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.

Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, the Finance Committee chair, walks toward the front following a call for adjournment, minutes after the start of the meeting of the City Council at City Hall on Dec. 16, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Aldermen turn to bag tax, ads on bridge houses to try to balance budget

December 16, 2025 at 5:46 p.m.

The City Council group released plans to close a $42 million 2026 budget gap created by them removing a garbage fee increase from their package and restoring youth job funding.

George Cardenas, center, commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review, talks about property tax appeals at a news conference in Chicago on Dec. 4, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

George Cardenas’ spot likely safe on March primary ballots

December 15, 2025 at 6:03 p.m.

Political veteran George Cardenas has likely won his way back on the March Democratic primary ballot after resurrecting hundreds of petition signatures.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle carries nominating petitions Oct. 27, 2025, at the county clerk’s Office for the March primary election. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Report: Cook County should revamp property tax breaks for businesses

December 12, 2025 at 12:31 p.m.

Cook County’s system to give property tax breaks to businesses is set to expire in two years, and Board President Toni Preckwinkle is looking to revamp the program.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, right, greets people arriving at the treasurer's office at Chicago City Hall Nov. 20, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Federal judge rules Cook County tax sale system unconstitutional

December 10, 2025 at 2:13 p.m.

After a group of homeowners filed suit claiming Cook County's tax sale process robbed them of home equity, a federal judge has ruled the current system unconstitutional.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas talks with media following a news conference in Chicago on Dec. 4, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Political veteran George Cardenas fighting to stay on March primary ballot

December 8, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas is fighting to prove he has enough valid petition signatures to make it on the March Democratic primary ballot.

Members of the Cook County Board of Review, Commissioners Larry Rogers Jr., speaks as George Cardenas leans over to listen to Chief Deputy Commissioner William O’Shields during an announcement of reopening previously closed townships for property tax appeals at the Cook County Board of Review offices in Chicago, Dec. 4, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Cook County property taxpayers get another shot at appeals

December 4, 2025 at 5:14 p.m.

Citing this year’s record property tax hikes, the Cook County Board of Review is giving taxpayers another brief shot at knocking down their bills for next year.

Timnetra Burruss, left, and Patrick Hynes, both candidates for Cook County assessor, bump fists during the Cook County Democratic Party primary slating at the IBEW hall on July 17, 2025, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Federation of Labor backs Pat Hynes over Fritz Kaegi for Cook County assessor

December 3, 2025 at 4:45 p.m.

The Chicago Federation of Labor announced its endorsement of Pat Hynes and other Cook County candidates in a Wednesday morning release.

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi attends the American Legion Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025, at Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Who’s to blame for this year’s property tax bills? Finger-pointing and opportunism abound.

December 1, 2025 at 5:38 p.m.

Within days, the metastasizing debate over who was responsible for the rising tax burden collided with deepening ideological rifts in Chicago and Cook County.

April Verrett, president of Service Employees International Union, speaks at a large rally at Chicago's Daley Plaza at a "Hands Off" protest and march on April 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

‘Fracture’ in Chicago’s labor world complicates Mayor Brandon Johnson’s third budget fight

November 24, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

The labor fight has implications for the whole city, with billions of dollars in property taxes and other money from residents' pockets in play for the 2026 budget.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle arrives for a board meeting before the vote on the 2026 budget proposal on Nov. 20, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Cook County budget for 2026 holds line on taxes and fees, prepares for federal cuts

November 20, 2025 at 5:51 p.m.

Like the last several years, the 2026 budget does not include any layoffs or new taxes, fines or fees. The county has not raised its base property tax levy in...

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