Illinois to splurge on Christmas lights, despite mounting debt to utility company
Illinois to splurge on Christmas lights, despite mounting debt to utility company
Springfield won’t let millions in unpaid utility bills get in the way of nonessential spending.
By Vincent Caruso
Rahm wants to squeeze Chicago eateries for higher permit fees, 2018 budget shows
Rahm wants to squeeze Chicago eateries for higher permit fees, 2018 budget shows
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s budget proposal includes jacked-up costs for business licenses and stricter noncompliance penalties.
By Vincent Caruso
Tom Pincuspy
Tom Pincuspy
“I’ve got a lot of pride in craftsmanship. What I do is a lot more artistic. Anyone can bust tires off rims or pack up a skid full of bad starters and send them back to the manufacturer. Anyone can do the physical labor. When it comes to welding, it’s an art. “We’ve had a...
Cook County jail worker abused family leave, called off work 60 times
Cook County jail worker abused family leave, called off work 60 times
A suspended Cook County Jail corrections officer faces termination following serial abuses of a federal family leave rule.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois General Assembly passes bill restricting municipalities’ ability to regulate placement of small wireless facilities
Illinois General Assembly passes bill restricting municipalities’ ability to regulate placement of small wireless facilities
The measure would limit regulations and costs local governments could impose on wireless providers seeking to locate certain equipment on municipal property.
By Amy Korte
For your entertainment: Latest Chicago tax hike hits concerts, theater
For your entertainment: Latest Chicago tax hike hits concerts, theater
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposed increase in the city’s amusement tax is nothing but the continued nickel-and-diming of Chicagoans.
By Chris Lentino
Metra board approves fare hike, fourth consecutive year of increased fares
Metra board approves fare hike, fourth consecutive year of increased fares
The increase comes after last year’s hike, which cost yearlong commuters an extra $141 annually for their monthly passes. Metra officials have not ruled out further fare hikes or service cuts.
By Brendan Bakala
Bad record keeping allows police misconduct to go unpunished
Bad record keeping allows police misconduct to go unpunished
ProPublica Illinois and the Chicago Tribune’s groundbreaking report shows how disciplinary actions for Chicago police officers fall through the cracks.
By Brendan Bakala
House passes phony property tax freeze, bill dies in Senate
House passes phony property tax freeze, bill dies in Senate
The politically motivated freeze would not address key cost drivers or protect Illinois homeowners from property tax increases.
By Brendan Bakala
Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
A new study highlights the gravity of Illinois' fiscal crisis.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois lawmakers want to crack down on bingo
Illinois lawmakers want to crack down on bingo
Free N Fun Bar Bingo gets around state law by employing a sweepstakes model instead of a traditional participant buy-in. And lawmakers are not happy.
By Brendan Bakala
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
A proposal co-sponsored by 32 aldermen would mandate the fiscal consequences of ordinances be made transparent.
By Vincent Caruso
AFSCME pay decision reveals high cost of government worker unions
AFSCME pay decision reveals high cost of government worker unions
An Illinois appellate court ruled Nov. 6 the state must pay “step” raises to the approximately 35,000 state workers represented by AFSCME – a cost that burdens already overtaxed Illinoisans.
By Mailee Smith
Rhetoric, reality at odds in Springfield sexual harassment scandal
Rhetoric, reality at odds in Springfield sexual harassment scandal
Bad actors in Springfield continue to be dealt with behind closed doors.
By Austin Berg