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
Illinois becomes 1st state in Midwest to raise tobacco age to 21
Illinois becomes 1st state in Midwest to raise tobacco age to 21
A new state law prohibits Illinois store owners from selling tobacco products and e-cigarettes to residents under the age of 21.
Illinois one of few states limiting freedom to choose fireworks on Independence Day
Illinois one of few states limiting freedom to choose fireworks on Independence Day
Illinois residents are denied the legal celebration of at least one freedom on July 4, but take their fireworks dollars to every border state to ignore the law.
The time is ripe for Illinois to end gerrymandering
The time is ripe for Illinois to end gerrymandering
With support for fair maps in the Illinois General Assembly, a hungry electorate and a national conversation on gerrymandering, is the Land of Lincoln finally ready to change its own backwards mapmaking?
By Austin Berg
Report: IDOT workers abused parking for White Sox games
Report: IDOT workers abused parking for White Sox games
While ordinary fans paid up to $20 for parking at Chicago White Sox games, a recent report shows Illinois Department of Transportation employees offered free parking at a nearby state facility to special contacts.
Former Ald. Willie Cochran sentenced to 1 year in prison
Former Ald. Willie Cochran sentenced to 1 year in prison
A federal court sentenced former Chicago Ald. Willie Cochran to one year in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.