Illinois Lottery sales tank as Democrats block funding for payouts
Illinois Lottery sales tank as Democrats block funding for payouts
Ticket sales slumped by more than $20 million in October as lottery players balked at a broken system.
Chicago gas prices highest in the state as prices drop across U.S.
Chicago gas prices highest in the state as prices drop across U.S.
Motorists filling up at Chicago pumps can expect to pay an additional $0.16 per gallon in Regional Transportation Authority, county and city taxes, making gas sold in the city the costliest in any of Illinois’ metro areas.
Chicago aldermen call for $500 licenses for Airbnb renters
Chicago aldermen call for $500 licenses for Airbnb renters
If Chicago politicians have their way, Airbnb prices will rise as the city enforces $500 licensing requirements against those who rent out rooms through online services.
Illinoisans pay nearly a quarter of their wireless bills in taxes
Illinoisans pay nearly a quarter of their wireless bills in taxes
Illinoisans pay nearly a quarter of their wireless bills in taxes, while Chicagoans pay more taxes on wireless service than residents of any other major city in the country.
Busting the myth that Chicago taxes are low
Busting the myth that Chicago taxes are low
An analysis of Chicago’s taxation and revenue in perspective
Another vendor tells Illinois to pay up
Another vendor tells Illinois to pay up
Southwestern Electric Cooperative Inc. sends a disconnection-warning letter to Illinois.
After months of gridlock, compromise rears its head in Springfield
After months of gridlock, compromise rears its head in Springfield
Good-faith negotiation and trust were foundational to all of the deals made, but some Statehouse Democrats pushed for extreme solutions while others were actively compromising.
Dems block plan to pay Illinois Lottery winners
Dems block plan to pay Illinois Lottery winners
Gov. Rauner and the Illinois House of Representatives support a bill to release lottery winnings, but Democratic leaders in the House and Senate are standing in the way. Now Illinois Lottery winners may not be paid until 2016.
House Democrats and Republicans still playing hardball
House Democrats and Republicans still playing hardball
Restoration of child-care cuts fails in Illinois House.
Where things stand: No Illinois budget likely until 2016
Where things stand: No Illinois budget likely until 2016
State politicians will decide the fate of Chicago’s demand for more money, but a budget vote isn’t likely before January 2016.
Chicago passes largest property-tax hike in modern city history
Chicago passes largest property-tax hike in modern city history
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and city aldermen choose tax hikes over necessary reform.
The Edgar ramp – the ‘reform’ that unleashed Illinois’ pension crisis
The Edgar ramp – the ‘reform’ that unleashed Illinois’ pension crisis
The former governor’s landmark pension bill paved the way for two decades of go-along-to-get-along pension politics, turning Illinois' pension debt into the nation's largest retirement crisis.
Susann D.
Susann D.
“I can’t believe I’m still dealing with this. I’ve had to file some sort of [property-tax] appeal almost every single year since I moved here in 1998. “So many seniors’ brains don’t function really well, but I’m lucky I had a professional background that helped me file those appeals. Patience and perseverance are the primary attributes. It...
Illinois budget gridlock means no vehicle registration renewal reminders
Illinois budget gridlock means no vehicle registration renewal reminders
The budget stalemate in Springfield has forced Illinois’ secretary of state to suspend mailing vehicle registration renewal notices to vehicle owners.