the center square

Price growth in the Chicago housing market is now running twice as high as the national average, with Crain’s monthly real estate data roundup showing rising costs across much of the area have been in effect since last summer as interest rates have continued to remain high. #prices

The Chicago City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy met Monday to discuss the Illinois Commerce Commission’s move to allow Peoples to restart its pipe replacement program. #gas

State Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, proposed creating the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Illinois Department of Labor with Senate Bill 2413. #paychecks

“The administration practiced jack booted, ham handed, procedures to arrest Judge Dugan at the courthouse. Reminiscent of King George, Hitler and Mussolini,” Knecht wrote. #reminiscent

State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, introduced a bill that would give law enforcement the power to remove trespassers from properties where the owner is able to establish legal ownership. #homes

Some of the recommendations include prioritizing public safety and making sure the business community has a seat at the table in future policy making.  #reform

After two recent shootings in her neighborhood, Streeterville resident Kathy Gregg urged city officials to act. #curfew

In a rare public appearance since leaving office in January, Biden spoke Tuesday at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago. #biden

“It's certainly bad news for taxpayers because as these property values go down in the big office properties, that means the property tax bills are going to grow higher for residential,” Dabrowski told The Center Square as the vacancy rates are up nearly 14% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. #office

One measure, House Bill 3564, prohibits a landlord from imposing a move-in fee for renters. #rent