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
Casey-Westfield Explodes for 12 Runs in Third Inning, Downs Neoga 17-5
Pritzker: ‘God was looking out for people’ in storm-damaged Kankakee County
Illinois Quick Hits: Correctional officer charged with sexual misconduct
Costco faces lawsuit as consumers seek refunds from invalid tariffs
Insurer won’t back Gori defense vs asbestos lawsuit fraud claims
With teachers union support, committee approves charter school mandates
Allstate can’t delete class action over alleged secret app tracking
Chicago voters view housing affordability as bigger issue than crime
New Illinois gun bill aims at glock switches; critics say it misses the real problem
Illinois quick hits: Cook County spends nearly $20 million on food, housing services; Chicago Teachers Union tells teachers, students to skip school; Russell Dickerson to play Du Quoin State Fair
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield School Board for Feb. 23, 2026
Illinois quick hits: Services Saturday for teen killed by line drive