Stories by nicole cardos

(Stephen M. Scott / Flickr)

Search: Chicago Property Tax Increases and Decreases by Ward

Property taxes are on the rise in many parts of the city, and homeowners will soon get specifics on those hikes in the mail. See ward-by-ward changes for single-family homes across Chicago.

 “The reason we haven’t solved the pension problem is because of political will, pure and simple,” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said on Monday, July 1, 2019.

Pension Payment: Analysts on Outlook for State-Controlled Pension System

If Chicago wants to ease its pension problems, it’ll need $1 billion in new taxes over the next three years. But Mayor Lori Lightfoot reportedly has another plan up her sleeve.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

What Could Reparations for Black Americans Look Like?

Although the idea behind reparations is “as old as slavery,” it’s gaining more traction than ever before, said Alvin Tillery, a political science professor at Northwestern University.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker appears at a signing ceremony for the $40 billion spending plan Wednesday, June 5, 2019. (WTTW News)

Question of Balance: Analysts Talk State Budget, Pension Reform

Does Illinois really have a balanced budget? Local analysts weigh in.

Journalist Jim DeRogatis appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Wednesday, June 12, 2019.

In ‘Soulless,’ Jim DeRogatis Details ‘The Case Against R. Kelly’

Intimate details about R. Kelly are uncovered in a new book. Jim DeRogatis, the reporter who’s been following the singer for years, discusses “Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly.”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Violence, a Chicago Casino and Ald. Ed Burke

Did the Chicago police union instruct cops not to police during the violent Memorial Day weekend? Mayor Lori Lightfoot clarifies a rumor she says she heard in this wide-ranging, one-on-one interview.

City Council Cleanup: Aldermen Discuss Mayor’s Plan for Ethics Reforms

In light of the charges against Ald. Ed Burke, what can Mayor Lori Lightfoot and aldermen do to clean up City Hall?

Springfield Showdown: Lawmakers Weigh In on Session’s Local Impact

There were emotional floor debates and the passage of a slew of bills as the spring session wrapped up. Just how does all this capitol action affect Chicago and the surrounding areas? Two state lawmakers weigh in.

(WTTW News)

Beach Season is Here, and Water Safety Advocates Say They’re Worried

Are Chicagoans getting the information they need to stay safe at the beach – and in the lake? A new task force has some recommendations for Chicago beaches.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood appears on “Chicago Tonight” on May 28, 2019.

Underwood Talks Fiery Exchange, New Caucus on Maternal Mortality

It’s been a busy first term for U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville). The congresswoman joins us to discuss her freshman year goals and recent headlines.

Acting Director Marc Smith appears on “Chicago Tonight.”

DCFS Acting Director on Plans for Reform of Troubled Agency

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has faced troubles for years. Acting Director Marc Smith talks about issues facing the state’s child welfare agency.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot waves after being sworn in during her inauguration ceremony Monday, May 20, 2019. (AP Photo / Jim Young)

New Mayor, New Solutions to Chicago’s Finances? Local Analysts Weigh In

It’s her first week in office, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot doesn’t have time to waste when it comes to city finances. How can Chicago address its fiscal troubles?

As new products come on the market, traditional beef patties are being challenged by plant-based alternatives. (Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay)

Move Over, Meat! Alternative Options Growing in Popularity

There might be a new kind of meat cooking on the grill this weekend: alternative meat. But what is it? And why the craze?

In this May 14, 2018 file photo, Lori Lightfoot talks about bid for Chicago mayor on “Chicago Tonight.” One year later, Lightfoot is preparing for her May 20, 2019 inauguration as Chicago mayor.

Looking Ahead: Analysts Preview Lightfoot Administration

Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot unveils an ambitious 100-day plan. We talk to experts about what the future holds under a Lightfoot administration.

(rawpixel / Pixabay)

New Report Grades Chicago Hospitals on Patient Safety

How safe are Chicago hospitals? A new report says some of them are not making the grade when it comes to patient safety and preventable death. 

(uveX / Pixabay)

Could New $1,000 State Tax Drive Electric Car Owners Out of Illinois?

State Sen. Martin Sandoval’s legislation would hike the electric vehicle registration fees from $17.50 to $1,000. It would also include tax and fee increases on gas, license plates and driver’s licenses.

‘World’s Fastest Man’ Remembers Cyclist Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor

At a time of Jim Crow laws, how did a black man compete to become the fastest athlete of his time? A new book by Michael Kranish tells the story a trailblazing cyclist and his connection to Chicago. 

Single Mother of 3 Successful Children Embraces ‘Power of Presence’

How to raise children to be successful adults? That’s the million-dollar question for every parent. A new book by Joy Thomas Moore has some suggestions.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

Emanuel Supports Retirement Income Tax, But is it Too Taxing on Seniors?

Outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel is the latest supporter of a retirement income tax. A look at the potential impact on Illinois, Chicago – and seniors.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Courtesy Uncharted, LLC)

Former Ambassador Says US-Canada Relationship in Trouble

Canada is America’s most trusted ally, but that relationship is at risk. In their new book “The Art of Diplomacy,” a former U.S. ambassador to Canada and his wife explain.

Candace Ming exhibits footage with a donor at the Five Year Anniversary Bash at the Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, October 7, 2017. (Courtesy South Side Home Movie Project)

South Side Home Movie Project Aims to Fill in Historical Gaps

A South Side native watches her long-forgotten home movies for the first time in 35 years. What was on them – and how the viewing was made possible.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

Report Projects Grim Future for Social Security, Medicare

If you’re expecting to receive Social Security benefits, brace yourself. Costs for Social Security are projected to exceed the program’s income next year, which means beneficiaries may not get all that’s been promised to them. 

MIT economist Simon Johnson, co-author of the new book “Jump-Starting America,” appears on “Chicago Tonight.”

MIT Economists Argue for Increased Public Investment to ‘Jump-Start’ America

In their new book, a pair of MIT economists say that if the government doesn’t start investing more in research and development, America’s future growth will be in jeopardy. Co-author Simon Johnson makes the case.

(Goodfreephotos_com / Pixabay)

Proposal to Wipe Out Student Loan Debt Ignites Conversation

What began as a proposal by a presidential candidate has since turned into a heated debate over managing the nation's trillion dollar student debt burden. 

Is Ageism the Last Socially Acceptable ‘Ism?’ A New Book Argues Yes

What does ageism look like in the workplace, and how much of a problem is it in the U.S.? A new book uncovers that and more.

In this Oct. 28, 2013, file photo, former FBI Director Robert Mueller is seated at FBI Headquarters in Washington. (AP Photo / Charles Dharapak, File)

Chicago-Area Congressmen Discuss Mueller Report, 2020 Census

U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Sean Casten join us to discuss the latest headlines out of Washington D.C., including the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s redacted report and the 2020 census.