Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Sun-Times: Madigan: Indicted but still pitching for (and getting) money
These contributions from labor unions and other allies have helped replenish $302,000 in legal fees Madigan’s 13th Ward Democratic Organization has spent since being subpoenaed by a federal grand jury as part of the ongoing criminal case, records show
The Center Square: Thanksgiving meal costs more than ever in Illinois
It is going to cost more than ever for those Thanksgiving Day dinner staples this year.
Illinois shoppers taking part in the 37th annual American Farm Bureau Federation’s Thanksgiving cost survey reported a statewide average price of $65.53 for a classic Thanksgiving meal for 10, compared to $58.15 last year, a 12.7% increase. The average price in 2017 was $49.12.
Chicago Tribune: Cook County Board unanimously approves Preckwinkle’s $8.8 billion budget for 2023
Fresh off her reelection to four more years leading the Cook County Board, President Toni Preckwinkle received unanimous support Thursday for her $8.8 billion budget for 2023, which is free of taxes and full of plans to spend the county’s federal COVID relief dollars on a slew of social programs.
This summer, the county forecast the smallest deficit of Preckwinkle’s 12-year tenure: $18.2 million. Thanks to higher-than-anticipated revenue figures — including $124 million more than it was expecting from sales taxes — Preckwinkle did not need to propose gap-filling measures.
Northwest Herald: McHenry County raises property taxes for first time in more than a decade
McHenry County residents could see the county portion of their property tax bill go up next year.
The McHenry County Board approved the increase in the property tax levy, along with the upcoming year’s budget, in a 13-11 vote at its meeting Tuesday in order to fill gaps in the new budget. The increase will add about $14 onto a $7,000 tax bill, officials said.
State Journal-Register: Illinois Senate passes bill cutting financial ties to Russia
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly 10 months in a conflict that has displaced millions from their homes and taken tens of thousands of lives.
Back in Springfield, legislators took action Wednesday on a bill that would effectively cut all financial ties between Illinois and Russia. The Illinois State Senate gave House Bill 1293, also known as the Russian Divestment Act, its third reading and passed it unanimously 50-0 with nine not voting.