Madigan will see plenty of corrupt Illinois cronies during 7.5 years in federal pen

By Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis

06/13/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will face 7.5 years in prison for a bribery scheme involving the state’s largest utility company. When it comes to public corruption, he’s Illinois’ convict of the week.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

How Illinois political insiders protected Madigan, rewarded themselves

By Dylan Sharkey

06/13/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison but his allies now run the Illinois House and Illinois Democratic Party. The rules he created to run his machine still work for new operators.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Gerrymandering: Madigan’s legacy of letting politicians choose their voters

By Patrick Andriesen

06/13/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s sentencing to 7.5 years for bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud ends his active role in Illinois politics. But his legacy of gerrymandering will continue to shape Illinois politics long after he’s behind bars.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Who in Springfield still owes Mike Madigan for getting elected?

By Joe Tabor, Jon Josko

06/12/2025

Think former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s influence ended when he resigned or was convicted of bribery? Maybe not. Fifty-seven Illinois General Assembly members who received funds from Madigan’s political committees are still in office.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

5 bills to push back against Illinois’ culture of political corruption

By Joe Tabor

03/13/2025

Legislation in the Illinois House would empower inspectors general, restrict lobbying by elected leaders, add protections against conflicts of interest and end last-minute amendments to legislation.

TAGS: corruption, Mike Madigan

Felon Madigan should repay taxpayers nearly $600K for public pension

02/13/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan was convicted of misusing his public office for his own power and profit. Not only should his public pension be halted, he should repay the nearly $600,000 taxpayers already paid the felon.

TAGS: corruption, Mike Madigan, pensions

Former Illinois House Speaker Madigan guilty of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud

By Dylan Sharkey

02/12/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was convicted of using his office to run an illegal enterprise. Madigan was the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history.

TAGS: corruption, Mike Madigan

Madigan collects $158K while facing federal corruption trial in Chicago

By Patrick Andriesen

01/29/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan collected a pension worth $158,000 in 2024 while facing a federal corruption trial in Chicago. Depending on the verdict, taxpayers could be on the hook for another $1 million to cover his remaining benefits.

TAGS: Mike Madigan, pensions

Amendment would allow Illinoisans to recall state leaders, local politicians

By Dylan Sharkey

01/22/2025

Illinoisans would have the chance to recall state and local politicians under a proposal in Springfield.

TAGS: corruption, Mike Madigan

Mapes corruption conviction again shows need for 4 Illinois ethics reforms

By Joe Tabor

08/26/2023

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s former chief of staff and confidant was found guilty of perjury. His conviction is a reminder Springfield has a long way to go on ethics reform.

TAGS: Mike Madigan, Tim Mapes

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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