New bill would even the playing field for third-party and independent candidates
New bill would even the playing field for third-party and independent candidates
Senate Bill 63 would make signature requirements to get on the ballot uniform for all candidates.
By Brendan Bakala
Calumet City aldermen and state representative Thaddeus Jones accused of exploiting campaign funds
Calumet City aldermen and state representative Thaddeus Jones accused of exploiting campaign funds
The Illinois State Board of Elections is accusing state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, who is now running for mayor of Calumet City, of misusing thousands of dollars of campaign funds.
By Brendan Bakala
Illinois Senate passes term limits for legislative leaders
Illinois Senate passes term limits for legislative leaders
The Senate on Inauguration Day took action to limit the power of its legislative leaders. Meanwhile, House Democrats re-elected Mike Madigan as House speaker, ensuring he will become the longest-tenured legislative leader in modern American history.
By Austin Berg
Madigan makes history while Illinois’ middle class races toward extinction
Madigan makes history while Illinois’ middle class races toward extinction
At the end of his term in 2019, Madigan will be the longest-serving House speaker of any state in modern U.S. history.
By Austin Berg
Madigan set to become longest-serving House speaker in modern U.S. history
Madigan set to become longest-serving House speaker in modern U.S. history
Chicago Democrat Mike Madigan will hold the speakership for a record 17th time.
By Austin Berg
New Illinois laws going into effect in 2017
New Illinois laws going into effect in 2017
2017 will usher in more transparency and opportunity in areas from criminal justice to government employee expenses to pensions.
By Brendan Bakala
2016 Corruption Watch: Chicago, East St. Louis take top corruption spots
2016 Corruption Watch: Chicago, East St. Louis take top corruption spots
This year was full of corruption and mismanagement from public officials, but four instances in particular stand out.
What 2017 brings the Illinois General Assembly: Lame duck and the end of Madigan’s supermajority
What 2017 brings the Illinois General Assembly: Lame duck and the end of Madigan’s supermajority
January 2017 will see a new General Assembly, but the lame duck session casts a long shadow over the new legislature.
By Heather Weiner
Springfield 2016: Taxpayer, criminal justice victories amid ongoing budget gridlock
Springfield 2016: Taxpayer, criminal justice victories amid ongoing budget gridlock
Although the battle for the budget drags on, there were several important legislative wins for Illinoisans in 2016 including criminal justice reform, averting tax hikes, and stopping Madigan’s agenda in the lame duck session.
By Ari DeWolf
All I want for Christmas is a new speaker
All I want for Christmas is a new speaker
If Democrats choose Madigan for the 17th time, he will be crowned the longest-serving House speaker in U.S. history.
By Austin Berg
7 public officials arrested in Metro East area on corruption charges
7 public officials arrested in Metro East area on corruption charges
Corruption from several public officials in Metro East underscores the need for more government transparency in the area.
Local corruption hits Chicago, suburbs and downstate communities
Local corruption hits Chicago, suburbs and downstate communities
November was a sad reminder of the corruption at various levels of Illinois government from retired House Speaker Denny Hastert to the small Village of Bellwood.
Madigan nears title of longest-serving House speaker in U.S. history
Madigan nears title of longest-serving House speaker in U.S. history
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan told reporters he has “overwhelming support” to be re-elected to his longtime post come January. Another two-year term would bring his total tenure as speaker of the House to 34 years.
By Austin Berg