Ever thought about what goes on behind closed doors at massage parlors? Naperville's City Council is tackling this issue head-on with some new regulations. They want to make sure these places are safe and above board, with no hidden human trafficking. First off, any massage parlor that wants to open its doors needs a special permit from the city. This isn't just a f...
In a tight vote, the Chicago City Council has given the green light to Mayor Brandon Johnson's 2025 budget, skipping any property tax increase. The final tally was 27 to 23, after heated discussions. Johnson originally proposed hiking taxes, but strong opposition pushed him to rethink his plan. The approved budget dodges a tax hike by reshuffling debts and trimming j...
Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson is presenting a new budget plan just weeks before a potential government shutdown. This plan aims to end the city's budget stalemate by dropping a proposed $68. 5 million property tax increase and cutting 10 jobs from his office. The mayor's office has grown larger under Johnson and his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot. The plan also includ...
Imagine if Boston politicians got a head start on doing things right, instead of learning the hard way. That's the idea behind giving aspiring councilors some training before they get into office. It's like teaching them the rules of the game before they start playing. Take Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, for example. She's been charged with a crime,...
In the small city of Darien, things are about to change for local businesses. The city council is planning to create a new group called the Darien Business Alliance. This group is meant to be like a traditional chamber of commerce but with a fresh approach. The city's administrator, Bryon Vana, isn't sure what will happen to the existing Darien Chamber of Commerce. H...
Mayor Brandon Johnson and his allies decided to delay the final vote on the 2025 budget until Monday, instead of voting as expected on Friday. Johnson's budget plan includes a $68. 5 million property tax hike and other fee and tax increases. This decision follows an extended and contentious budget season where even some of the mayor's supporters have concerns. The bu...
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson found herself in a tight spot financially. She decided to hire a family member to her staff, while hiding their relation from the city. This was just the start of her scheme to misuse taxpayer money. She planned to get a $13, 000 bonus for the staff member, with part of it coming back to her. The kickback happened in a B...
In the heart of Joliet, there's a buzz about a new massage therapy business named Ocean Massage. The city's staff has given the thumbs up for this venture, suggesting the Joliet City Council approve a special use permit. The business is set to open at 3078 Caton Farm Road, right next to Essington Road, within the Westriver Crossings shopping center. Keli Gui, a skill...
Selling a massive property like the Oakland Coliseum isn't straightforward. The city and the African American Sports and Entertainment Group (AASEG) have been trying to seal a deal for months, but things keep shifting. Recently, AASEG agreed to pay most of the money in two large chunks instead of smaller bits over time. Why is this significant? Oakland needs cash qu...
The city of Oakland is embroiled in a controversy surrounding a lucrative security contract with ABC Security Service, a company owned by Ana Chretien, a business associate of Mario Juarez, a target of the FBI's ongoing corruption probe. The contract, which has been extended several times, has raised eyebrows due to the close ties between Chretien and Juarez, as well...