Soda fans will find out Friday whether or not they'll start paying more for their sweetened beverages in Cook County this weekend.

While it remains to be seen whether legislators will pass a budget by July 1, here are five local and state laws that go into effect on that date.

A lawsuit aims to stop the sugary drink tax that's supposed to go into effect on Saturday.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle says embattled Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, a close political ally, has agreed to an outside evaluation of the property tax assessment process.

Cook County is projecting a budget shortfall of $97.6 million. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joins us to discuss county finances, health care and the controversial soda tax.

A coalition of community groups is asking for an investigation into the Cook County property tax assessment system run by Assessor Joseph Berrios.

Chicago residents should expect to pay about 10 percent more in property taxes. 

Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios is pushing back on a series of reports by the Chicago Tribune questioning the accuracy and fairness of his office.

An extensive Chicago Tribune investigation claims the county’s property tax system favors the rich over the poor. The Tribune reporter and a representative from the Cook County Assessor’s Office join us in discussion.

President Donald Trump’s tax plan was formally rolled out Wednesday. As promised on the campaign trail, the plan includes several business-friendly tax measures.

Studies estimate that more than 100 billion plastic bags are used annually in the U.S. But in Chicago, many shoppers have switched their habits since the start of the city’s tax on plastic and paper bags, a new study shows. 

Nationally syndicated columnist Ilyce Glink offers advice on everything from managing student debt to retirement funds.

Tax Day is coming up and thousands have expressed interest in sending the president a message by protesting his refusal to release his tax returns. “What is he hiding?” asked Tax March Chicago organizer Taran Brar.

Tuesday marks day two of the semi-annual Cook County tax sale, where those delinquent on their property taxes have their liens sold to private investors, who can then collect massive interest rates. A push to change the system by some public officials has simply raised more questions.

Why Cook County property owners who are eight months delinquent in paying taxes are about to owe major fees to private companies.

The owners of tens of thousands of homes and properties in Cook County who’ve fallen behind on their taxes have only a couple more days to settle their debts – or they could wind up paying a lot more.