A.D. Quig

A.D. Quig covers Cook County government, City Hall and the Obama Presidential Center. She joined the Tribune in 2022 after covering politics for Crain’s Chicago Business and The Daily Line.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, from left, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton discuss issues relevant to their race for the open U.S. Senate seat on Nov. 13, 2025, in Chicago. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois Democrats criticize Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela and look to block further engagement

January 5, 2026 at 5:52 p.m.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi seeks bill blocking U.S. military funds for Venezuela while U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin blasts the Trump administration's decision to exclude Senate Judiciary Committee from briefing.

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi speaks in Chicago's Loop on March 5, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Here’s what we learned from top Cook County candidates’ tax returns and ethics filings

January 5, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The Tribune requested the past four years of tax returns from the Democratic candidates for Cook County Board president and assessor.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle speaks during a news conference at the John H. Stroger Hospital Professional Building, Dec. 31, 2025, about the expiration of ACA tax credits. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

As federal health tax credits end, Chicago-area leaders warn about costs to Cook County and Illinois hospitals

December 31, 2025 at 5:24 p.m.

Affordable Care Act tax credits are set to expire on Jan. 1, 2026. Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi say the impact will hurt individuals and...

Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, center, speaks with aldermen after a committee meeting on April 16, 2025, at City Hall. “We can say with some confidence that there were inadequate controls around the PPP loan program and widespread fraud,” Witzburg told the Tribune. “ (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Hundreds of public employees investigated by the state of Illinois improperly took millions in PPP loans

December 29, 2025 at 4:14 p.m.

Without naming individuals, the report listed more than 100 state employees who received more than $2.8 million in PPP loans.

Mayor Brandon Johnson answers questions during a news conference on the fifth floor of Chicago City Hall on Dec. 15, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Here’s what Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2024 tax returns show

December 28, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson released his most recent tax returns, showing the freshman chief executive remains less wealthy than his predecessors and does not earn outside income.

A person enters the Cook County treasurer’s office in Chicago on Nov. 20, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Property tax workaround will distribute some money to local taxing bodies

December 26, 2025 at 6:24 p.m.

Cook County taxing bodies that have waited months to get their cut of property tax revenues will receive a partial payment in the coming days.

Chicago's Inspector General Deborah Witzburg answers a question during a meeting at City Hall on July 1, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago watchdog asks the public what city programs, offices to scrutinize in 2026

December 26, 2025 at 4:59 p.m.

Potential projects range from probing how the city manages its cash and street sweeping schedule to whether the blue cart recycling program has improved.

Samantha Steele has a cellphone photo taken of her as she lines up early Monday morning, Oct. 27, 2025, at the Cook County clerk’s office to file nominating petitions for the March primary election. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Board of Review hopeful alleges incumbent offered her a job to withdraw

December 23, 2025 at 3:46 p.m.

Samantha Steele’s opponent in the race for the Cook County Board of Review has alleged Steele tried to get her to drop out in exchange for a six-figure job in...

Associate Pastor Joseph L. Morrow, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, center, prays as he stands with other Chicago-area pastors in the lobby of the County Building on Dec. 15, 2025, to demand action to reverse increases in home property taxes. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Cook County property tax troubles trigger school district losses, reform demands

December 22, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Cook County suburban school districts are begging to receive their share of property tax revenues in order to to make payroll.

Mayor Brandon Johnson presides over a City Council meeting about the city’s 2026 spending plan on Dec. 20, 2025, at City Hall in the Loop. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)

Aldermen pass 2026 budget in historic revolt against Mayor Brandon Johnson

December 20, 2025 at 5:42 p.m.

Aldermen passed the final part of a counterproposal to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget on Saturday, redrawing the political lines at City Hall and further imperiling his progressive agenda.

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