Daily Chicagoan: What New City Tax Hikes Mean for Your Wallet

Have you been wondering how Chicago's new budget will impact your wallet in 2025? We've got answers. Start your Monday off with WTTW News. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News) Chicagoans won’t see their 2025 property tax bills rise to cover the cost of a city-imposed increase, but they will have to dig deeper to cover a host of tax and fee hikes that a deeply divided Chicago City Council approved to fill a massive budget gap. The city’s new budget, which takes effect Wednesday, closed a $982.4 million gap with the help of a variety of tax and fee hikes.

Daily Chicagoan: Let’s Talk About Bottom Feeders

Get over the cold weather and hump day blues with these local stories from WTTW News.   Sucker fish enter a stream in droves as they prepare to spawn. (Courtesy Shedd Aquarium) The Great Lakes are teeming with fish. There’s game fish, which fisherman catch, like bass, walleye, trout and northern pike. But what about the “bottom feeders”? Also known as rough fish, these species include suckers, carp, bullhead and the like.

Daily Chicagoan: Is Mayor Johnson Losing the City Council?

Well, it’s back to reality this Monday. WTTW News hopes you had a nice holiday weekend. We have you covered with stories ranging from the city budget to museum exhibits.  Mayor Brandon Johnson delivers his budget address on Oct. 30, 2024. (WTTW News) The first sign that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposal to spend $17.3 billion in 2025 was dead on arrival came just minutes after he finished telling the Chicago City Council the only way to balance the city’s budget was to hike property taxes by $300 million.

Daily Chicagoan: From Rare Birds to Winter Weather Predictions, Catch Up on Nature

This Saturday, WTTW News is sharing highlights from our nature beat. It's cold outside but you can still enjoy a glimpse into the great outdoors from the comfort of your home.   (yancymckiddy / iStock) Last year’s “snow drought” in Chicago — one of the least snowiest years on record — is likely to end this winter, according to a seasonal outlook released by the Climate Prediction Center.

Daily Chicagoan: Your Guide to Holiday Events

It’s a holiday weekend. If you have the day off or are trying to find a break from work, check out these stories from WTTW News and find some holiday cheer.  Ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park. (Courtesy of Maggie Daley Park) From light shows to theater, themed bars and dance spectacles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some of the season’s highlights in Chicago and the suburbs. Need to burn off some Turkey-related calories?

Daily Chicagoan: Happy Thanksgiving From WTTW News

Need a break from holiday festivities? Want a fun fact for your family get-together? WTTW News has you covered.  Theater Wit’s “Who’s Holiday!” (Credit: Charles Osgood) Is there a better way to deal with your belligerent out-of-state uncle than investing in culture that brings people together? Brighten your Black Friday — and Saturday and Sunday — by taking part in a communal experience in the arts. Preferably something that would make your uncle cry uncle.

Daily Chicagoan: Madigan Corruption Trial Heats Up

We hope you have a lovely day of rest, good food and plenty of time with loved ones tomorrow. Before you do, read up on what’s happening in Chicago courtesy of WTTW News.  The parking lot along Wentworth Avenue in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood in October 2024. (Andrew Adams / Capitol News Illinois) Disgraced former Alderman Danny Solis took the witness stand Tuesday in Michael Madigan's corruption trial.

 

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