Illinois’ political machine is still humming
Illinois’ political machine is still humming
Madigan, Martwick and Mautino are cogs in a well-oiled political machine that continues to enrich Illinois' political class at the expense of taxpayers.
Martwick, property tax lawyer, fails to disclose political cash
Martwick, property tax lawyer, fails to disclose political cash
State Rep. Robert Martwick blamed “poorly written” ethics laws for his failure to disclose income from political consulting work.
Chicago to reach $38M settlement over red-light camera tickets
Chicago to reach $38M settlement over red-light camera tickets
The proposed settlement would cost Chicago $38.75 million, with $26.75 being paid out in refunds and $12 million written off for those who never paid their tickets.
Illinois Republicans abandon term limits
Illinois Republicans abandon term limits
Term limits were once a key component of GOP plans to dismantle Illinois’ corrupt political machine, but Republicans in Springfield have thrown in the towel on this reform.
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno resigns
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno resigns
The longtime lawmaker from Lemont, Illinois, will step down in the wake of the Senate’s failed “grand bargain.”
Northern Illinois University president to receive $600K severance package amid patronage scandal
Northern Illinois University president to receive $600K severance package amid patronage scandal
Administrative costs at Illinois universities have spun out of control. The latest example comes as the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees voted to approve a $600,000 golden parachute for President Doug Baker.
Constitutional amendment term limiting legislative leaders advances
Constitutional amendment term limiting legislative leaders advances
A bill that would apply term limits to legislative leaders in the Illinois House and Senate cleared a major hurdle May 19, and is scheduled for a second reading May 22.
Bill to honor Barack Obama’s birthday headed to Gov. Rauner
Bill to honor Barack Obama’s birthday headed to Gov. Rauner
Illinois Senate Bill 55 would observe former President Barack Obama’s Aug. 4 birthday, but keep state facilities open.
Lisa Madigan seeks record-breaking 5th term as Illinois attorney general
Lisa Madigan seeks record-breaking 5th term as Illinois attorney general
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan will look to extend her record as the longest-serving attorney general in Illinois history. Her father, Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, has remained the state’s most powerful state legislative leader throughout her tenure.
Mautino committee fined $5K for campaign finance disclosure violations
Mautino committee fined $5K for campaign finance disclosure violations
The Illinois State Board of Elections cast a tie vote on whether to refer to the Illinois attorney general or LaSalle County state’s attorney the disclosure violations case regarding Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino’s previous campaign funds.
High-ranking official in secretary of state’s office under investigation
High-ranking official in secretary of state’s office under investigation
The details of an investigation into Candace Wanzo, an official in the Illinois secretary of state’s office, are not yet known, but she pleaded guilty to embezzlement before working for the secretary of state’s office.
Frank Mautino and the arrogance of Illinois’ political insiders
Frank Mautino and the arrogance of Illinois’ political insiders
State agencies have paid more than $270,000 to Mautino Distributing Company – most of it after Madigan brought Mautino into a leadership role in 2009.
Federal investigation exposes Madigan patronage
Federal investigation exposes Madigan patronage
With House Speaker Mike Madigan’s longevity comes a patronage army paid with public dollars.
New bill would identify Illinois lawmakers who haven’t filed tax returns
New bill would identify Illinois lawmakers who haven’t filed tax returns
Illinois House Bill 4039 would reveal publicly the names of state lawmakers who haven’t filed their state tax returns.