The Home Front

(above) President Donald Trump By Don DeBat A Chicago home buyer or mortgage borrower seeking to refinance in 2026 likely is wondering why the hard-working head of the Federal Reserve Board is being kicked around like a political football. It might be President Donald Trump doesn’t like that Fed Chairman Jerome Powell and other knowledgeable board members are slow to react to his bullish demands for lower interest rates. In fairness, previous U.S. presidents have grumbled abo

(above) John Nocita, Chicago Sun-Times Writer By Don DeBat     Old newspaper writers, editors, artists and photographers never die. They just etch their work into history, then quietly fade away.  One unforgettable talent was John Nocita, 83, a gifted newspaper artist and graphics specialist, who met his last deadline on December 30, 2025, after a stalwart battle with Alzheimer’s.     “John Nocita’s successful 45-year newspaper career started as a copy boy at the Chicago

(above) Chicago Police Commissioner Larry Snelling By Don DeBat With the dawn of 2026, many Chicago apartment renters, home buyers and bungalow owners probably are wondering how they survived the crazy roller-coaster- ride of 2025. Read these 2025 stories recently reported by The Home Front column: • With property tax bills soaring by an average of 16.7%, there are threats of double-digit apartment rent increases on the horizon for spring of 2026. • Resale home prices in Linc