Quinn’s quill. Gov. Pat Quinn signs a bill extending the state sales tax to some internet commerce. Phil Kadner’s SouthtownStar column looks at the negative impact the bill may have on small businesses that rely on internet sales for their livelihood.
- Bridget’s ballistic. The Sun-Times reports that Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer is “flabbergasted” to learn that former county President Todd Stroger approved unemployment compensation for his ex-lieutenant Carla Oglesby even though she’s facing serious corruption charges for alleged misuse of tax dollars.
- Jack’s juiced. The Sun-Times also reports on a proposal from state Rep. Jack Franks to dump the entire Metra board for “deliberate, deceitful” abuse of tax dollars.
- Beale’s steal? An audit of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County finds that ex-executive director Brooke Beale allegedly stole $850,000 over six years, according to a story in the Daily Herald. Beale is facing corruption charges.
- Sock seniors? Kathy Posner’s blog looks at the pros and cons of taxing the retirement income of affluent Illinois seniors in the wake of Illinois Senate President John Cullerton’s comment that it’s worth considering.
- Teen troubles. The Chicago News Cooperative looks at the chronic problems of Cook County’s Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, where problems relating to the teens in custody have required three federal court interventions in the past decade.
