Burke steps down from property tax appeals business, Madigan remains
Burke steps down from property tax appeals business, Madigan remains
Ald. Ed Burke has long been criticized for operating a lucrative law business in the politically clouted world of Cook County property tax appeals, a world in which the speaker of the Illinois House of Representative continues to make money.
By Austin Berg
Culture of harassment, bullying in Madigan’s office detailed in probe
Culture of harassment, bullying in Madigan’s office detailed in probe
Government employees under Madigan’s watch were made to feel accountable to lobbyists, political campaign staff and other outside interests. Not the public.
By Austin Berg
Illinois one of 11 states that lets departing lawmakers immediately become lobbyists
Illinois one of 11 states that lets departing lawmakers immediately become lobbyists
“Revolving door” laws are intended to stop state lawmakers from getting private jobs after granting political favors. Illinois is one of the few states that does little to curb the practice.
New law empowers McHenry County voters to consolidate townships
New law empowers McHenry County voters to consolidate townships
A new law relaxes requirements for McHenry County voters looking to dissolve their townships by referendum, clearing a path toward greater efficiency, less waste and lower property taxes.
Pritzker signs good government bill to show taxpayers how much of their property taxes go to developers
Pritzker signs good government bill to show taxpayers how much of their property taxes go to developers
Illinoisans will soon see their property tax bills listing tax increment financing districts and the amounts the districts are absorbing. Debate about the cost versus benefit should follow.
Lightfoot ethics reforms give more teeth to city watchdog, limit outside employment for aldermen
Lightfoot ethics reforms give more teeth to city watchdog, limit outside employment for aldermen
Chicago aldermen will be held to higher ethical standards after approving the new mayor’s proposals to repair Chicago’s well-earned reputation for corruption.
Illinois House bill would let state lawmakers ‘opt out’ of receiving annual raises
Illinois House bill would let state lawmakers ‘opt out’ of receiving annual raises
A proposal in the Illinois House would allow lawmakers to forgo their annual cost-of-living increase in base salary. The move comes after former lawmakers sued for back pay.
By Vincent Caruso
As corruption looms large in Illinois, Pritzker reforms are MIA
As corruption looms large in Illinois, Pritzker reforms are MIA
Tackling Illinois corruption isn’t just a moral imperative. It’s a financial necessity.
By Austin Berg
Feds investigating lobbyist checks cut to fired Madigan political lieutenant
Feds investigating lobbyist checks cut to fired Madigan political lieutenant
Further details are emerging in the wake of May raids on longtime allies of Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.
By Austin Berg
Lightfoot proposes sweeping changes to Chicago’s heavy-handed ticketing, towing scheme
Lightfoot proposes sweeping changes to Chicago’s heavy-handed ticketing, towing scheme
The Chicago mayor unveiled plans to reform the city’s controversial system of handling vehicle violations, which has buried thousands of low-income residents in debt, taken their cars and licenses.
By Vincent Caruso
FBI raids home of Madigan confidant in third search surrounding the speaker
FBI raids home of Madigan confidant in third search surrounding the speaker
Do federal authorities have their sights set on the longest-serving state legislative leader in American history?
By Austin Berg
Feds raid former Chicago alderman’s home in search of Madigan records
Feds raid former Chicago alderman’s home in search of Madigan records
The raid on retired Chicago Ald. Michael Zalewski is the latest indication federal authorities could be building a case against the nation’s longest-serving speaker.
By Austin Berg
Madigan lawyers: ‘Dirty tricks’ alleged in election lawsuit are not a crime
Madigan lawyers: ‘Dirty tricks’ alleged in election lawsuit are not a crime
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan faces allegations of recruiting two “sham candidates” to dilute the Hispanic vote in his 2016 Democratic primary race.
By Austin Berg