Democracy depends on giving voters choices, but in Illinois nearly half the seats in the state legislature are filled without giving voters more than one name. A choice of one is no choice.
Illinois’ ‘extreme’ risk of gerrymandering becomes reality through congressional map
The Illinois congressional map proposal released by Democrats has districts that are far from compact, snaking to catch and avoid populations. Republicans label it the ‘Nancy Pelosi Protection Plan.’
Illinois loses 1 seat in Congress, but Republicans may lose 2
A proposed map for new U.S. House districts in Illinois has been making the rounds in Springfield. Republicans stand to lose a lot.
Political maps get 23 public hearings in April across Illinois
Illinois House members scheduled public hearings before they try to redraw the maps showing who serves what area in Congress and the Statehouse. How they can legally create a map in June when Census data will not be out until September remains a question.
Illinois police serve search warrant at Madigan’s Springfield office, looking for evidence of sexual assault, battery by former state lawmaker
State police executed the search warrant in an attempt to find evidence of criminal behavior by former Democratic state Rep. Jack Franks.
‘Fair tax’ backer pleads guilty to tax fraud
Former state Sen. Martin Sandoval once headed the powerful Senate Transportation Committee. He now faces up to 13 years in prison on corruption charges involving a controversial red-light camera company.
Feds indict champion of Illinois gas tax hike, ‘fair tax’ on tax fraud and bribery
The former chair of the influential Senate Transportation Committee is the fourth Illinois politician indicted on federal charges amid a sweeping FBI probe.
Madigan celebrates 35th anniversary as Illinois House speaker
Illinoisans will soon cast a vote on the biggest ballot question in the history of Madigan’s record-breaking speakership.
Madigan confidant used state worker’s silence on rape to prove political loyalty
Silence on a rape and about ghost workers were evidence of political loyalty that should save a state worker facing discipline, according to an email uncovered in an open records request.
Feds investigating former Cook County assessor, Madigan rainmaker Joe Berrios
The probe potentially opens up a new front in authorities’ investigation of House Speaker Mike Madigan: the property tax appeals game from which he has made millions.