Homeowners are footing the bill for major Loop commercial property value losses in the long-delayed Cook County property tax bills that started hitting mailboxes last week, according to an analysis by the Cook County Treasurer's office.

Why it matters: The 16.7% rise in median residential property tax bills (to $4,457) represents a record city increase (in at least the last 30 years) and adds to rising grocery, energy and housing prices.

The big picture: The new bills, which reflect the 2024 tax year, reduce the tax burden of Loop commercial buildings by more than $129 million, according to the analysis.

• At the same time, Chicago homeowners were left paying an additional $469.4 million to make up for the commercial losses and new financial demands from local government entities, especially Chicago Public Schools.

What they're saying: "When taxes go up by more than half-a-billion dollars, and commercial values plummet, homeowners are left holding the bag," Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas tells Axios.

Zoom in: Homeowners in Black communities got hit hardest with some of the biggest increases, according to the analysis.

• In West Garfield Park, the median homeowner tax bill increased by nearly $2,000, or 133%.
• In North Lawndale, it increased by nearly $1,900, or 99%.
• In Englewood, the increase came to $609, or 82.5%.

Zoom out: This year's rise in homeowner taxes represents the third year in a row that the reassessed areas of Cook County (officials revalue a different portion each year) saw record median tax bill increases, the report says.

• For tax year 2023, the South and Southwest Suburbs: +19.9%, to $6,117
• For tax year 2022, the North and Northwest Suburbs: +15.7%, to $7,008

Go deeper

DoorDash, the popular food delivery service, settled a yearslong lawsuit with Chicago for $18 million over deceptive practices and hidden fees.

Why it matters: The settlement could mean users get free food.

Flashback: In 2021, the city sued DoorDash, alleging the company was administering hidden fees to drivers and customers and that it was listing restaurants that had not agreed to participate in the delivery service.

• At the heart of the lawsuit was DoorDash listing a "Chicago fee" in its costs, which wasn't a formal city tax but instead fees implemented by the company.
• DoorDash says those practices were discontinued even before the lawsuit was filed. Lawyers for DoorDash say the accusations were based on business practices dating back to 2017 that were discontinued six years ago.

The fine print: Of the $18 million, DoorDash will pay about $13 million to restaurants that were listed on the platform without consent and drivers who worked for the company until September 2019, and offer credits to consumers who have active accounts on the platform.

• Those credits will be available starting Jan. 28, 2026.
• DoorDash will pay $4.5 million to the city for costs and fees.

The bottom line: The lawsuit isn't the end of delivery fees, but it will force companies to continue being transparent about what the fees are.

Keep reading

🪖 National Guard troops from Texas are reportedly departing the Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago. (ABC)

🗳️ Indiana will not redraw its congressional map to add more GOP seats, which means Illinois most likely won't remap for more Democratic seats. (Axios)

🏆 The Bears (7-3) beat the Vikings 19-17 on a last-second field goal from kicker Cairo Santos. The team has now won five times when trailing in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter this season, which is the most in franchise history. They are currently in first place in the NFC North. (Tribune)

👋 Hi, it's Justin. I'm recapping each game from the 1985 Bears season to celebrate the 40th anniversary.

This week: At Dallas (Nov. 17, 1985)

Recap: The league had taken notice of the undefeated Bears, but it wasn't until this game that the Super Bowl felt inevitable. They hadn't beaten Dallas since 1971 and this game was on the road without Jim McMahon.

• No matter, though. This was one of the biggest blowout victories in Bears history — 44-0.

The star: The defense. They blew out the playoff-bound Cowboys without help from the offense. They scored two touchdowns in the first half.

• Hat tip to Otis Wilson for knocking Danny White out of the game.

Play of the game: Can I give it to a punter? Maury Buford pinned the Cowboys on their own 2-yard line. The very next play, Dan Hampton tipped a pass and Richard Dent intercepted it for a touchdown.

Non-football moment: This was the first game of the season called by legendary broadcasters Pat Summerall and John Madden. It wouldn't be the last.

🏈 The bottom line: This game launched the Bears' defense into stardom.

• Oh yeah, the Bears are 11-0.

Next week: Home vs. Atlanta.

More game recaps

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👋 Hi, it's Monica.

For most of the 20th century, Eng family Chinese restaurants made Chicago-style egg rolls stuffed with pork, cabbage, shrimp and (the secret ingredient) peanut butter.

• But in the last 20 years, a new style of Chicago egg roll has bubbled up featuring veggies, gyros, Italian beef, jerked meats and more.

The dish: One of the most intriguing entries in this genre is the 12" Obama Roll ($12) at Tastee Rolls in west suburban Bellwood and Chatham on 79th.

The verdict: This hefty, fried pastry delivers a hearty meal with its combination of jerk steak, jerk chicken and giardiniera filling.

• But it also packs a little too much salt for this diner.
• Instead, I vote for the garlic, parmesan chicken roll ($4.50) and the peach cobbler roll for dessert ($6).

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