Community Corner

Can We Stop Public Employees from Retiring and Getting Rehired?

One lawmaker tries to curb the "second-career subsidy" common in government work. Plus Chicago's financial Armageddon and the most-taxed counties in Illinois.

GOLDEN YEARS When someone "retires" at age 55, they generally don't "retire." They embark on a second career. There's an effort afoot, spearheaded by State Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, to restrict the pensions public employees can collect if they do this. More here.

CHICAGO DOOM 2015 will be the year of financial Armageddon for Chicago if it doesn't get pension relief from Springfield. We map out the scale of the city's pension problem, which could force a doubling of property taxes, in today's infographic.

TAX LIST Our list of the day comes courtesy of the Brookings Institute, which compiled the top per capita income tax paid by county. We've got Illinois' Top 12. You'll be surprised at some counties that made it. The list is here.

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

TWITTER KING If Twitter followers were votes and the election was today, one candidate would be celebrating a landslide victory. We break down the Twitter numbers in this interactive graphic.

ADM IN ILL Archer Daniels Midland didn't get any tax breaks, but will keep its corporate headquarters in Illinois. Illinois probably won't be so lucky with a new Boeing plant. More here.

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

TOP 5 Here's a look at headlines from around Illinois today:

  • 5. The state is moving to fire a prison official after his criminal history was revealed. (Chicago Sun-Times)
    4. Experts are calling Illinois’ chance to land Boeing’s new manufacturing facility not very strong. (Associated Press)
    3. Opinion: Illinois’ taxes make it a tough state to do business in. (Morris Daily Herald)
    2. Despite being unable to receive the tax breaks it sought, Archer Daniels Midland announced it would keep its headquarters in Illinois, moving to Chicago. (Chicago Tribune)
    1. A report details a “toxic” environment at the Regional Transportation Authority involving Michael Madigan’s son-in-law. (Daily Herald)
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