Was corruption at the heart of Illinois’ gas tax hike?

By Austin Berg

09/26/2019

The target, state Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago, is as clouted as they come.

TAGS: corruption, FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation, JB Pritzker, John Cullerton, Lori Lightfoot, Martin Sandoval, Mike Madigan

Pritzker wants statewide ban on flavored e-cigarettes

By Vincent Caruso

09/23/2019

Gov. J.B. Pritzker voiced support of some state and local leaders’ efforts to outlaw use of flavored vaping juice amid nationwide alarm over teen e-cigarette use. Outlawing flavored vapes may not be the answer.

TAGS: e-cigarettes, JB Pritzker

Watchdog: Cook County clerk illegally hired political connections

09/14/2019

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

TAGS: Cook County, Cook County Clerk, corruption, Karen Yarbrough, patronage

Bureaucrats over classrooms: Illinois wastes millions of education dollars on unnecessary layers of administration

By Orphe Divounguy, Adam Schuster, Bryce Hill

09/09/2019

Illinoisans pay large sums for public education, yet a large portion of the money goes to Illinois’ bloated school district bureaucracy that diverts resources away from the classroom. Through smart, strategic reforms, Illinoisans can better prepare their youth for the future as well as provide property tax relief.

Appellate judges rule Mautino campaign violated election code, faces more fines

By Brad Weisenstein

08/28/2019

The campaign committee that once backed Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino – a former state lawmaker – violated Illinois election codes, appellate judges ruled.

TAGS: corruption, ethics, Frank Mautino

Judge rules in Madigan’s favor on ‘sham candidate’ lawsuit

By Austin Berg

08/26/2019

Lawyers for Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan argued that even if he did recruit so-called “sham candidates” to siphon votes away from his 2016 primary opponent, such tactics aren’t against the law.

TAGS: election, Jason Gonzales, Kevin Quinn, Mike Madigan, Shaw Decremer

Culture of harassment, bullying in Madigan’s office detailed in probe

By Austin Berg

08/22/2019

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

TAGS: JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, Springfield

Illinois House bill would let state lawmakers ‘opt out’ of receiving annual raises

By Vincent Caruso

07/29/2019

A proposal in the Illinois House would allow lawmakers to forgo their annual cost-of-living increase in base salary. The move comes after former lawmakers sued for back pay.

Lightfoot proposes sweeping changes to Chicago’s heavy-handed ticketing, towing scheme

By Vincent Caruso

07/25/2019

The Chicago mayor unveiled plans to reform the city’s controversial system of handling vehicle violations, which has buried thousands of low-income residents in debt, taken their cars and licenses.

TAGS: Chicago, Chicago City Council, Lori Lightfoot, ticket quotas

Madigan lawyers: ‘Dirty tricks’ alleged in election lawsuit are not a crime

By Austin Berg

07/12/2019

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan faces allegations of recruiting two “sham candidates” to dilute the Hispanic vote in his 2016 Democratic primary race.

TAGS: Grasiela Rodriguez, Jason Gonzales, JB Pritzker, Joe Barboza, Mike Madigan

Illinois House of Representatives

Was corruption at the heart of Illinois’ gas tax hike?

Pritzker wants statewide ban on flavored e-cigarettes

Watchdog: Cook County clerk illegally hired political connections

Bureaucrats over classrooms: Illinois wastes millions of education dollars on unnecessary layers of administration

Appellate judges rule Mautino campaign violated election code, faces more fines

Judge rules in Madigan’s favor on ‘sham candidate’ lawsuit

Culture of harassment, bullying in Madigan’s office detailed in probe

Illinois House bill would let state lawmakers ‘opt out’ of receiving annual raises

Lightfoot proposes sweeping changes to Chicago’s heavy-handed ticketing, towing scheme

Madigan lawyers: ‘Dirty tricks’ alleged in election lawsuit are not a crime

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

Report Archive

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