Illinois

Editorial: Use TIF to Fund Transit Improvements in Chicago
The Chicago Tribune supports the use of tax increment financing to fund a $2.1 billion project to revamp the Red and Purple lines on the CTA system in Chicago.

Chicago's Tallest Office Building Since 1990 Cracks the Top 20 Tallest in the City
The Bank of America Tower is the newest skyscraper to line the Chicago River.

Another New Commuter Rail Station for Chicago's South Side Transit Deserts
A South Side Chicago neighborhood with a history of neglect and disinvestment will soon be adding a new train station on the regional commuter system.

Lincoln Common, a 1.1-Million-Square-Foot Development, Takes Shape in Chicago
A massive new development in Chicago's Lincoln Park is taking shape, and the local architecture critic has offered a positive review of the final product.

Editorial Sounds Alarms About the 'Illinois Exodus'
The Chicago Tribune sends a message to the political leadership of Illinois and Chicago about population decline, and its causes.
Electric Pickup Truck Manufacturer Scores Huge 'Climate' Order from Amazon
To show his company's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040, Jeff Bezos announced Thursday that Amazon would purchase 100,000 battery-electric delivery vans from Michigan-based Rivian. The trucks will begin service in 2021.

A Traffic Safety Commitment for Chicago's West Side
Transportation planning will take on a much more safety-oriented focus according to the West Side Vision Zero Traffic Safety Plan announced last week.

Higher Speeds from St. Louis to Chicago Delayed Again for Amtrak
Long awaited improvements on the Amtrak route between Chicago and St. Louis are being delayed again, this time because of trouble installing positive train control (PTC).

Good News for Traffic Fatalities in Chicago
At least one of the country's largest cities has positive progress to report when it comes to reducing the number of people killed on streets.

Work Ready to Begin on $2.1 Billion Red and Purple Line Modernization in Chicago
The Chicago Transit Authority's largest-ever construction project, also one of its most controversial projects, will begin construction soon.

Four Illinois Coal Plants to Close
Vistra Energy is closing coal power plants in Illinois, each of which employs between 60 to 90 workers.

New Energy Rating System for Chicago Buildings
The city will evaluate all buildings over 50,000 square feet and make the energy performance ratings and information easily accessible.

Chicago Dockless Scooters Used Across the City, New Study Shows
Data from the city's e-scooter pilot program show that they might be filling in the first-mile/last-mile gap for riders at all income levels.

Large Doses of Skepticism for Chicago Casinos
The idea of a casino in Chicago didn't sound like a good idea to a state-hire consultant, nor does it seem like the city's Pulitzer Prize winning architecture critic likes the idea either.

Is This Chicago Indoor Vertical Farm the Future of Agriculture?
A new indoor vertical farming venture in Chicago seeks to change agricultural production by harnessing technology.

Via Rideshare Service Expands in Chicago
The company hopes that a broader service area and discounted rides will help people better access transit services.

Editorial: Cheaper Metra on the South Side Would Ease Chicago's Transit Inequities
The Red Line extension to 130th is still unfunded and a universal Chicago fare card hasn’t materialized, but in the immediate term, the Metra can run more trains and charge lower fares to help get the South Side moving.

Chicago's Metra Will Build a 95th Street Station
Metra’s Electric line is one of the few places where Chicago’s commuter rail owns the tracks. Transit advocates have lobbied for years for the service to be run more like traditional public transit.

Maurice Cox Departs Detroit to Lead Planning Chicago
The highly praised head of planning in Detroit will assume the same role in Chicago.

A Frank Discussion About Struggling Suburbs
Many suburban areas outside thriving urban cores are struggling to deliver vital services and maintain property values as job and population growth stagnates. It's time to confront the realities of those communities, according to this article.
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