proof that despite some concerns about crime and safety in Chicago lately, Chicagoans are not about to stop coming out and having fun.
Thanks to youth advocacy programs, two girls at Julian High School are now thriving at water polo
Many have pointed to the need for more programming that would engage Chicago teenagers.
New African lion cub makes debut at Lincoln Park Zoo
A new African lion cub makes his debut at Lincoln Park Zoo's Pepper Family Wildlife Center.
CBS 2 Investigators
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City to send out police saturation patrols, provide recreation for teens this Memorial Day weekend
For the weekend, the city plans to saturate big gathering spots with officers — with a focus in particular on younger groups of people.
Complaints mount against Chicago's last Black bank: 'It's like the Flintstones'
Complaints against Chicago's last Black bank and federal concerns over its management and record-keeping
Lawsuit claims 13-year-old boy had his hands up when a CPD officer shot him in the back
The lawsuit said the shooting is proof that there is still a "widespread pattern and practice of using excessive force, including deadly force, against African Americans" within the Chicago Police Department.
Getting Hosed: A woman fights the city over a water bill she never should have received and wins
Getting Hosed, our exposé on Chicago's bad water billing, has saved consumers hundreds of thousands of dollars. So we wanted to know - what happens if you take on the City yourself?
Getting Hosed: East Garfield Park resident $64,000 for water bill; 'There must be a mistake'
"They told me to hire a good lawyer, that this is probably a billing issue with the city."
Politics
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Women are taking the lead in Broadview, where mom is fire chief and daughter just became a police officer
Women are taking the lead in a family of first responders in Broadview.
Former state Rep. Luis Arroyo gets 4 years, 9 months in prison for bribery scheme
Arroyo, 67, entered a blind guilty plea in November to accepting thousands of dollars in bribes to promote a gambling bill legalizing sweepstakes machines.
Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Kentucky, Idaho and Oregon primary results
CBS News projects Chuck Edwards will win the GOP nomination in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Rep. Madison Cawthorn.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott invokes Chicago violence, dismisses 'quote-"real"' gun laws
"There are, quote, 'real' gun laws in Chicago," Abbott said at a news conference. "There are more people who are shot every weekend in Chicago than there are in schools in Texas."
Early voting for Chicago primary election moved back to Tuesday, May 31
The start date for early voting had been Thursday, May 26, but had to be changed after the Cook County Circuit Court made three rulings.
Consumer News
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Getting Hosed: A woman fights the city over a water bill she never should have received and wins
Getting Hosed, our exposé on Chicago's bad water billing, has saved consumers hundreds of thousands of dollars. So we wanted to know - what happens if you take on the City yourself?
Demand rises for donated breast milk amid baby formula shortage
With parents struggling to navigate the baby formula shortage, breast milk donation banks are seeing a sharp increase in demand — but also a jump in donations.
Baby formula shortage still leaves families desperate, especially those restricted by federal WIC program rules
Walk into the baby formula aisle at just about any drug or grocery store around the country, and you will still see rows of empty shelves.
Abbott to resume production of baby formula at Sturgis, Michigan plant after recall
Abbott Nutrition said after its plant in Sturgis, Michigan gets back in operation, product could be back on shelves in six to eight weeks, subject to approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
Chicago gas prices hit new record, at more than $5 per gallon
According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $5.12 as of Tuesday morning.
Health
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Chicago, suburbs, collar counties now at high community risk level for COVID-19, CDC says
Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady warned the advance to the high risk level was coming.
Chicago expected to move to "high risk" for COVID-19 on Friday, but no return to mask or vaccine mandates
"We are not reinstating the mask or vaccine requirement mandates, because the health system in Chicago remains stable."
Pfizer says 3 of its COVID shots give kids under 5 strong protection
The company says it'll give U.S. regulators the data soon. Moderna is already seeking U.S. clearance to vaccinate kids 5 and under.
Expert: Risk for monkeypox is low for overall population
It has been almost three months since city leaders dropped COVID-19 restrictions – but as we head toward summer, experts warn we could see more COVID cases.
FDA clears COVID-19 booster shot for healthy kids ages 5 to 11
There is one more hurdle: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must decide whether to formally recommend the booster for this age group.
Business
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City Council committee to vote on Chicago casino plan, which has some neighbors thinking of selling condos and leaving
There is still a push from nearby residents to stop the billon-dollar Bally's project that is planned for the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site in River West.
Crime and chaos downtown and beyond are keeping tourists away from Chicago
Such events as the chaos downtown that led to a deadly shooting right in the middle of Millennium Park have led people to cancel trips, meetings, and events in Chicago because they don't feel safe.
Carvana tower in Skokie put on hold after Illinois suspends dealer's state license
The village of Skokie is telling Carvana it cannot build a proposed 14-story car vending tower, just three months after the project won approval from village trustees.
FTX cryptocurrency exchange opens new headquarters in Chicago
Mayor Lori Lightfoot helped cut the ribbon Tuesday morning to open the official U.S. headquarters of FTX, a Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange.
Bally's unveils further plans for Chicago casino; some aldermen say it's being pushed through too fast
The city did not conduct a new safety study to determine how crime would be impacted by a casino - in hopes of getting the casino up and generating revenue quickly.
Sports
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Wolves beat Milwaukee Admirals, advance to AHL Western Conference Finals
The Wolves had a second chance for to close out the Milwaukee Admirals in Game 4 of their AHL Calder Cup playoff series – and this time, they did it.
Northwestern women's lacrosse trip to Final Four ends with heartbreaking loss to North Carolina
The Northwestern Wildcats have established themselves as one of the premiere women's lacrosse programs in the country – and this was their third straight appearance in the Final Four.
Northbrook's Nick Hardy golfs in NV5 Invitational in Glen Elyn as he prepares for return to PGA Tour
"I played a lot of golf at this course; literally a couple miles from my high school, and where I grew up. So it's really special," he said.
White Sox lose to Red Sox by more than double the score
The Boston Red Sox beat the White Sox 16-7 Thursday night to take two of three from Chicago.
Cubs lead 3-0 in second, but end up losing to Reds by factor of four
Cincinnati trailed 3-0 before scoring twice in the second and bursting ahead with eight runs in the third.
Weather
Entertainment
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Legendary 'Goodfellas' actor Ray Liotta dead at 67
Liotta reportedly died in his sleep while filming a new movie in the Dominican Republic.
CBS unveils 2022-2023 primetime lineup
CBS announced its 2022-2023 primetime programming lineup of CBS Originals, featuring four new dramas and more.
Dave Chappelle attacked by armed man while onstage in L.A.
The controversial comic laughed off the incident after being tackled, and video appeared to show the person who charged him being beaten onstage.
Naomi Judd, Grammy-winning singer, has died at 76
"We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness," the Judd sisters said on social media.
'Jersey Boys' is returning to a Chicago stage next week
The new national tour of "Jersey Boys" opens next week at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, celebrating the music of the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
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Ed's Driveway: Mitsubishi Outlander
CBS 2's Ed Curran takes us behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Mostly sunny, highs in the 70s
It'll be a mostly sunny Saturday with a high in the middle to upper 70s, cooler by the lake.
PAWS Pet of the Week: Hazel
Hazel is a 3-year-old Terrier mix who loves people.
3 injured in wrong way crash on I-290
Three people are injured following a wrong-way crash on the Eisenhower Expressway early Saturday morning, according to Illinois State Police.
Chicago First Alert Weather: The big weekend warmup
CBS 2 Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon has your 10 p.m. First Alert Weather forecast for Friday, May 27, 2022.
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