Corruption Watch
Corruption Watch
October’s headlines featured backroom deals and financial mismanagement, all at taxpayers’ expense.
Group that blocked independent redistricting reform contributed $6.6M to Madigan-controlled political organizations
Group that blocked independent redistricting reform contributed $6.6M to Madigan-controlled political organizations
Since 1994, members of The People’s Map — which sued to keep a legislative map reform amendment off Illinois’ November ballot — and their employers have given over $6.6 million to Friends of Michael J. Madigan, the Democratic Majority and the Democratic Party of Illinois, which House Speaker Mike Madigan chairs.
Members of the Illinois House of Representatives who give Madigan ultimate power
Members of the Illinois House of Representatives who give Madigan ultimate power
Illinoisans don’t vote to make Madigan the speaker of the House. That job belongs to their representatives.
‘Lockbox’ question an insult to Illinois voters
‘Lockbox’ question an insult to Illinois voters
The flexibility to use these large, transportation-related revenue sources for other emergencies is crucial.
Chicago politicians angry over losing World Series ticket perk
Chicago politicians angry over losing World Series ticket perk
A new ethics ruling prohibits aldermen from getting World Series tickets at face value — a perk not afforded to most of the public.
The cost of crossing Madigan
The cost of crossing Madigan
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s election to the speaker position in 16 of the last 17 legislative sessions is a testament to the loyalty he demands from his Democratic colleagues.
Leaked Clinton emails display Madigan’s power ahead of documentary release
Leaked Clinton emails display Madigan’s power ahead of documentary release
Madigan rules Illinois with an iron grip. And failure to follow through on a favor can come with dire consequences.
Chicago alderman wants to limit trick-or-treating due to creepy clowns
Chicago alderman wants to limit trick-or-treating due to creepy clowns
Despite the city’s impending teachers strike, unaffordable pension debt and declining population, a Chicago alderman warns against late night trick-or-treating for fear of clowns.
The Illinoisans who vote for Madigan
The Illinoisans who vote for Madigan
Just as Illinoisans elect state representatives, state representatives elect the speaker of the House every two years. To become the speaker, Madigan just needs a majority vote.
Madigan’s army: Power through patronage
Madigan’s army: Power through patronage
Illinoisans have the lowest trust in state government of any state in the nation.
Rauner lays off final 29 patronage hires made by previous governors
Rauner lays off final 29 patronage hires made by previous governors
Gov. Bruce Rauner has laid off dozens of workers at a state agency, all political hires under previous governors.
Illinois Supreme Court strikes down remap referendum
Illinois Supreme Court strikes down remap referendum
The Illinois Supreme Court affirmed an earlier decision keeping the legislative mapmaking process in political hands.
Why Madigan wants the map
Why Madigan wants the map
Illinois politicians love to be involved in choosing their voters, especially Madigan.
July corruption watch
July corruption watch
Chicago leads the way in numerous corruption headlines yet again.