New school board could mean end of property tax hikes
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Matt Moore (via Chicago Sun-Times)
Good morning, Chicago. ✶
? Below: With the Chicago Public Schools board moving from mayoral control to a fully elected membership for the first time, new political considerations mean tax hikes might no longer be a foregone conclusion.
?️ Plus: A University of Chicago fraternity suspends events after an assault report, cannabis consumption rises as tax revenue dips and more.
☀️ Today's weather: Sunny with a high near 79.
? Heads up: The Lake Street bridge over the Chicago River will close Tuesday for two weeks, rerouting CTA Green and Pink line trains.
Survey says: More than two-thirds of the 45 candidates for 21 seats on the newly elected Chicago Public Schools board said in a WBEZ/Sun-Times questionnaire that they would not vote to raise property taxes to the limit if elected — including two of the three people vying to be school board president.
Key context: Chicago's school board has long relied on increasing property taxes annually — the only avenue the school district has available to raise revenue on its own. Those increases have generated more than $100 million every year and helped balance the underfunded school district's budget.
Bottom line: Forgoing that tax revenue won't be easy. Coming into this school year, CPS faced a $730 million deficit. If it hadn't raised property taxes to the limit, the hole would have been almost $900 million. And if CPS skips increasing its levy this year, that doesn't just mean it loses $100 million this year — it loses that money every year going forward, one expert said.
Assault alleged: After a 21-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted early Sunday at an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near the University of Chicago, some students are calling for accountability and questioning the effectiveness of the university's sexual assault prevention and training efforts.
Utility poles: Certain birds of prey have found a way to survive in our metropolitan area, and in some instances thrive, while enlisting the help of the towering street lamps and similar infrastructure, including cell phone towers and electric poles.
Perched above: Drive long enough on Chicago-area highways or tollways and motorists may see a red-tailed hawk or a Cooper's hawk, or at times something more exotic, perched high above the pavement on a light pole taking a rest or eyeing the medians and shoulders for the movement of a squirrel, rabbit, or any other creature that could be a meal.
Details surface in fatal stabbing: Chevazz Campbell, charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of a CTA janitor last week, was already on electronic monitoring as part of his probation for two felony cases, prosecutors said Sunday.
Medicaid cuts: New restrictions have stripped health care coverage from certain immigrants, including refugees and victims of human trafficking, as part of broader federal changes.
Highs and lows: Cannabis consumption in Illinois has risen, but total dispensary sales have dropped — impacting state tax revenue. State regulators pin the sales drop on there being more dispensaries, frequent promotional sales and growing cannabis supplies.
Relaunch after scandal: A River North cybersecurity firm seems to have started another business in the wake of a scandal involving two former employees and an associate who extorted more than $75 million from customers.
Remembering Mary Ellen Guest: As head of the Chicago Bungalow Association, Ms. Guest advocated for the city's brick-and-mortar gems and the people living in them. She died Sept. 20 at age 71.
Dream transit projects: The Northern Illinois Transit Authority is planning next year’s budget for CTA, Metra and Pace. We asked readers what they'd like to see.
Audrey Hobert review: The rising pop rock star's back-to-back shows proved why she's quickly ascending the "staircase to stardom," writes Selena Fragassi.
Gov. JB Pritzker: Illinois voters have gotten to know incumbent Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker through the darkest days of a pandemic, bouts of civil unrest and repeated clashes with President Donald Trump’s administration.
Darren Bailey: Voters have also grown familiar with Pritzker's most frequent state-level foil: Darren Bailey, the fiery Republican farmer and former downstate legislator who's trying to keep the focus on Illinois' economic, education and public safety issues — and off his longtime support of Trump.
Grudge match: Next month's general election grudge match pits a progressive governor downplaying his potential White House ambitions as he seeks a rare third term, against the hardline conservative who has taken up residence in the city he famously branded a "hellhole" before getting thumped by Pritzker four years ago.
Heat concerns: Temperatures eclipsed 80 degrees on Sunday and Monday in Chicago. How concerned should we be about the heat? A climatologist explains.
Hotel workers on strike: Workers at 46 hotels represented by UNITE HERE Local 1 have authorized a strike. A look at the issues and what workers are demanding.
'Amazing Race' competitors: Dafina and Saran Dunmore, two Chicago sisters competing on CBS' "The Amazing Race," stop by to discuss their experience.
The Democratic Party's future: Three weeks ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election, a discussion on what's next for Democrats. Guest Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) — and callers — weigh in.
Services for Mike Ditka announced: A private funeral mass in Chicago is planned for the late Bears great, according to a family representative, who said a more public celebration of life is being considered.
Another Jumpman record: A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has been privately sold for $14 million, an auction house announced, calling it the highest price ever paid for a piece of basketball memorabilia.
Bears analysis: Coach Ben Johnson's loss was disconcerting for reasons that go beyond the Packers rivalry, writes Patrick Finley.
Likely return: Connor Bedard is likely to play Tuesday against the Penguins, providing a boost to the Blackhawks in all areas.
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The illuminated marquee of The Chicago Theatre displays “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine Tonight Sold Out” prior to the landmark tribute performance on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Steve Earle, John C. Reilly, and other artists sing together during the final ensemble chorus at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026 | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Artists join voices on stage during the finale performance of “Paradise” at “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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The full lineup of artists gathers on stage for the grand finale performance of “Paradise” to close out the John Prine 80th birthday tribute concert at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Margo Price and Nathaniel Rateliff perform “In Spite of Ourselves” as a duet on stage during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Jeff Tweedy performs “Summer’s End” on acoustic guitar on stage during the tribute concert on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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The full ensemble of participating artists lines the stage to take a final bow after the all-star tribute concert at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Steve Earle performs “Sam Stone” on stage during the tribute event at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Nathaniel Rateliff performs “Pretty Good” on stage with the house band at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Host John C. Reilly and a musician perform on stage during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Host John C. Reilly addresses the audience on stage alongside the house band on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Amos Lee waves to the audience during his performance at the John Prine tribute concert on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shares the stage with Fiona Whelan Prine after presenting a Mayoral Proclamation for John Prine Day on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Host John C. Reilly speaks on stage during the tribute concert at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Valerie June performs “Angel from Montgomery” on stage during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Audience members applaud during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Shemekia Copeland performs “Great Rain” on stage during the tribute event at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Emily Scott Robinson performs “Unwed Fathers” on stage with the house band during the John Prine tribute concert at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Hayes Carll performs “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness” on stage during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Ratboys perform “Quiet Man” on stage during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Shemekia Copeland performs “Great Rain” on stage during the tribute event at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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A wide view of the packed audience filling the auditorium at The Chicago Theatre during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Host John C. Reilly shares a lighthearted moment on stage with Fiona Whelan Prine during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Kathleen Edwards performs “When I Get To Heaven” on stage alongside the house band during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Jonas Friddle and the Sullivan Sisters perform “Souvenirs” on stage during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Host John C. Reilly gestures to the audience on stage during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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John C. Reilly and the house band perform on stage under purple lighting during the John Prine 80th birthday tribute concert at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
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Jon Langford waves to the crowd after his performance during “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine” at The Chicago Theatre on October 8, 2026. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times|Victor Hilitski/Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
If he were still alive, John Prine, the Maywood mailman turned songwriting hero, would have celebrated his 80th birthday Saturday — and Chicago's music community didn’t want anyone to forget it.
Organizers, including Prine's family, curated a five-day celebration of his life last week. Thursday night was the centerpiece, with many luminaries gathering at the Chicago Theatre for a sold-out night of songs and stories.
The evening's host was actor-musician John C. Reilly, presiding over nearly three hours of performances (most of them backed by Prine's long-time band) that reinvigorated Prine's songbook.
The night's lineup also included Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and Glenn Kotche, among the majority of performers Thursday night from Illinois, a decision by organizers to cement Prine's identity as one of our own. That group also included Chicago's Ratboys, Andrew Sa, Alynda Segarra and more.
A highlight of the evening was country-soul star Amos Lee recalling the time he was caught "stealing" Prine’s pizza backstage at a show long ago. Prine was known to invite all performers at his concerts back for a night-ending serenade of "Paradise" and could smell the pizza on his breath, he said.
Thursday night's show ended the same way: All 22 performers returned to the stage for a sweet "Paradise" send-off. Reilly encouraged everyone to keep Prine's spirit alive. "If you see someone down on their luck, give them a smile to lift them up," he said. "Every bit of kindness helps."
