Cook County governments have now amassed $139 billion in debt, a 30 percent increase over the last 5 years.

by Ashley Muchow Cook County Board President-elect, Toni Preckwinkle, recently warned county officials they would be responsible for making major spending cuts in their budgets to close the county’s $487 million gap. Preckwinkle met with elected county officials, including Cook County Clerk David Orr, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, and Treasurer Maria Pappas, asking each to cut...

by Amanda Griffin-Johnson The timing of Cook County property tax bills this fall has entered the political realm. Last year, the bills were sent just before November. This year, they’re going out well after the election. Could there be political reasons for the later date? The Chicago Tribune reports: Cook County property tax bills won’t be out...