Rafael Mendoza
Senior Editor, Business & Economy
Rafael Mendoza brings over two decades of experience in financial journalism to his role as Senior Editor for Business & Economy. He specializes in demystifying complex economic trends and their impact on the daily lives of residents. His work focuses on tracking major development projects from the boardroom to the groundbreaking, analyzing corporate relocations, and investigating the financial health of the city's key institutions. Rafael believes that a clear understanding of the local economy empowers citizens and holds leaders accountable. He previously served as a senior writer for the Miami Herald's business desk and has contributed to national publications on topics of urban economic renewal.
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Latest Articles
The Bear Season 5 trailer shows restaurant crossroads
A flood, a delivery cut-off, and the building being sold off: these are just some catastrophic challenges facing The Bear restaurant in its newly released final season trailer.
Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read
South Side Peace Takeover Offers Alternative to Teen Trends
On May 25, Chicago Police closed DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 57th Street after approximately 1,000 people gathered in Hyde Park.
Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Bronzeville Alder Blames Parents After Teen Gatherings, Shootings
Over the weekend, seven young people, including a 12-year-old boy shot in the leg, were injured in separate shootings at unsanctioned youth gatherings in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.
Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Chicago forecast: Rain, heat, and flood risk through Thursday
Just west of Chicago, storms have already unleashed rainfall at rates of up to 3 inches per hour, setting a precedent for the intense downpours expected to hit the city alongside soaring 90-degree tem
Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Stacey King, Bulls' longtime TV voice, dies at 59
Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and a longtime broadcaster for the team, has died at the age of 59, according to The New York Times , ABC7 Chicago , and CBS News .
Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Lee Nominates Han Seong-sook: First Female PM in 20 Years
If confirmed, Han Seong-sook will become South Korea's first female prime minister in 20 years, marking a strategic move by President Lee Jae Myung to position the nation for an AI-driven future.
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
George Armoyan's Clarke Buys Chicago Office Towers, Becomes Debt-Free
In a Chicago office market grappling with record vacancies and looming debt maturities, one major tower, 20 South Clark Street, now operates entirely debt-free.
Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read
West Side Housing Development: Applications Open for Historic Bank
To even learn more about the new 78-unit mixed-income apartment building opening on Chicago's West Side, prospective residents must pay a $17 fee via money order or cashier's check, according to Block
Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read
Michelada Fest Canceled, Returns as Free Pilsen Street Celebration
For the second consecutive year, Michelada Fest has been canceled.
Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read
Exclusion fuels Chicago queer hockey growth and visibility
More than one hundred new members joined Chicago Pride Hockey this year, doubling its typical Pride month growth, even as national hockey bodies moved to exclude trans athletes.
Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read
Driver Crashes Jeep Into Dunkin' on Chicago's Northwest Side
Two women enjoying their morning coffee at a Chicago Dunkin' were suddenly hospitalized after a 32-year-old woman, driving on a suspended license, accelerated her Jeep directly through the store's fro
Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read
Chicago Cubs Social Media Silent on Pride Month in 2026
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Chicago Cubs' social media accounts remained silent on Pride Month 2026, a stark departure from previous years.
Jun 4, 2026 · 3 min read
Illinois law restricts social media targeting of children
In 2025, reports to the Illinois ICAC Task Force surged by 45% over the previous year, signaling an escalating crisis of online child exploitation.
Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Pritzker leaders adjourn session, leaving Bears stadium deal uncertain
Illinois legislative leaders adjourned their spring session in 2026 without a final vote on a critical 'megaprojects bill,' effectively stalling the Chicago Bears' $2 billion stadium investment.
Jun 2, 2026 · 4 min read
Illinois lawmakers pass bill restricting school cellphone use
By the 2027-2028 school year, every K-12 public and charter school in Illinois will be required to adopt policies restricting student cellphone use during the school day, following a bill sent to Gove
Jun 2, 2026 · 3 min read
Netta Walker's 'Keerah' is a playwright debut at Definition Theatre
Seven years after a summer romance between a Black American poet and an Irish writer, a journalist forces them to confront their past in Netta Walker's play 'Keerah', premiering at Definition Theatre.
Jun 2, 2026 · 2 min read
Illinois House Approves Delinquent Tax Sale Reform
Last year, nearly 7,500 Illinoisans moved to Missouri, where property taxes are less than half what they paid in Illinois, according to Senator Curran .
Jun 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Chicago multifamily collapse costs lenders and communities millions
At 7908-7926 South Ingleside Avenue, a 34-unit building seized by Roc Capital was fire-damaged, stripped of plumbing, and occupied by squatters by early 2026.
May 31, 2026 · 2 min read
Lucky Strike Wrigleyville Permanently Closes Its Doors
Employees at Lucky Strike Wrigleyville received little to no warning before the popular bowling alley and arcade permanently closed its doors, leaving many suddenly jobless, according to Block Club Ch
May 30, 2026 · 4 min read
Trump Tower Chicago Lands Tiny First Retail Tenant After 17 Years
Trump Tower Chicago's 70,000-square-foot riverfront commercial space secured its first tenant in 17 years, a 2,800-square-foot Mediterranean café.
May 30, 2026 · 3 min read