What Local Tax Reforms Could Mean for Chicago Households

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on August 27, 2025

Local tax reforms are often discussed in city council meetings, budget hearings, and neighborhood forums, but their impact tends to show up quietly, on receipts, rent statements, and monthly bills. In Chicago, these changes are starting to feel more personal. Whether it’s a proposed adjustment to property taxes or a new fee on everyday services, the conversation around local tax reforms is no longer just about city revenue. It’s about how households manage their budgets, how neighborhoods evolve, and how fairness is measured across zip codes.

For many residents, the topic can feel overwhelming. Tax codes are complex, and the language used to describe them often feels disconnected from daily life. Yet the effects are anything but abstract. A small increase in grocery tax or a shift in property assessments can mean the difference between staying in a home or being priced out. That frustration is real, especially for those already stretched thin by rising costs in other areas.

Understanding the Scope of Local Tax Reforms in Chicago

Local tax reforms in Chicago typically refer to changes in how the city collects revenue from residents and businesses. These can include adjustments to property taxes, sales taxes, service fees, and targeted levies like those on streaming platforms or food purchases. While each change may seem minor on its own, the cumulative effect can be significant.

One area under review is the grocery tax. The state recently removed its portion of the tax on food, but Chicago is considering whether to implement a local version to make up for lost revenue. This would apply to most non-prepared food items, meaning that even basic staples could carry a small added cost. Supporters argue that the funds are needed to maintain essential services, while critics point out that such a tax hits lower-income households hardest.

Another proposal involves expanding the city’s sales tax to include professional services. This would mean that services like accounting, legal advice, or consulting could carry an additional fee. While this might not affect every household directly, it could influence small business owners or those who rely on these services regularly. The idea is to diversify the city’s revenue sources without leaning too heavily on property taxes, which have already seen notable increases.

Property Tax Adjustments and Their Household Impact

What Local Tax Reforms Could Mean for Chicago Households

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Property taxes remain one of the most visible and debated forms of local taxation. In Chicago, assessments have shifted in ways that some homeowners find confusing or unfair. Residential properties in certain neighborhoods have seen steep increases, while commercial properties in other areas have remained relatively stable. This imbalance has led to concerns about equity and transparency.

For homeowners, a higher property tax bill can mean rethinking monthly expenses or even considering relocation. For renters, the impact is indirect but still present, as landlords often pass on increased costs through rent hikes. The ripple effect touches nearly every corner of the city, from single-family homes to multi-unit buildings.

The city has acknowledged the need to review its assessment practices, but changes take time. In the meantime, households are left to navigate the financial strain, often without clear answers about why their bills have changed or what to expect next year.

Service-Based Taxes and the Push for Revenue Diversity

Chicago is also exploring new ways to generate revenue through service-based taxes. These would apply to transactions that aren’t currently taxed, such as certain professional services. The goal is to broaden the tax base and reduce reliance on property and sales taxes, which can be more volatile.

While this approach may seem fair in theory, its practical impact depends on how it’s implemented. If the tax is applied broadly, it could affect a wide range of residents and businesses. If it’s targeted, it may raise questions about fairness and consistency. Either way, the introduction of service-based taxes represents a shift in how the city thinks about revenue, and households will need to adjust accordingly.

Some residents worry that these changes could discourage entrepreneurship or make it harder to access essential services. Others see it as a necessary step to stabilize the city’s finances. The debate is ongoing, and the outcome will likely shape Chicago’s economic landscape for years to come.

Balancing Revenue Needs With Household Equity

At the heart of the local tax reform conversation is a question of balance. How can the city raise enough money to fund public services without placing too much burden on individual households? It’s a difficult equation, especially in a city as economically diverse as Chicago.

Neighborhoods vary widely in income levels, housing types, and access to services. A tax that feels manageable in one area might be untenable in another. That’s why equity is a central concern. Policymakers are being urged to consider not just how much revenue a tax will generate, but who will be paying it and how it will affect their daily lives.

Some proposals include exemptions or credits for lower-income households, while others focus on transparency and public input. The goal is to make sure that tax reforms don’t deepen existing inequalities or push families out of the communities they’ve called home for generations.

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Chicago’s approach to local tax reforms is still evolving. As new proposals are introduced and debated, households across the city are watching closely. The decisions made in council chambers and budget offices will shape not just the city’s financial future, but the everyday reality of living in Chicago.

For those trying to make sense of it all, the process can feel frustrating. Tax language is rarely simple, and the stakes are high. But understanding the basics, what’s being proposed, why it matters, and how it could affect household budgets, is a good place to start. Whether through public hearings, neighborhood meetings, or quiet conversations around the kitchen table, the topic of local tax reforms is becoming part of daily life in Chicago. And that means it deserves clear, honest discussion.

The Silence Between Notes: Michael Burns on Love, Loss, and Learning to Live Again

The Chicago Journal Staff on August 27, 2025

By: Roy Abraham

When a song is suddenly silenced, the world doesn’t stop. But you do—everything shifts. Every breath, every thought, every memory becomes louder in the quiet. For Michael Burns, that silence began the day he lost his mother.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michael Burns’ world has always been shaped by rhythm. First through music, later through numbers, systems, and stories. With a degree in Accounting from the University of Houston and a career that spanned aviation, revenue management, and IT project management, he learned early on how to bring order to chaos. But it was storytelling, first in music, then in writing, that gave voice to what couldn’t be managed: Grief.

A Life Shaped by Rhythm

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michael Burns grew up surrounded by a rich musical heritage. It began with music, a love that carved out his earliest sense of self. Later, rhythm appeared in the steady order of numbers and systems. With a degree in Accounting from the University of Houston, Michael carved a path through aviation, revenue management, and IT project management. His career was about bringing structure to complexity, solving problems, and finding patterns in chaos.

But behind every formula, every calculation, there was always a storyteller at work. Music had taught him early on that rhythm was more than notes. It was an expression. And when music wasn’t enough to contain his experiences, words became the natural extension. Writing was not an escape, but a translation—a way to give shape to feelings that could not be reduced to balance sheets or algorithms.

More Than a Memoir

His book, A Song Interrupted: Resuming Life After Loss, written under his pen name, Icey Mike, is not a traditional memoir. It’s more intimate than that. Less a retelling, more a companion. It begins on a day that changed everything. The day the melody of his life, anchored by his mother’s presence, was abruptly paused. What follows is not a straight journey of recovery, but a deeply human evolvement of sorrow, love, confusion, and ultimately, resilience.

Writing from the Quiet

“I never had to choose between writing and the rest of my life,” Michael says. “I only had to make time.” That time came after his mother’s passing, when silence demanded language. In those quiet hours, a book was born that offers neither quick fixes nor tidy answers, but instead, a hand held out in the dark.

The Honest Language of Grief

The pages are filled with the kind of honesty that only grief can teach. He writes of the fog in hospital corridors, the unexpected comfort of a sibling’s voice, and loneliness that appear in ordinary places. He writes about the moment of loss and what happens after, when the calls have stopped, and you’re left to face a world that looks the same but feels entirely different.

A Melody That Lives On

But A Song Interrupted isn’t only about pain. It’s about memory as music. It’s about how love outlives loss. It’s about the strength it takes to keep singing when the person who taught you the words is no longer there. “Healing isn’t about forgetting,” he writes. “It’s about integration.”

Every chapter is a step forward, not away from his mother, but with her. Carrying her wisdom, her voice, her rhythm.

The Hope That Remains

Michael hopes that readers feel less alone. They should feel seen, validated, and comforted. But more than anything, they should walk away with hope.

And he means it. His words don’t just describe grief. They walk alongside it. They don’t ask you to be strong. They simply invite you to be real. To make room for both sorrow and joy. To remember that healing doesn’t erase the past. It expands the heart enough to hold it.

Truth in the Aftermath

Michael Burns didn’t set out to be a grief writer. He set out to tell the truth. About his mother. About himself. About all of us who have ever stood in the silence, unsure how to begin again. And somehow, through the pages of A Song Interrupted, he teaches us that there is music after loss. Different, but beautiful. And real.

Just like him.

Ink, Rations, and Resilience: How Clyde Michael McLain’s ‘Letters From Pearl’ Preserves the Forgotten Love Stories of World War II

The Chicago Journal Staff on August 27, 2025

In an era before emails and instant messaging, when the fastest means of communication could take days or even weeks, letters served as fragile yet vital lifelines, binding soldiers to those waiting at home. During the Second World War, paper carried not just words but also reassurance, conveying fragments of humor, love, and hope across oceans. These handwritten connections kept spirits alive when the world was consumed by chaos. Clyde Michael McLain’s Letters From Pearl revives this forgotten ritual, reminding modern readers of a time when ink was as powerful a force for survival as any weapon on the battlefield.

The early 1940s demanded endurance on both sides of the Pacific. On the American home front, ration books dictated meals, and wages barely covered the cost of essentials. A sixty-cent Western Union telegram, two hours of pay for many workers, was required just to arrange a brief, unreliable phone call. Families balanced factory work, farming, and the constant strain of uncertainty while servicemen sailed into hostile waters.

In the Pacific, the Navy’s submarine force assumed a vital yet underappreciated role. At Pearl Harbor, machinists and engineers worked in Machine Shop #2, repairing radar installations, mending submarine hulls, and struggling with the infamous malfunctions of the Mark 14 torpedo. Thousands of sailors, even far from the front lines, were vital to victory. McLain’s book sheds light on their existence, bestowing honor upon men who seldom received headlines but shared equal loads of discipline, duty, and risk.

Against this backdrop of scarcity and sacrifice came a moment of serendipity. On Christmas Day 1942, a snowstorm in Illinois diverted two young sailors, Clyde C. McLain and a companion, into the warmth of a stranger’s household. There, over a holiday dinner shared with strangers moved by hospitality, Clyde first met Shirley. The brief introduction might have passed as a simple kindness, yet it sparked a correspondence that would carry them through the war.

From boot camp onward, Clyde began writing to Shirley. Over the next three years, he would send more than six hundred letters from Pearl Harbor. Each envelope bridged the vast expanse of the Pacific, carrying fragments of humor, longing, and devotion. In an age when communication lagged behind reality, their romance unfolded in slow motion, its rhythm dictated by the pace of the postal service.

What Letters From Pearl makes vivid is not just the romance itself but the psychological lifeline the letters provide. For servicemen who endured endless nights of uncertainty, the written word became a reprieve. Letters carried jokes about “torpedo juice” and small anecdotes of Navy camaraderie. They also had reminders of family dinners, laughter in Illinois kitchens, and Shirley’s steadfast affection.

On a cultural level, McLain’s work underscores that letter writing was more than a personal pastime. It was a national ritual of resilience, a collective strategy of hope. Families preserved envelopes in drawers and trunks, reread them in silence, and drew strength from every inked line. The author positions his father’s correspondence not merely as private history but as part of a generation’s shared survival strategy.

One of the most significant strengths of McLain’s book is its focus on those who toiled in the background. The machinists at Pearl Harbor worked diligently to resolve the Navy’s torpedo malfunctions, and the solutions they developed ultimately protected the crews of submarines. Over time, the sound of whirring machinery and the nagging sense that a single misplaced calculation might kill people, all this is revealed in the pages of Clyde’s letters.

The book strikes a balance between technical accuracy and a sense of humanity. Stories of jokes shared at workshops, tired grins after sixteen-hour days, and the indomitable bonding of men who experienced both tedium and risk bring the reader to the world of war outside the combat zone. McLain ensures that victory was not just won by those who fired guns, but also by those who kept the engines running and the torpedoes operational.

By 1945, having waited years, Clyde returned from the Pacific Theater, from Pearl Harbor. Drifting past the ruins of the USS Arizona, he saluted men buried below, recognizing sacrifices that dwarfed his own. Yet his journey home carried another purpose: the chance to begin a life with Shirley. Like many young couples in the postwar rush, they married quickly, an “atomic wedding” in a world suddenly aware of nuclear realities. Their marriage, like countless others formed in the aftermath of war, became both a private union and a symbol of generational resilience.

For decades, Clyde’s letters lay preserved in a steel chest, untouched but never discarded. When Clyde Michael McLain, known to friends as Mike, uncovered them, he realized they were more than family mementos. They were a historical record of sacrifice and affection, a chronicle of how ordinary Americans endured extraordinary times. Choosing to share them with the world, McLain compiled the correspondence into Letters From Pearl, a book that humanizes the Pacific campaign and restores the voices of those who lived it.

For today’s readers, the book serves multiple functions. It is one of love’s excellent endurance, a historical record of life during wartime, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and a cultural reminder of the lost art of the handwritten letter. In an era of instant messaging, where words are lost in digital clouds, Letters From Pearl stands for the permanence of ink, the physical evidence of yearning sent across thousands of miles.

At its core, McLain’s novel presents an ageless message: that the humblest of things, a note scratched on frayed paper, a joke written in the margin, a promise inscribed in flowing handwriting, can carry the human heart even when the world is falling apart. Every page overflows with the knowledge that love is not weakened by distance; it is instead tested and strengthened by it.

Letters From Pearl is more than a tale of Clyde and Shirley. It is a testament to a whole generation that waited out separations in years rather than days, and who forged futures in the shadow of world uncertainty. Through his father’s letters and his own commitment to leaving them behind, Clyde Michael McLain keeps the ink of wartime resolve from fading into silence.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in Letters From Pearl reflect the personal experiences of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of any historical or governmental entity. While the historical context of World War II is accurately presented, individual experiences, such as those shared by Clyde Michael McLain and his family, are subjective and specific to their circumstances. The publisher does not assume responsibility for any inferences or interpretations drawn from the contents of this work.

Midlife Women Reclaim Power at Transformative Retreats

The Chicago Journal Staff on August 27, 2025

For many women, life between the ages of 30 and 70 is a balancing act. Between demanding careers, raising kids or caring for aging parents, and running households, even vacations can feel like work—often centered on everyone else’s needs. The result? Women end up depleted, disconnected from themselves, and unsure when they last had the space to ask: What do I really want?

With their Best Chapter Yet Retreats, Lisa Callahan and Kari Morin have discovered something powerful: women heal and grow best in community. Their next gathering, “Brave and Boundless,” takes place October 3–5, 2025, in Chicago, and it’s designed to give women something they rarely grant themselves — a pause.

When women arrive, the agenda is already set. Thoughtfully prepared meals appear without anyone needing to plan or prep. Time is structured yet spacious, with room for both reflection and connection.

Surrounded by like-minded women, attendees are free from the mental load of making sure everyone else is happy. Instead, the only requirement is to show up — and allow themselves to be seen, supported, and inspired.

Born From Conversations That Matter

These retreats were born out of the podcast they co-host, “The Things We Know.” Two coaches, speakers, and women in midlife themselves, Lisa and Kari explore the truths, struggles, and possibilities of this life stage. Week after week, they heard from listeners who resonated deeply with their conversations but longed for something more than just listening. They wanted to experience that sense of belonging and encouragement in real life.

“The Best Chapter Yet” retreats were born from that need—a way to turn inspiration into action and create a welcoming space where women can gather, be real, and leave with renewed clarity and confidence.

Held in inspiring locations like Laguna Beach, CA, Chandler, AZ, and Chicago, these retreats offer the perfect backdrop for transformation.

A Counter-Current to Today’s Cultural Messaging

This space for self-reclamation feels especially urgent in today’s climate. Across the United States, women are watching their rights erode, from reproductive freedoms to workplace equity.

In subtle and not-so-subtle ways, the message many receive is that their value lies in nurturing others versus honoring their own dreams.

But women aren’t standing for that. They are seeking ways to reclaim autonomy, agency, and joy—not just for themselves, but for their daughters, nieces, and granddaughters.

“The Best Chapter Yet” philosophy is simple: when a woman reconnects with what matters to her, she not only changes her own life — she becomes a catalyst for change in her family, workplace, and community.

Why “Time for Yourself” Isn’t Selfish

At their past retreats, they have explored the transformative ripple effect of self-prioritization. For example:

Saying No Means Saying Yes to Yourself – Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re doorways to your own well-being. When women say “no” to constant overextension, they create space for rest, creativity, and purpose.
Your Purpose Evolves – Many attendees discover their life’s purpose isn’t static. Whether they’re entering a new career phase, becoming empty nesters, or navigating personal reinvention, they leave with clarity on what they want now — not just what they wanted 20 years ago.
Your Story Has Power – They walk participants through the arc of their lives, helping them see how much they’ve already overcome and accomplished. This process unlocks the belief that their next chapter can be the best one yet, regardless of age.

The Power of Women in Community

There’s something irreplaceable about gathering with women who understand your life stage. Stories are shared without judgment. Laughter flows easily. The burdens of “keeping it together” fall away.

Attendees often say they leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and more hopeful—not just because they’ve set new goals, but because they’ve felt the solidarity of others who believe in their potential.

Why Now Matters

In a culture that often asks women to “be everything for everyone,” taking intentional time away to focus solely on yourself is a radical act. Doing it in a room full of other women doing the same? That’s revolutionary.

“The Best Chapter Yet” retreats aren’t about escape—they’re about return. Return to yourself, your voice, and your vision for the future. Because when women are brave enough to claim what they want, they become boundless in what they can create.

Join “The Things We Know” mailing list to be the first to hear about upcoming retreats—with dream destinations like Palm Springs and Costa Rica on the horizon.

Affordable Chicago Neighborhoods with Vibrant Cultural Diversity

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on August 27, 2025

Chicago is a city where cultural diversity is not just a feature but a significant aspect of daily life. Many of its neighborhoods reflect this diversity, offering affordable housing options that allow people from various backgrounds to coexist. These areas often have a mix of different ethnic communities, and the cultural exchange seen in them can create a unique environment for both residents and visitors. This article looks at some neighborhoods in Chicago that offer relatively affordable living while reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural diversity.

What Contributes to the Cultural Diversity in Chicago Neighborhoods?

Cultural diversity in Chicago can be traced to the city’s long history of immigration, with people from various parts of the world choosing to make it their home. The neighborhoods that reflect this cultural mix are often characterized by businesses that cater to different tastes, religious institutions, and cultural organizations that serve the needs of their communities. Whether through language, food, or festivals, the influence of different cultural groups can be seen across Chicago.

In many of these neighborhoods, diversity is visible in everyday life. Restaurants offering a range of global cuisines, markets stocked with international products, and community events celebrating various traditions all contribute to the rich cultural landscape of Chicago’s neighborhoods. While the city has witnessed changes over the years, many areas continue to maintain their character, providing opportunities for residents to experience different cultural influences regularly.

Affordable Chicago Neighborhoods with Notable Cultural Diversity

Some of Chicago’s neighborhoods offer affordable housing while also allowing for an immersion in cultural diversity. These areas are often less expensive than more central or gentrified neighborhoods but still provide residents with a range of amenities and access to cultural experiences.

Pilsen: A Heart of Mexican-American Heritage

Pilsen, located just southwest of downtown, has historically been home to a large Mexican-American community. The neighborhood’s vibrant cultural identity is reflected in its colorful murals, many of which depict Mexican traditions and history. In addition to murals, Pilsen is known for its selection of Mexican eateries, bakeries, and shops that cater to the community’s tastes and preferences. Over time, the area has evolved, but the influence of Mexican culture remains a prominent feature.

While Pilsen has seen some changes in recent years, the neighborhood still offers affordable housing options for individuals and families. These options tend to be more accessible compared to other neighborhoods that have undergone similar gentrification processes. The area’s cultural institutions, such as museums and community events, also play a role in sustaining Pilsen’s character. The local cultural scene often brings together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate shared experiences.

Logan Square: A Mix of Cultures and Creative Influence

Logan Square, located on the northwest side of Chicago, has attracted a mix of residents from different cultural backgrounds. While the neighborhood has a significant Latinx population, it also draws artists, young professionals, and families due to its relative affordability and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Logan Square is known for its tree-lined streets, historical architecture, and creative businesses, many of which offer a mix of local and international influences.

The cultural landscape of Logan Square reflects its diverse community, with restaurants offering Latin American, Eastern European, and other international cuisines. It is also home to various festivals and events that celebrate cultural diversity. Though Logan Square has experienced rising popularity in recent years, it still offers more affordable housing options compared to neighborhoods closer to downtown. The balance between artistic expression and cultural richness adds to the neighborhood’s appeal for those seeking diversity alongside relatively lower living costs.

Albany Park: A True Cultural Melting Pot

Albany Park, located on the North Side of Chicago, is a neighborhood with one of the city’s most diverse populations. Immigrants from countries such as Syria, the Philippines, and Mexico, among others, have made Albany Park their home. This diversity is reflected in the neighborhood’s businesses, which include a variety of international restaurants, markets, and stores.

The affordable nature of Albany Park’s housing makes it an attractive option for renters and homeowners looking for value while experiencing cultural diversity. The area’s international community also hosts a variety of cultural events, further adding to the sense of inclusion and community. Residents often have access to a wide array of products and services that cater to their specific cultural needs, making Albany Park an ideal place for those looking to live in a neighborhood that values diversity while maintaining affordability.

Hyde Park: Intellectual and Cultural Diversity on the South Side

Hyde Park, located on the South Side of Chicago, is a neighborhood with a significant African American community alongside a mix of other ethnicities. The presence of the University of Chicago adds an intellectual and academic flavor to the area, attracting students, faculty, and families. Hyde Park is home to various cultural institutions, including museums and galleries, and it offers access to cultural events that celebrate both local and global traditions.

Though Hyde Park is known for some higher-end living options, there are still affordable housing choices in the area, particularly in older buildings or apartment complexes. The neighborhood’s proximity to cultural institutions like the DuSable Museum of African American History also adds to its appeal. Hyde Park is a place where intellectual and cultural diversity come together, offering a unique environment for those seeking a neighborhood that blends academic vibrancy with cultural richness.

Bridgeport: A Community of Diverse Traditions

Bridgeport, located just south of the Loop, is a neighborhood with a strong working-class background and a history of Irish-American influence. Over the years, Bridgeport has become home to a growing number of immigrant communities, including Polish, Chinese, and Latinx groups. This blending of cultures is evident in the local businesses, which cater to the diverse needs of the neighborhood’s residents.

While Bridgeport has seen changes in its housing market, the neighborhood still offers relatively affordable living options, especially compared to more central areas of the city. Local festivals and community events often reflect the cultural diversity of the area, offering opportunities for residents to connect and share their traditions. Despite its changes, Bridgeport retains a certain charm and continues to be a community where different cultures coexist.

Rogers Park: A Global Neighborhood by the Lake

Rogers Park, located along the northern edge of Chicago, is one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. It is home to large communities of immigrants, including those from East Africa, Russia, and Latin America. The cultural diversity in Rogers Park is reflected in its businesses, which include international grocery stores, restaurants, and community centers that serve a variety of needs.

Although Rogers Park is experiencing some growth, it continues to offer affordable housing options compared to other lakefront neighborhoods in Chicago. The area’s cultural diversity is not only evident in its businesses but also in the events that take place throughout the year, such as festivals celebrating the different communities living in the area. For those looking to experience a mix of cultures and traditions while living at a relatively lower cost, Rogers Park is an area to consider.

What Makes These Neighborhoods Stand Out?

Affordable Chicago Neighborhoods with Vibrant Cultural Diversity

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

The neighborhoods discussed here reflect the diverse cultural mosaic that defines much of Chicago. While these areas vary in size and character, they share a common thread: they offer affordable housing options for those who are seeking to live in a culturally rich environment. Many of these neighborhoods have retained their sense of community, even as some areas experience gentrification and increasing demand. The ability to live in a neighborhood where different traditions, languages, and cuisines thrive adds an element of vibrancy and character to daily life.

For those interested in exploring these areas, it is clear that Chicago’s cultural diversity can be found in neighborhoods across the city. Whether through the local businesses, cultural festivals, or day-to-day interactions, these areas provide a unique experience for those who appreciate the opportunity to be part of a community where different backgrounds come together. While affordability can vary, many of these neighborhoods offer an accessible option for those looking to connect with the cultural pulse of Chicago.