Federal investigation exposes Madigan patronage

By Austin Berg

04/27/2017

With House Speaker Mike Madigan’s longevity comes a patronage army paid with public dollars.

TAGS: corruption, Frank Mautino, Metra, Mike Madigan, patronage, Richard Daley, Rod Blagojevich

Illinois has highest combined sales tax burden in Midwest, seventh-highest in U.S.

By Brendan Bakala

02/02/2017

Illinois politicians burden the state’s residents with the highest combined state and average local sales tax rate in the Midwest, along with numerous other taxes and fees.

TAGS: sales tax, taxes

Metra fare hikes to take effect in February

By Brendan Bakala

01/31/2017

Metra’s plans to raise fares go into effect February, hurting commuters and failing to raise enough for stated capital needs.

TAGS: Metra, transportation

Metra CEO gets $28,000 raise after fares go up

By Brendan Bakala

12/15/2016

Metra CEO Don Orseno is set to receive a pay increase a month after Metra’s fare hike.

TAGS: Metra, transportation

Metra votes to hike fares on commuters again in 2017 budget

11/11/2016

The commuter train service’s board approved rate hikes for the third time in as many years, making it costlier to get to and from Chicago.

TAGS: Chicago, Metra, transportation

Madigan’s army: Power through patronage

By Austin Berg

09/29/2016

Illinoisans have the lowest trust in state government of any state in the nation.

TAGS: corruption, good government, Mike Madigan, patronage

How the Liberty Justice Center fought for freedom in 2015

12/29/2015

From challenging the forced unionization of home caregivers and day care providers to suing to stop Chicago from collecting a “Netflix tax,” the Liberty Justice Center has fought for its clients’ constitutional rights and against illegal taxation.

Illinois Corruption Watch: November 2015

12/14/2015

November saw Chicago’s City Council let the term of the legislative inspector general, who is tasked with overseeing City Council, expire without hiring a replacement, as well as several other instances of breach of public trust and influence peddling around the state.

TAGS: corruption

Perfect storm: Metra threatens line closures as Chicago mulls ‘congestion tax’ for commuters

By Hilary Gowins, Darlene Senger

09/23/2015

A federal mandate threatens to shut down Metra lines while Rahm’s ‘congestion tax’ would make it costlier for commuters to drive into the city.

TAGS: Chicago, congestion tax, Metra, transportation

Driverless trains: Why does Chicago lag behind London?

08/17/2015

Driverless trains and buses could dramatically reduce the cost of Chicago’s expensive public transportation system, resulting in much-needed savings for taxpayers.

Metra

Federal investigation exposes Madigan patronage

Illinois has highest combined sales tax burden in Midwest, seventh-highest in U.S.

Metra fare hikes to take effect in February

Metra CEO gets $28,000 raise after fares go up

Metra votes to hike fares on commuters again in 2017 budget

Madigan’s army: Power through patronage

How the Liberty Justice Center fought for freedom in 2015

Illinois Corruption Watch: November 2015

Perfect storm: Metra threatens line closures as Chicago mulls ‘congestion tax’ for commuters

Driverless trains: Why does Chicago lag behind London?

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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