Theft, solicitation of bribes among misconduct in Chicago inspector general’s report
Theft, solicitation of bribes among misconduct in Chicago inspector general’s report
Chicago’s inspector general unveiled a litany of misconduct by city employees and contractors.
Who votes for Mike Madigan?
Who votes for Mike Madigan?
The speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives remains a key campaign issue despite national headlines.
By Austin Berg
Rauner issues executive orders banning nepotism in state hires, eliminating 53 inactive state boards
Rauner issues executive orders banning nepotism in state hires, eliminating 53 inactive state boards
The governor issued a pair of executive orders aimed at improving ethics and efficiency in state government.
By Vincent Caruso
Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law
Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law
A class-action lawsuit claims Chicago’s red-light camera program fails to provide ticketed motorists with information required by state law.
By Chris Lentino
Illinois development authority ends payments to official’s side business following Institute investigation
Illinois development authority ends payments to official’s side business following Institute investigation
Lax oversight of Illinois’ little-known regional development authorities has led to questionable business arrangements with one official in particular.
By Austin Berg
2 Chicago police officers accepted $13K in bribes in alleged ‘kickback’ scheme
2 Chicago police officers accepted $13K in bribes in alleged ‘kickback’ scheme
The officers are facing federal charges for their alleged role in a kickback scheme involving an attorney referral service seeking information on traffic crashes.
By Vincent Caruso
Did your state representative take Madigan money?
Did your state representative take Madigan money?
Campaign finance records reveal more than 60 sitting state representatives have received nearly $15 million from the state’s most powerful politician over the course of their careers. In turn, they often give him one of the most important votes he needs to maintain power: the vote for speaker of the House.
By Chris Lentino, Austin Berg
Chicago mayoral term limits small step closer to reality
Chicago mayoral term limits small step closer to reality
A group led by former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is one step closer to getting a binding referendum question on the November ballot that would place term limits on the mayor of Chicago.
Rauner vetoes Lake County assessor bill
Rauner vetoes Lake County assessor bill
Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a measure that would let Lake County voters elect an assessor, suggesting that it apply to all counties instead.
By Austin Berg
Niles school district employee receives extra $66K in payroll error, only required to pay back half
Niles school district employee receives extra $66K in payroll error, only required to pay back half
Due to a payroll error, a part-time school library worker was overpaid $66,000 over five years, but will only be required to pay back half that amount under a settlement agreement between the school district, the employee and her union.
Rauner vetoes smoking ban for Illinoisans under 21
Rauner vetoes smoking ban for Illinoisans under 21
Chicago’s legal smoking age of 21 would have been expanded statewide under the proposal.
By Vincent Caruso
Cook County assessor candidate calls for ban on aldermen serving as property tax attorneys
Cook County assessor candidate calls for ban on aldermen serving as property tax attorneys
The Democratic nominee in the Cook County assessor’s race is voicing support for a ban on city aldermen doubling as property tax appeals attorneys, an arrangement that encourages conflicts of interest.
By Vincent Caruso
Top 10 recipients of Madigan money
Top 10 recipients of Madigan money
More than 60 sitting state representatives have received money from Madigan over the course of their careers, totaling around $15 million.
By Austin Berg
Ford Heights ex-mayor charged with stealing $150K from village
Ford Heights ex-mayor charged with stealing $150K from village
One of the state’s poorest communities is already facing enormous financial pressures.
By Austin Berg