A watchdog has accused Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough of running an “illegal patronage” operation, and is calling for federal oversight of her office.

Government employees under Madigan’s watch were made to feel accountable to lobbyists, political campaign staff and other outside interests. Not the public.

Tackling Illinois corruption isn’t just a moral imperative. It’s a financial necessity.

Further details are emerging in the wake of May raids on longtime allies of Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.

With support for fair maps in the Illinois General Assembly, a hungry electorate and a national conversation on gerrymandering, is the Land of Lincoln finally ready to change its own backwards mapmaking?

Many things have changed in state government during the past 36 years. Madigan has held constant.

The longtime speaker has held the gavel for 34 of the past 36 years, and maintains procedural powers unheard of in other states.

After sweeping victories for Illinois Democrats in November, Mike Madigan is all but assured an 18th term as speaker of the House of Representatives when new members are sworn in Jan. 9. Madigan has already broken the record for longest-serving state legislative speaker in U.S. history.