FBI asking about Madigan money, political clout in corruption investigation

By Austin Berg

12/06/2019

There is little doubt the FBI is targeting the longtime House speaker and Democratic political boss in their sweeping investigation of Illinois corruption.

TAGS: ComEd, Commonwealth Edison, corruption, Democratic Party, ethics, fair maps, fair tax, FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation, federal investigation, gerrymandering, house rules, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, independent maps, lawmakers, Mike Madigan, revolving door, rules committee, Springfield, watchdog

Look past the faces of Illinois corruption to see the larger problem

By Amy Korte

12/02/2019

Focus too much on single aspects of Illinois corruption and the big picture will be lost, along with chances to fix the problems.

TAGS: Chicago, ComEd, corruption, Danny Solis, Ed Burke, ethics, ethics task force, federal investigation, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, lawmakers, leadership, Legislative Inspector General, lobbying, Luis Arroyo, Martin Sandoval, revolving door, Rod Blagojevich, watchdog

Illinois bill would slow transition from lawmaker to lobbyist

By Joe Tabor

11/26/2019

Most states require a wait before lawmakers become lobbyists. Recent federal probes point out the need for Illinois to do the same.

TAGS: cooling off period, corruption, Florida, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, Kansas, lawmakers, lobbying, Michigan, revolving door, Springfield

Former City Colleges of Chicago leader charged in $350K kickback scheme

11/25/2019

Contracts went to relatives, associates of former vice chancellor in exchange for kickbacks, charges state. Some contracts required no work.

TAGS: Chicago City College, corruption, debt, graduation rate, Juan Salgado, no-bid contracts, Rahm Emanuel, Sharod Gordon

Leaked emails from federal investigation reveal Madigan as ‘Himself’

By Austin Berg

11/21/2019

Federal authorities have obtained phone calls and emails from a key member of Madigan's political inner circle. Now that information is leaking.

TAGS: #metoo, Chicago Tribune, ComEd, corruption, Democratic Party, federal investigation, Illinois, Illinois House of Representatives, Kevin Quinn, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain, sexual harrassment

Senate President John Cullerton announces retirement amid sweeping Illinois corruption probe

By Austin Berg

11/14/2019

Cullerton and House Speaker Mike Madigan have held office in the Illinois General Assembly for nearly 90 years combined.

TAGS: corruption, FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation, federal, GARS: General Assembly Retirement System, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois House of Representatives, Illinois Senate, investigation, John Cullerton, pension spiking, pensions, Springfield

With corruption accelerating, slam the brakes on Illinois red-light cameras

By Austin Berg

11/14/2019

Whether or not they’re proven to be part of the state’s culture of corruption, Illinois should bring red-light camera programs to a full stop.

TAGS: corruption, Martin Sandoval, red light cameras, SafeSpeed

FBI wiretapped cellphone of close Madigan confidant

By Austin Berg

11/13/2019

The FBI wiretap of Mike McClain's phone is an indication authorities could be looking into criminal activity between House Speaker Mike Madigan and utility giant ComEd.

TAGS: ComEd, corruption, Martin Sandoval, Michael McClain, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain

Recent FBI raids on Illinois politician a reminder of $9.9B ‘corruption tax’

By Bryce Hill

11/12/2019

As more Illinois politicians face federal corruption indictments, Illinoisans are reminded that lawmakers’ misdeeds come with a steep price tag.

TAGS: corruption, FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation, taxes

Illinois state senator on ethics committee allegedly filed false income tax return

11/07/2019

Sources have identified state Sen. Terry Link as the FBI’s witness in their investigation into former state Rep. Luis Arroyo. Tax troubles may have led to Link’s cooperation.

TAGS: corruption, FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation, income tax, Luis Arroyo, taxes, Terry Link

corruption

FBI asking about Madigan money, political clout in corruption investigation

Look past the faces of Illinois corruption to see the larger problem

Illinois bill would slow transition from lawmaker to lobbyist

Former City Colleges of Chicago leader charged in $350K kickback scheme

Leaked emails from federal investigation reveal Madigan as ‘Himself’

Senate President John Cullerton announces retirement amid sweeping Illinois corruption probe

With corruption accelerating, slam the brakes on Illinois red-light cameras

FBI wiretapped cellphone of close Madigan confidant

Recent FBI raids on Illinois politician a reminder of $9.9B ‘corruption tax’

Illinois state senator on ethics committee allegedly filed false income tax return

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students