DuPage County voters to weigh in on per-mile driving tax
DuPage County voters to weigh in on per-mile driving tax
Voters in DuPage County Nov. 6 will give their opinions on a vehicle miles tax, a policy gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton have entertained.
DuPage County voters face ballot question on statewide property tax hike
DuPage County voters face ballot question on statewide property tax hike
Three economists made headlines in May by suggesting Illinois levy a new, statewide property tax. DuPage County voters Nov. 6 can declare their stance on whether that tax should be an option.
By Vincent Caruso
Sears bankruptcy may turn arena naming rights into a naming wrong
Sears bankruptcy may turn arena naming rights into a naming wrong
The village of Hoffman Estates penned a $1.8 million deal to extend the arena’s naming rights just days before Sears’ bankruptcy filing.
Joliet city manager collects nearly $100K in severance pay after less than a year on the job
Joliet city manager collects nearly $100K in severance pay after less than a year on the job
Joliet City Council members awarded their outgoing city manager a generous severance package after less than a year on the job. The ex-official will also be allowed to seek unemployment, even though some council members said he wanted to leave.
By Vincent Caruso
Theft, solicitation of bribes among misconduct in Chicago inspector general’s report
Theft, solicitation of bribes among misconduct in Chicago inspector general’s report
Chicago’s inspector general unveiled a litany of misconduct by city employees and contractors.
Pensions, debt push Oak Lawn toward ‘junk’ credit rating
Pensions, debt push Oak Lawn toward ‘junk’ credit rating
The Chicago suburb is facing severe fiscal challenges brought about by its unsustainable pension burden and $75 million in debt – a trend that has become too common among Illinois municipalities.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois added 2,800 jobs in September, still lags nation
Illinois added 2,800 jobs in September, still lags nation
Since December 2017, the rest of the U.S. has expanded payrolls 80 percent faster than Illinois.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
These Illinois Halloween laws might scare you
These Illinois Halloween laws might scare you
Scraping through a few hundred municipal codes in Illinois didn’t turn up any trick-or-treat ordinances allowing for jail time. But fines associated with age limits, curfews, masks and more were aplenty.
By Austin Berg
Report: Illinois’ budget health is the worst in the nation
Report: Illinois’ budget health is the worst in the nation
A new university study ranks Illinois last of all 50 states for fiscal health. Pension reform and spending caps are essential for recovery.
Sears files for bankruptcy despite decades of Illinois tax breaks
Sears files for bankruptcy despite decades of Illinois tax breaks
Sears, a long-time beneficiary of Illinois tax credit programs, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
By Janelle Cammenga
Politically connected Rosemont employee earns 5 times the typical area household
Politically connected Rosemont employee earns 5 times the typical area household
Christopher Stephens’ family ties landed him a position in local government – and an annual income far eclipsing that of local taxpayers.