Brent Zell Stories | Chicago City Wire

Stanford report, Wirepoints president single out Chicago's pension crisis as a worst-case scenario

By Brent Zell | Jun 27, 2019

A Stanford University think tank has painted a grim picture of Chicago's pension liability, producing research with which a local leader of Illinois public policy reporting agrees.

Political reporter says many questions about harassment in Springfield have yet to be answered

By Brent Zell | Dec 20, 2017

The new focus on sexual harassment in Illinois state government has left a lot of questions unanswered, a Chicago TV reporter recently said on "Chicago's Morning Answer" radio show.

Chicago posts tips for coping with winter weather

By Brent Zell | Dec 14, 2017

Even though Chicagoans are used to the onset of winter, the city of Chicago is still reminding them to prepare wisely as cold weather moves into the region.

DHL opens $10 million facility at O'Hare

By Brent Zell | Dec 11, 2017

DHL recently opened a $10 million global gateway facility at O'Hare International Airport that is expected to bring dozens of new jobs.

Chicago congressman ordered to pay $1.1 million on loan for church intended to rebuild Englewood

By Brent Zell | Dec 7, 2017

What was intended as a rebirth effort for a neighborhood in a U.S. representative's district has turned into a court battle over an unpaid loan.

State launching program to help former inmates on road to starting businesses

By Brent Zell | Nov 20, 2017

Illinois is launching a public-private partnership program aimed at helping former inmates start their own businesses.

Watchdog alleges alderman spent, acted illegally

By Brent Zell | Nov 17, 2017

An investigation by Project Six alleges that the office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel helped 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn illegally use funds from an expense account.

Chicago fireman accuses alderman of abusing power amid zoning dispute

By Brent Zell | Nov 13, 2017

A battle between a Chicago firefighter and an alderman over the zoning of a building continues, with accusations of abuse of power in tow.

Pritzger promise to release tax returns growing old, GOP says

By Brent Zell | Nov 9, 2017

The clock continues to run on Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker's promise to release his tax returns, the Illinois Republican Party said in a Nov. 6 release.

Beverage tax repeal leaves Cook County thirsty for revenue

By Brent Zell | Oct 18, 2017

The recent repeal of the controversial sweetened-drink tax by the Cook County Board drew statewide and national attention, but the battle over the county's budget and taxes rages on.

Illinois phone users to pay fee hike to save 911 service

By Brent Zell | Jul 17, 2017

Illinoisans will pay 72 percent more in phone line fees to keep 911 service alive, the Edgar County Watchdogs reported recently.

Moody's knocks Northeastern to negative rating

By Brent Zell | Jul 17, 2017

Moody's has downgraded Northeastern Illinois University's (NIU) Certificates of Participation (COPs) to B3 from B1, according to the investor service's website.

Tribune: Same IIlinois, only more expensive than ever

By Brent Zell | Jul 10, 2017

The General Assembly finally passed a budget after two years, but the Chicago Tribune wishes it hadn't, according to a recent editorial.

Rauner signs law targeting repeat gun offenders

By Brent Zell | Jul 8, 2017

Repeat gun offenders in Illinois face tougher sentencing guidelines under a bill signed into law Gov. Bruce Rauner recently, according to a press release.

Rauner forced to build wall against decades of budgetary abuse, Tribune says

By Brent Zell | Jul 2, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner didn't take over a blessedly balanced Illinois economy, as Democrats would like people to believe, the Chicago Tribune argued in an editorial recently.

Illinois continues to lag behind country in employment

By Brent Zell | Jun 19, 2017

Despite a slight employment increase in May, Illinois' job growth remains well below the national average, the Department of Employment Security (IDES) said recently.