Category Archives: Illinois

At Least Here Our DMV Offices Aren’t Being Evicted…

Posted on September 6, 2010 by Russ

California certainly has a budget crisis. But it’s nothing compared to the crisis in Illinois, where the Land of Lincoln is a reported $4.3 billion behind in paying the bills. Meanwhile, the Libertyville Drivers Services Facility office may be closed … Continue reading →

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What Do Hawaii, North Carolina, New York, Illinois, and California Have In Common?

Posted on February 21, 2010 by Russ

The Tax Foundation noted last week that several states will be delaying income tax refunds. Hawaii won’t be sending out refunds until July 1st; North Carolina will send them out “when they feel like it,” and New York Governor David … Continue reading →

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Troubles in the Land of Lincoln

Posted on January 26, 2010 by Russ

I’m a native of Illinois, and most of my relatives still reside there. Unfortunately, the home of the Cubs is having a multitude of tax troubles. First, unemployment in the state is now over 11 percent (11.1% to be exact). … Continue reading →

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Cook County (Chicago) Sales Tax to Drop

Posted on December 2, 2009 by Russ

It’s rare these days to read about any tax rate dropping. County Commissioners in Cook County, Illinois, home of Chicago and some of the metropolis’ suburbs, voted earlier this year to cut the county’s sales tax rate by 0.5%. Cook … Continue reading →

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Christopher Kelly, Blagojevich Crony, Dies Before Prison

Posted on September 13, 2009 by Russ

Christopher Kelly, a fundraiser for disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, died on Saturday in Chicago. Mr. Kelly late last year pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges related to gambling debts. Last week he also pleaded guilty to fraud against United … Continue reading →

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Unlikely Duo of Lawsuits Could Impact Illinois

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Russ

Rocky Wirtz is a folk hero among Chicago’s long-suffering hockey fans. After his father, William (Bill) Wirtz, passed away in 2007, he changed the Blackhawks’ philosophy. Suddenly, the laughable losers turned into winners, and the Blackhawks played in the Western … Continue reading →

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Troutman Gets Four Years

Posted on February 22, 2009 by Russ

Former Chicago Alderman Arenda Troutman was sentenced to four years at ClubFed last week. Ms. Troutman had started the 20th Ward Women’s Auxiliary to hide money. At sentencing, Ms. Troutman told Judge Ruben Castillo, “With God as my witness I … Continue reading →

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Blagojevich Crony Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

Posted on December 21, 2008 by Russ

Speaking of governors having troubles there’s Governor Blagojevich of Illinois. Christopher Kelly was a fundraiser for Governor Blagojevich until he was indicted on 12 counts of tax fraud. Last week Mr. Kelly changed his plea to guilty from not guilty. … Continue reading →

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Troutman Pleads Guilty

Posted on August 10, 2008 by Russ

When I was growing up just north of Chicago my parents told me about how the dead voted. That didn’t seem right to me, but I did learn at a young age about Chicago politics. Last year I reported that … Continue reading →

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Congratulations, Chicago, You’re #1!

Posted on July 1, 2008 by Russ

Today is July 1st and Chicago has earned a dubious distinction. The Windy City now has the highest sales tax rate in the country, 10.25%. The old “winner,” Memphis, has a 9.25% rate. The sales tax will likely help suburban … Continue reading →

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