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
Parents’ rights advocates hail SCOTUS ruling against secret gender transitions
Critics warn Illinois bill could lead to government overreach in newborn care
Veteran suicide rate remains high despite spending millions
BlackRock summit to focus on workforce needed for U.S. infrastructure boom
Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans
American gasoline prices increase most in one week since 2020
Presidents, governor honor late civil rights leader Jackson; mayor says tax the rich
Illinois Quick Hits: Rockford sex abuse suspect arrested
Lawmakers concerned over taxpayer burden of Iran conflict
Pritzker pushes back on Megaproject tax concerns
Measles spreads across some Southwestern states
EXCLUSIVE: Inside one Michigan town’s fight against solar expansion
Trump demands unconditional surrender from Iran, mentions regime change
Illinois pols react to Homeland Security secretary’s exit, reassignment