Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax

August 19, 2025/

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax

Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries.

Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker approved the elimination of the 1% state grocery tax, effective January 1, 2026, hundreds of Illinois municipalities have approved similar taxes to replace the revenue.

The Arlington Heights board also approved a 5% streaming tax.

Man pleads to exploiting senior

An Effingham County man has pleaded guilty to several charges after he was accused of exploiting an elder out of more than $338,000.

U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said Edward L. Stief, 42, posed as a trusted helper and offered lawn care services to gain the victim’s trust. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 2 at the federal courthouse in Benton.

Kankakee County drug arrest

A Texas man is facing felony drug trafficking charges after he was stopped by Illinois State Police in Kankakee County. ISP says a trooper’s safety inspection led to the recovery of 15 kilo bundles, or about 40 pounds, of suspected cocaine on Interstate 57 in Chebanse last Saturday. Dwayne B. Cook, 63, is charged with controlled substance trafficking and intent to deliver a controlled substance.

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