For your entertainment: Latest Chicago tax hike hits concerts, theater

By Chris Lentino

11/13/2017

Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposed increase in the city’s amusement tax is nothing but the continued nickel-and-diming of Chicagoans.

TAGS: amusement tax, Chicago, Chicago City Council, Rahm Emanuel, taxes

Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million

By Brendan Bakala

11/03/2017

According to one estimate, Chicago Alderman Ed Burke is trying to cut the property tax bill for Trump Tower by more than $3 million.

TAGS: Chicago, Donald Trump, Ed Burke, property taxes

Taxpayers on the hook for canceled Chicago stadium show

10/30/2017

The Illinois Sports Facility Authority paid $1.6 million for a September concert at Guaranteed Rate Field, featuring Diddy and Fat Joe, even though it had to cancel the event.

TAGS: Chicago, Guaranteed Rate Field, ISFA: Illinois Sports Facility Authority

How to claim a refund for your Chicago red-light or speed camera ticket

By Brendan Bakala

10/25/2017

Those seeking refunds only have until Dec. 11 to file a claim.

TAGS: Chicago, red light cameras

Illinois’ Amazon HQ2 offer up to $2.25B in incentives

By Brendan Bakala

10/24/2017

The state’s combined incentives package will reportedly include $1.4 billion in EDGE tax credits, $450 million in improvements, $250 million in new education and workforce programs, and more.

TAGS: Amazon, Bruce Rauner, EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, Rahm Emanuel

Fired Cook County police officers could be back on the job due to technicality

By Brendan Bakala

10/18/2017

In a ruling that could cost taxpayers millions, a former Cook County officer who was fired for failing to disclose his criminal history will likely return to work and receive back pay.

TAGS: Cook County, Teamsters

Taxpayer victory: Cook County soda tax repealed

By Chris Lentino

10/11/2017

With the repeal of the Cook County sweetened beverage tax, taxpayers remind elected officials who they represent.

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, soda tax, taxes

Former superintendent facing embezzlement and wire fraud charges

By Brendan Bakala

10/07/2017

Lawrence Wyllie is accused of stealing public funds and using school district money for dog obedience schools.

TAGS: corruption

Preckwinkle admits soda tax was ‘first and foremost’ about revenue

By Chris Lentino

10/05/2017

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle shared an admission that the soda tax was always about revenue.

TAGS: Cook County, municipal pensions, soda tax, Teamsters, Toni Preckwinkle

Chicago’s ticketing policies cause spike in bankruptcies

By Brendan Bakala

10/02/2017

A ProPublica report shows that since 2009, the rate of bankruptcy filings in black neighborhoods in the Northern District of Illinois has doubled.

TAGS: red light cameras

Chicago Sun-Times

For your entertainment: Latest Chicago tax hike hits concerts, theater

Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million

Taxpayers on the hook for canceled Chicago stadium show

How to claim a refund for your Chicago red-light or speed camera ticket

Illinois’ Amazon HQ2 offer up to $2.25B in incentives

Fired Cook County police officers could be back on the job due to technicality

Taxpayer victory: Cook County soda tax repealed

Former superintendent facing embezzlement and wire fraud charges

Preckwinkle admits soda tax was ‘first and foremost’ about revenue

Chicago’s ticketing policies cause spike in bankruptcies

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit Illinois students?

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students