🌱 Chicago Commercial Property Taxes + Flying Cell Phone Smacks Drake

Hello again, Chicago! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Chicago Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Couple of thunderstorms. High: 75 Low: 63.

Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. Chicago comes in second in paying the highest commercial property taxes in the United States. A study by the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence states that the city's tax system shifts responsibility from residences to businesses combined with high local government spending. Even so, the city's residential property taxes have also risen astronomically. As more residents flee the city, some say the city should find a way to reduce the tax burden. (Illinois Policy)
2. On Wednesday night, Drake was struck by a cell phone tossed from the audience by a fan during his Chicago performance. The rapper was uninjured and held to the showbiz ethic of "the show must go on," sticking out the concert without a trip to the medic. The incident is the third in a series of similar injuries — Bebe Rexha was left with a black eye after being hit during a concert in New York, and Kelsea Ballerini was injured by a bracelet thrown by a fan. (News- Graphic)
3. A settlement agreement has been reached in the investigation into Chicago-based GrapeTree Medical Staffing. The staffing company will have to repay employees any fines they were assessed for missing work. The aggregated fees owed by GrapeTree to 3,000 of its employees amounted to $950,000; exactly when the money will be returned was not stated. (Illinois Government)

Are you a real estate agent in Chicago struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Chicago newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Today in Chicago:

Saturday, July 8

• Artist's Garden Exhibit: Fairy Garden at Garfield Park Conservatory (10:00 AM)
• Film Screening: Mahogany (1975) at Blackstone (10:00 AM)
• Roving Naturalists at Garfield Park Conservatory (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• If you like beautiful and historic architecture, talk a walk with the Chicago Architecture Center. Out of the more than 75 walking tours they offer, surely one will be the right one for you. Sneak a peek at these historic row homes as seen on the Gold Coast: Astor Street tour. (Chicago Architecture Center via Instagram)
• In need of a COVID-19 test? All Chicago Public Libraries will stock free rapid take-home tests through the summer. (Chicago Public Schools via Twitter)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Improovy Painters Chicago — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

For sale:

• All One Up and Live Savers on Patch (Details)
• Add your item

Featured job listings:

• Accounting Clerk (Part-Time) (Details)
• Small Business Insurance Agent (entry level) (Details)
• Add your listing

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll see you soon!

— Kaytlyn Smith

About me: Kaytlyn Smith is a managing editor at Lightning Media Partners – a content creation agency. She is a Rowan University graduate where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in writing. Outside of work, Kaytlyn is a dog mom to a boglen terrier named Finn and a golden retriever named Willow.