Taxes
Donald Trump has racked up a number of victories in his presidential bid, but he's also been a big winner in Chicago. Hear from the Sun-Times reporters who've uncovered Trump's big tax breaks thanks to Ald. Ed Burke (14th Ward).
The latest U.S. Census Bureau reported a dubious distinction for Cook County: the second most-populous U.S. county now leads the nation in population loss with over 10,000 fewer residents in 2015 than just a year before.
In a surprising setback, City Council aldermen came out against the mayor’s proposed ordinance for a $6 million tax on tobacco products. Why did City Council go against him?
Tucked into a new ordinance that would tax smokeless and other non-cigarette tobacco products is a provision that would set a minimum price on cigarettes, cigars and chew tobacco.
Joel Weisman and his panel of guests discuss the guilty plea of Dennis Hastert in a mysterious hush-money case, reports of a federal investigation surrounding Cook County Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, the mayor's budget that sailed through City Council, and other top stories of the week.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel's record $588 million property tax hike sailed through the City Council today with only 15 aldermen voting against it. The hike is the centerpiece of Emanuel's bad news budget that imposes additional taxes and fees. We speak with a panel of aldermen about the budget and how they voted.
"I'm not going to allow Springfield's dysfunction to become Chicago's dysfunction," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said during an extended interview before Wednesday's City Council vote on his proposed budget that includes a nearly $600 million property tax hike.
Will they support expanding the amusement tax?
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s proposed 2016 budget plan–which includes expanding the amusement tax–could be a tough sell to a county board that narrowly approved a controversial sales tax hike to help the county tackle its $6.5 billion pension fund shortfall. We talk with three Cook County commissioners about the plan.
The City Council’s Finance committee voted today to approve a record $543 million property tax increase over the next four years. But was the vote closer than expected? And will aldermen go along with garbage fee hikes and a possible new Uber fee? Paris Schutz has the story.
Watching FX’s "American Horror Story" and hitting the golf course could become more expensive under a budget proposal unveiled by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle last week. She joins us to discuss her proposal and how it will help plug a projected $198.9 million budget hole.
Living in the Chicago area is about to get even more expensive. Not only is Mayor Rahm Emanuel seeking a record high property tax increase to help shore up police and firefighter pensions. But today Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is asking for a county tax on recreational activities like golfing and cable TV to help plug the county's budget deficit.
Eddie Arruza and his panel of guests discuss the mayor’s budget proposal and other top stories of the week.
Emanuel: ‘I’m here to fix these challenges’
Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins us for his first extended interview since proposing his so-called "last resort" budget.
Mayor: ‘We have to right our financial ship’
Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday unveiled his proposed 2016 budget. Included is a $543 million property tax increase that would be phased in, beginning with a $318 million hike this year. Fees on garbage collection and ride-sharing services – including taxis – and a new tax on e-cigarettes aim to plug the city's budget hole.
On this edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman, our panel of guests discuss the mayor’s proposed property tax hike, the Independent Police Review Authority’s recommendation to fire an officer, and more on local business news, crime, and sports.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel will soon unveil his 2016 budget, which is reported to include a $500 million property tax increase. A panel of aldermen reacts to the proposal – which the mayor says isn't enough to cover Chicago's budget woes – and discusses other ideas for possible city revenue streams.