FBI raids office of powerful Chicago Ald. Ed Burke
FBI raids office of powerful Chicago Ald. Ed Burke
Burke has served on the Chicago City Council for nearly 50 years, and has long been the subject of ethical complaints from government watchdogs.
Illinois keeps 18 as legal age to buy smokes
Illinois keeps 18 as legal age to buy smokes
After narrowly clearing the Senate, the Illinois House of Representatives failed to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of a bill to make 21 the legal age to buy tobacco.
Bipartisan anti-corruption bill bottled up in Illinois Senate
Bipartisan anti-corruption bill bottled up in Illinois Senate
After unanimous approval from the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate has remained conspicuously silent on a bill meant to address one man’s dominance of a little-known network of government authorities.
Senate narrowly overrides Rauner ‘Tobacco 21’ veto
Senate narrowly overrides Rauner ‘Tobacco 21’ veto
A bill that would raise the legal age to 21 for purchasing tobacco and e-cigarette products will return to the Illinois House of Representatives after Senate lawmakers overrode Gov. Rauner’s veto.
Illinois looks for leadership, but familiar faces remain
Illinois looks for leadership, but familiar faces remain
It’s understandable that Illinoisans complain about longstanding “Democrat rule” in the state legislature. But the real problem might be more about personnel than partisanship.
Incoming Illinois House Democrat calls for ‘no’ vote on Madigan for speaker
Incoming Illinois House Democrat calls for ‘no’ vote on Madigan for speaker
Illinois House Rep.-elect Anne Stava-Murray is making an unprecedented call to dump the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history.
Nearly half of Illinois House candidates face no opponent
Nearly half of Illinois House candidates face no opponent
House Speaker Mike Madigan has drawn Illinois’ legislative maps for three of the past four decades.
Theft, solicitation of bribes among misconduct in Chicago inspector general’s report
Theft, solicitation of bribes among misconduct in Chicago inspector general’s report
Chicago’s inspector general unveiled a litany of misconduct by city employees and contractors.
Who votes for Mike Madigan?
Who votes for Mike Madigan?
The speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives remains a key campaign issue despite national headlines.
Rauner issues executive orders banning nepotism in state hires, eliminating 53 inactive state boards
Rauner issues executive orders banning nepotism in state hires, eliminating 53 inactive state boards
The governor issued a pair of executive orders aimed at improving ethics and efficiency in state government.
Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law
Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law
A class-action lawsuit claims Chicago’s red-light camera program fails to provide ticketed motorists with information required by state law.
Illinois development authority ends payments to official’s side business following Institute investigation
Illinois development authority ends payments to official’s side business following Institute investigation
Lax oversight of Illinois’ little-known regional development authorities has led to questionable business arrangements with one official in particular.
2 Chicago police officers accepted $13K in bribes in alleged ‘kickback’ scheme
2 Chicago police officers accepted $13K in bribes in alleged ‘kickback’ scheme
The officers are facing federal charges for their alleged role in a kickback scheme involving an attorney referral service seeking information on traffic crashes.
Did your state representative take Madigan money?
Did your state representative take Madigan money?
Campaign finance records reveal more than 60 sitting state representatives have received nearly $15 million from the state’s most powerful politician over the course of their careers. In turn, they often give him one of the most important votes he needs to maintain power: the vote for speaker of the House.