Chicago watchdog asks the public what city programs, offices to scrutinize in 2026
Potential projects range from probing how the city manages its cash and street sweeping schedule to whether the blue cart recycling program has improved.
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Board of Review hopeful alleges incumbent offered her a job to withdraw
Samantha Steele’s opponent in the race for the Cook County Board of Review has alleged Steele tried to get her to drop out in exchange for a six-figure job in...
Cook County property tax troubles trigger school district losses, reform demands
Cook County suburban school districts are begging to receive their share of property tax revenues in order to to make payroll.
Aldermen pass 2026 budget in historic revolt against Mayor Brandon Johnson
Aldermen passed the final part of a counterproposal to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget on Saturday, redrawing the political lines at City Hall and further imperiling his progressive agenda.
Aldermen turn to bag tax, ads on bridge houses to try to balance budget
The City Council group released plans to close a $42 million 2026 budget gap created by them removing a garbage fee increase from their package and restoring youth job funding.
George Cardenas’ spot likely safe on March primary ballots
Political veteran George Cardenas has likely won his way back on the March Democratic primary ballot after resurrecting hundreds of petition signatures.
Report: Cook County should revamp property tax breaks for businesses
Cook County’s system to give property tax breaks to businesses is set to expire in two years, and Board President Toni Preckwinkle is looking to revamp the program.
Federal judge rules Cook County tax sale system unconstitutional
After a group of homeowners filed suit claiming Cook County's tax sale process robbed them of home equity, a federal judge has ruled the current system unconstitutional.
Political veteran George Cardenas fighting to stay on March primary ballot
Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas is fighting to prove he has enough valid petition signatures to make it on the March Democratic primary ballot.
Cook County property taxpayers get another shot at appeals
Citing this year’s record property tax hikes, the Cook County Board of Review is giving taxpayers another brief shot at knocking down their bills for next year.