Hundreds of demonstrators who feel Taxed Enough Already turned up to Daley Plaza yesterday to express their discontent with taxes, big government and other assorted socialist encroachments on America. Steve Stevlic, coordinator for the Chicago Tea Party organized the rally, which featured Tea Party darling Joe Walsh (R-IL) (who leads freshmen Illinois congressmen in fundraising) among other mostly politically right leaning politicians and pundits. more ›

With the video of Champaign mayor Jerry Schweighart expressing his skepticism regarding President Obama's citizenship status making the rounds this weekend, reactions are starting to roll in. Champaign-Urbana's Smiling Politely caught up with John O'Connor, the University of Illinois grad student who shot the controversial video and claimed he hadn't set out to bait Schweighart into saying anything controversial. more ›

Amidst the usual claims at Tea Party rallies on Thursday that President Obama was both a Socialist and a Marxist, the Birther conspiracy raised its ugly head once again. In an interview conducted during a Tax Day Tea Party and posted on the internet, Champaign mayor Jerry Schweighart expressed doubt about President Obama's citizenship, saying, "I don't think he's American, personally." more ›

Yesterday was, of course, Tax Day, the deadline for us to settle up our taxes with the government. But it's also the day on which the new Tea Party movement has chosen to hold rallies and protests against having a black president high taxes, government spending, and healthcare reform (we - and our pal Eric Zorn - think). While protests and rallies were held across the country, the Chicago rally was held in Daley Plaza, attracting a crowd estimated at over 1,500. Local political figures, including Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica, local Congressional candidate Joe Pollak, and former gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski were in attendance to support the Tea Partiers. more ›

As if you don't have enough reminders, today is April 15 aka Tax Day. And, protests aside, the big concern today for all you last-minute filers is the post office, right? Lucky for you, as always, some local post offices will be open 'til midnight to ensure you get your taxes postmarked on time. The U.S. Postal Service answers a few questions you may have about mailing off your tax returns and three area post offices will be open late to help you out: more ›

Tomorrow's Tax Day and with it comes Chicago's very own Tea Party. At noon at Daley Plaza, the Tea Party Patriots Chicago will launch their second-annual demonstration under the theme of "Repeal It. Replace Congress," while featuring "national known speakers, local liberty leaders and regular Americans" in addition to some live rock, blues and country music. Last year's Tax Day rally drew hundreds of demonstrators to the Loop, including the man pictured, in addition to many suburban protesters in Naperville. more ›

The economy may still suck, but it's been a banner year for restaurants, bars and their PR firms. At least from a marketing perspective. They've been able to smoothly segue from offering "economic stimulus" packages to "tax day relief" specials. To be fair, some of the offers are pretty damn good. Following is a list of some of the better deals around tomorrow for you to dole out what cash you didn't send to the IRS. more ›

Remember CNBC's Rick Santelli's now-legendary rant against President Obama's stimulus package? It called for a Chicago Tea Party in July. Never ones to sit on their haunches, however, those agreeing with Santelli got an early jump on a protest, demonstrating back in February and have already scheduled another protest for tomorrow's more appropriate tax deadline. While there will be many protests held throughout the state, the Chicago protest will happen tomorrow at high noon at the Kluczynski Federal Building Plaza - conveniently right next to the post office where you can mail your taxes! more ›

As if you needed reminding, it's Tax Day, one of the more stressful times of the year, especially with the economy in the toilet. But maybe you're lucky enough to get a half-decent refund from the Federal Government this year and feel like treating yourself to something nice. more ›