Bribery charge, resignations hit prominent players in red-light camera scandal
A Cook County commissioner quits as a former city administrator faces a bribery charge. Both played roles in the rise of red-light cameras and vendor SafeSpeed.
Why the soda tax ‘worked’ and the progressive tax won’t
There’s no doubt: the county taxed soda more, so people bought less of it. It’s a simple lesson. So why doesn’t Springfield get it?
New car trade-in tax will hit Illinois drivers New Year’s Day
Illinois will impose a new sales tax on vehicle trade-ins beginning New Year’s Day. That’s why car dealerships have been running radio ads for weeks telling Illinoisans to come on down before the ball drops.
Repeal Day: Prohibition ended 86 years ago, but Illinois’ alcohol taxes, regulations remain sobering
With the ratification of the 21st Amendment, 1933 marked the end of Prohibition in the United States. Illinois, however, has continued to serve a cocktail of prohibitive regulations on alcoholic beverages.
CTU’s mayoral candidate lost. Now it would rather strike than deal with the winner.
Chicago Teachers Union backed Toni Preckwinkle for mayor of Chicago, donating nearly $300,000 to her campaign. But Lori Lightfoot won – and now CTU is on strike for the third time in seven years despite her generous offer.
CTU’s mayoral candidate lost, and now it won’t deal with the winner
Chicago Teachers Union backed Toni Preckwinkle for mayor of Chicago, donating nearly $300,000 to her campaign in 2019. But Lori Lightfoot won – and now CTU is threatening to go on strike despite being offered a generous deal.
Cook County commission exploring property tax hike despite depressed home values
Average home prices in Cook County are 31% lower today than in 2007. Meanwhile, property tax bills have increased by 22%.
Coke County: Townships overwhelmingly reject bringing back soda tax
Voters across seven Cook County townships strongly oppose a return of the sweetened beverage tax.
Cook County assessor candidate calls for ban on aldermen serving as property tax attorneys
The Democratic nominee in the Cook County assessor’s race is voicing support for a ban on city aldermen doubling as property tax appeals attorneys, an arrangement that encourages conflicts of interest.
Inspector general: Personnel, procedural errors cost Cook County hospital system $165 million in revenue
While the county hospital system loses out on revenue, county payroll and retirement costs continue to climb.
