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Rahm Emanuel and Pat Quinn may both be pretty vague on their tax-reform ideas, but at least it means important questions about Illinois and Chicago taxes are making the news.

The bookstore chain is closing down most of its Chicago stores and about half its stores in the Chicagoland area. But buying and business habits are as or more important than reading habits in the decline of the company.

The census numbers are in, and Chicago is smaller than it used to be, with a striking decline in its black population, which is leaving for the suburbs and the South. What’s driving black and white flight from the city?

WGN turns to reserve announcer and former Cubs stalwart Keith Moreland to fill the big, gruff shoes of Ron Santo.

Pat Quinn hasn’t yet delivered his state budget address, but state GOP legislators are already crying foul. Meanwhile, two potential solutions, a reduction in pension benefits for existing employees and a progressive state income tax, are likely to remain unconstitutional.

Whenever a new poll in this year’s mayoral primary comes out, attention is drawn to likely voting by race. But what about gender? A new poll shows Rahm Emanuel may have a big advantage with women.

Ed Burke took a licking from Rahm Emanuel in last night’s WTTW mayoral debate. But the city’s longest-serving alderman and finance committee chair has taken them from Jane Byrne, Harold Washington, and Mayor Daley, and keeps ticking.

As politicians and unions quietly shadowbox in Chicago and Illinois, a real throwdown is shaping up across the border. The fallout could shape politics in our state and across the country.