Madigan will see plenty of corrupt Illinois cronies during 7.5 years in federal pen
Madigan will see plenty of corrupt Illinois cronies during 7.5 years in federal pen
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will face 7.5 years in prison for a bribery scheme involving the state’s largest utility company. When it comes to public corruption, he’s Illinois’ convict of the week.
By Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis
How Illinois political insiders protected Madigan, rewarded themselves
How Illinois political insiders protected Madigan, rewarded themselves
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison but his allies now run the Illinois House and Illinois Democratic Party. The rules he created to run his machine still work for new operators.
By Dylan Sharkey
Gerrymandering: Madigan’s legacy of letting politicians choose their voters
Gerrymandering: Madigan’s legacy of letting politicians choose their voters
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s sentencing to 7.5 years for bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud ends his active role in Illinois politics. But his legacy of gerrymandering will continue to shape Illinois politics long after he’s behind bars.
By Patrick Andriesen
Who in Springfield still owes Mike Madigan for getting elected?
Who in Springfield still owes Mike Madigan for getting elected?
Think former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s influence ended when he resigned or was convicted of bribery? Maybe not. Fifty-seven Illinois General Assembly members who received funds from Madigan’s political committees are still in office.
By Joe Tabor, Jon Josko
Think Illinois spends millions on migrants? Wrong. It spends billions.
Think Illinois spends millions on migrants? Wrong. It spends billions.
Illinois will have spent over $2.5 billion on migrant care by the end of 2025. Costs have shattered projections and left taxpayers poorer.
By Ravi Mishra
Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.
Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.
As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker positions himself as the foil to President Donald Trump, a look at his record as governor is telling. What it is telling is not good.
By Paul Vallas
Too much local government makes Illinois inefficient, raises property taxes
Too much local government makes Illinois inefficient, raises property taxes
Illinois is the most inefficient state in the Midwest and the 14th-most inefficient in the country. That’s driven in part by excessive units of local government – more than in any other state. High property taxes are one result.
By Chris Coffey
Illinois townships vote to fix pensions, gerrymandering and unfunded mandates
Illinois townships vote to fix pensions, gerrymandering and unfunded mandates
Illinois townships are sounding the alarm on the state’s biggest issues. Eight townships voted in support of state lawmakers fixing the state’s pensions crisis, gerrymandering and unfunded mandates.
By Dylan Sharkey
Why is taking a selfie with your ballot illegal in Illinois?
Why is taking a selfie with your ballot illegal in Illinois?
Sharing your civic duty on Instagram or Facebook could mean jail time. Snapping a picture with your ballot and sharing it is a felony in Illinois.
By Dylan Sharkey
5 bills to push back against Illinois’ culture of political corruption
5 bills to push back against Illinois’ culture of political corruption
Legislation in the Illinois House would empower inspectors general, restrict lobbying by elected leaders, add protections against conflicts of interest and end last-minute amendments to legislation.
By Joe Tabor
How to vote in your April 1 election
How to vote in your April 1 election
Groceries, schools and public safety are all affected by local elections taking place April 1. Here’s what to know.
By Dylan Sharkey
How to stop unfair elections in Illinois
How to stop unfair elections in Illinois
Some Illinois voters April 1 will tell state lawmakers what to do about some of the state’s most pressing problems. One of the issues is the process of deciding legislative and congressional districts. Here’s what to know about gerrymandering.
By Dylan Sharkey