Illinois ranks 3rd-to-last in U.S. for state lawsuit climate
Illinois ranks 3rd-to-last in U.S. for state lawsuit climate
Illinois ranked No. 48 of 50 states, and “Chicago or Cook County” was named the nation’s worst local jurisdiction in a survey of executives and attorneys about the fairness and reasonableness of state liability systems.
By Amy Korte
Chicago moves to ban sale of single servings of alcohol after midnight
Chicago moves to ban sale of single servings of alcohol after midnight
The proposal would prohibit retailers from selling single servings of alcohol after midnight in a questionable move to fight panhandling and public intoxication.
By Brendan Bakala
Cook County Board of Review commissioner under investigation for potential ethics violation
Cook County Board of Review commissioner under investigation for potential ethics violation
Ethics officials are petitioning the Cook County Circuit Court to enforce a subpoena seeking information on potential profits obtained by Commissioner Larry Rogers from his law firm’s lawsuits against Cook County government.
By Brendan Bakala
Chicago aldermen fail to attend committee meetings nearly half the time
Chicago aldermen fail to attend committee meetings nearly half the time
Committee meetings are a critical step in the legislative process, yet aldermen skip them almost half the time.
By Chris Lentino
Former Illinois lawmakers powered by energy interests
Former Illinois lawmakers powered by energy interests
No Americans trust their state government less than Illinoisans.
By Austin Berg
Madigan’s rules kill reform efforts
Madigan’s rules kill reform efforts
A post-mortem on Illinois’ 2017 regular legislative session shows missed opportunities for taxpayer savings.
Illinois House Speaker Madigan now the longest-serving state House speaker in U.S. history
Illinois House Speaker Madigan now the longest-serving state House speaker in U.S. history
Madigan has now controlled his chamber as speaker for more than 11,900 days.
By Austin Berg
Madigan calls session on Governor’s Day
Madigan calls session on Governor’s Day
The House speaker’s spokesman claims the session is not a political move.
Madigan breaks record as longest-serving House speaker in modern history
Madigan breaks record as longest-serving House speaker in modern history
The speaker’s prowess for political longevity is unmatched in modern America.
By Austin Berg
Former Cook County assessor’s office employee pleads guilty in bribery scheme
Former Cook County assessor’s office employee pleads guilty in bribery scheme
Unfortunately, exchanging money for lower property tax bills is nothing new at the Cook County assessor’s office.
By Brendan Bakala
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to take up Wisconsin gerrymandering case
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to take up Wisconsin gerrymandering case
Illinois’ election districts heavily dilute suburban vote.
By Marianna Schmiesing
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.
By Austin Berg
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.
By Austin Berg
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.
By John Kristof