Joseph Berrios

Chicago energy drink ban: Much buzz, no action

2013-03-05 15:24:00

The perceived dangers to children posed by often-sugary, much-caffeinated energy drinks resulted in much talk but no action Tuesday during a City Council committee hearing. Ald. Edward Burke, 14th, has proposed banning drinks with at least 180 milligrams...

A tax on politicians? It's an offer they can't refuse

2012-10-19 00:00:00

American politicians are always on the lookout for "new sources of revenue," which sounds a lot nicer than "sinking their fangs into our necks." But however you describe it, they just can't stop sucking our blood with their unending tax increases on the...

Property taxes appeals surge

2012-06-24 00:00:00

Dismayed that property taxes on her Rogers Park home kept going up despite a sinking real estate market, Aparna Sen-Yeldandi asked a friend to review her tax bill. She was stunned to learn that although she had lived in the residence for nearly 20 years...

Run, Jesse Jr., run!

2012-09-21 16:32:18

Preckwinkle 'making a serious mistake' in not backing Tyson

2012-09-27 16:32:16

Rep. Highlife, a 'Lotto' disappointment and tat boy wonder

2012-11-30 00:00:00

Another Chicago politician has been indicted, this one for bank fraud after he allegedly burned through hundreds of thousands of dollars that weren't his on casino gambling, car loans and other high-rolling pursuits. Illinois state Rep. LaShawn Ford,...

For Madigan Democrats, there is such a thing as a free lunch

2012-10-18 00:00:00

Finally, in the sea of envy that is Illinois politics — with all those nasty, mean and negative campaign ads — we have some heartwarming news to report. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady wants to help Democratic candidates for...

Cook County ethics chairman resigns

2012-10-11 08:54:00

The news came as a surprise.� After 19 years on the Cook County Board of Ethics, the Chairman John Pikarski resigned just one day after WGN-TV, Chicago Magazine, and the Better Government Association raised questions about his own ethics. For nearly...

County assessor attempts to bend campaign cash rule

2012-10-11 08:54:00

Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios is under fire for accepting campaign contributions that are clearly above the county's legal limit. An expensive campaign led to his victory in November and now Berrios is raising money again. He's collecting monitory...

It's the teachers in a squeaker

2012-09-23 00:00:00

Which side won in the Chicago Teachers Union strike? I've heard and been asked the question many times since the union suspended its seven-day walkout and its members returned to the classroom Wednesday. The easy, vague answer is that both sides won. The...

Property tax deals?

2011-08-03 19:37:00

If you've fought to lower your property taxes, but failed, you're going to want to see our WGN investigation. We found that if you've got the right family connection, you have a spectacular chance to lower your property tax. You may not know his name,...

Ethical conduct of head of the Cook County Ethics Board questioned

2011-07-20 12:40:00

A joint investigation by WGN-TV, Chicago Magazine and the Better Government Association raises ethical questions about the head of the Cook County Ethics Board. Once a month, tucked away on the 30th floor of the County building, a group of men and...

(center) with his son Max (at right) and trailed by wife Daina Lyons and daughters Caitlin (age 9) and Lee, greets supporter Randy Ernst (left) at the Ivy League Baseball Club at 3637 N.

2010-11-02 00:00:00

Democrat Joe Berrios makes a speech at his election night headquarters at Lazos Restaurant on Chicago 's North Side Tuesday after winning the Cook County Assessor's race.

2010-11-02 00:00:00