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Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law

By Chris Lentino

09/21/2018

A class-action lawsuit claims Chicago’s red-light camera program fails to provide ticketed motorists with information required by state law.

TAGS: Chicago, corruption, Rahm Emanuel, red light cameras

Illinois development authority ends payments to official’s side business following Institute investigation

By Austin Berg

09/17/2018

Lax oversight of Illinois’ little-known regional development authorities has led to questionable business arrangements with one official in particular.

TAGS: Andrew Hamilton, Bruce Rauner, regional development authorities, taxes

2 Chicago police officers accepted $13K in bribes in alleged ‘kickback’ scheme

By Vincent Caruso

09/10/2018

The officers are facing federal charges for their alleged role in a kickback scheme involving an attorney referral service seeking information on traffic crashes.

TAGS: bribery, Chicago, corruption, CPD: Chicago Police Department

Did your state representative take Madigan money?

By Chris Lentino, Austin Berg

09/05/2018

Campaign finance records reveal more than 60 sitting state representatives have received nearly $15 million from the state’s most powerful politician over the course of their careers. In turn, they often give him one of the most important votes he needs to maintain power: the vote for speaker of the House.

TAGS: Carol Sente, Deb Conroy, Fred Crespo, Kathleen Willis, Katie Stuart, Marty Moylan, Michelle Mussman, Mike Madigan, Sam Yingling, Stephanie Kifowit, Sue Scherer

Chicago mayoral term limits small step closer to reality

By Joe Kaiser

09/05/2018

A group led by former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is one step closer to getting a binding referendum question on the November ballot that would place term limits on the mayor of Chicago.

TAGS: Chicago, mayor, Pat Quinn, Rahm Emanuel, term limits

Rauner vetoes Lake County assessor bill

By Mindy Ruckman, Austin Berg

08/31/2018

Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a measure that would let Lake County voters elect an assessor, suggesting that it apply to all counties instead.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Lake County, local government consolidation, municipal pensions, pensions, property taxes, taxes

Niles school district employee receives extra $66K in payroll error, only required to pay back half

By Joe Barnas

08/31/2018

Due to a payroll error, a part-time school library worker was overpaid $66,000 over five years, but will only be required to pay back half that amount under a settlement agreement between the school district, the employee and her union.

TAGS: Niles Township High School District 219, property taxes, school district consolidation

Rauner vetoes smoking ban for Illinoisans under 21

By Vincent Caruso

08/27/2018

Chicago’s legal smoking age of 21 would have been expanded statewide under the proposal.

TAGS: cigarette tax, Dan McConchie, e-cigarettes, e-cigs, Julie Morrison, smoking ban, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Cook County assessor candidate calls for ban on aldermen serving as property tax attorneys

By Vincent Caruso

08/24/2018

The Democratic nominee in the Cook County assessor’s race is voicing support for a ban on city aldermen doubling as property tax appeals attorneys, an arrangement that encourages conflicts of interest.

TAGS: Ed Burke, Fritz Kaegi, Joseph Berrios, Madigan & Getzendanner, Mike Madigan, Patrick Daley Thompson, Patrick O'Connor, property taxes, Toni Preckwinkle

Top 10 recipients of Madigan money

By Austin Berg

08/23/2018

More than 60 sitting state representatives have received money from Madigan over the course of their careers, totaling around $15 million.

TAGS: Carol Sente, Deb Conroy, Fred Crespo, Kathleen Willis, Katie Stuart, Marty Moylan, Michelle Mussman, Mike Madigan, Natalie Manley, Sam Yingling, Stephanie Kifowit, Sue Scherer

Madigan’s rules: How Illinois gives its House speaker power to manipulate and control the legislative process

Illinois Democrats possess oversized power in Springfield. Democrats control both houses of the Illinois General Assembly. Though this majority will not be veto-proof in the 100th General Assembly, whose members will assume office in January 2017, it still allows Democratic politicians to easily pass their party’s legislation through the House and Senate – and to block...

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Good Government

Madigan’s rules: How Illinois gives its House speaker power to manipulate and control the legislative process

Adan and Cynthia Villafranca

Website posting requirements for local governments in Illinois

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students