Disgraced former Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis still receiving $95,000 public pension
Disgraced former Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis still receiving $95,000 public pension
The FBI detailed sex, drugs and corruption involving former Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis, but he is still receiving a nearly $95,000 public pension after cooperating with their probe.
East St. Louis faces interception of state funds for $2.2M pension debt
East St. Louis faces interception of state funds for $2.2M pension debt
The southwestern Illinois city faces high crime and poverty rates, as well as a $5.5 million budget deficit. Now, $2.2 million owed to its firefighters pension threatens to halt the flow of state funds.
By Brad Weisenstein
Legal marijuana sales may be restricted from most of downtown Chicago
Legal marijuana sales may be restricted from most of downtown Chicago
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has proposed zoning changes that would keep marijuana dispensaries out of most of the downtown business district after recreational use becomes legal on Jan. 1 in Illinois.
By Vincent Caruso
Chicago considering ‘all-out ban’ on e-cigarettes
Chicago considering ‘all-out ban’ on e-cigarettes
Chicago City Council will consider a proposal that would ban electronic cigarettes citywide amid a nationwide spike in deaths and illnesses linked to the devices.
Illinois House bill would ban flavored tobacco, e-cigarette products
Illinois House bill would ban flavored tobacco, e-cigarette products
The Illinois General Assembly is weighing a statewide ban on flavored e-cigarettes in light of recent deaths and illnesses linked to vaping products.
Madison County home values down 17%, property taxes up 3% since recession
Madison County home values down 17%, property taxes up 3% since recession
Without true pension reform, Madison County homeowners will only continue to see the gap between their property taxes and home values grow.
By Brad Weisenstein
Illinoisans to pay highest gas prices in Midwest, following attacks in Saudi Arabia
Illinoisans to pay highest gas prices in Midwest, following attacks in Saudi Arabia
Turmoil overseas for the world’s leading exporter of crude oil will mean more pain at the pump for Illinoisans, after enduring a doubled state gas tax in July.
By Vincent Caruso
City of Springfield needs $269M in tax hikes to fund pensions
City of Springfield needs $269M in tax hikes to fund pensions
The city of Springfield needs nearly $270 million more in revenue to meet the required contributions to its pension funds for retired police officers and firefighters.
Growth in tollway revenue shows Illinois never planned on keeping its ‘freeway’ promise
Growth in tollway revenue shows Illinois never planned on keeping its ‘freeway’ promise
Illinois drivers were supposed to be ‘toll free in ’73.’ But in 2019, state leaders still show no sign of abandoning tollway revenue.
St. Clair County home values down 23%, property taxes up 5% since recession
St. Clair County home values down 23%, property taxes up 5% since recession
Without true pension reform, St. Clair County homeowners will only continue to see the gap between their property taxes and home values grow.
By Brad Weisenstein
Pension costs force suburban Illinois village to weigh new property tax
Pension costs force suburban Illinois village to weigh new property tax
Rising pension costs could force suburban Carol Stream to impose a property tax for the first time in five decades.