What you need to know about new Illinois laws taking effect in 2023
What you need to know about new Illinois laws taking effect in 2023
New laws signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker are set to impact education, public safety, agriculture and labor
Report: Illinois government ethics complaints hit new record in 2022
Report: Illinois government ethics complaints hit new record in 2022
Illinois’ Executive Inspector General reported a record number of complaints, some alleging financial mismanagement and conflicts of interest.
DCFS held kids in hospitals for months beyond doctors’ orders
DCFS held kids in hospitals for months beyond doctors’ orders
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services held kids in psychiatric hospitals for far longer than needed because the agency couldn’t find them housing.
Indicted Chicago alderman too ill to stand trial, OK to cast council votes
Indicted Chicago alderman too ill to stand trial, OK to cast council votes
Chicago’s second-longest serving alderman is seeking a stay of prosecution on federal bribery charges, arguing she is “not medically fit to stand trial.” The plea comes eight days after Ald. Carrie Austin voted on the council floor to approve the city budget.
Pritzker spends $323M on 2 campaigns for governor
Pritzker spends $323M on 2 campaigns for governor
Gov. J.B. Pritzker spent $152 million in defeating state Sen. Darren Bailey for re-election, down from the $171 million for his first Illinois gubernatorial campaign.
2022 election had most contested Illinois House races in 2 decades
2022 election had most contested Illinois House races in 2 decades
Illinois’ 2022 general election was the most contested non-presidential election in the past two decades, with 79 contested Statehouse races. Illinois Policy’s Full Slate project helped give voters an extra 32 choices on the ballot.
Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office
Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office
On Nov. 1 a federal judge decided to end decades-long patronage hiring oversight of the Cook County assessor’s office. Cronyism and patronage remain in Illinois, despite some government offices escaping federal court oversight.
Who is running for judge in Illinois?
Who is running for judge in Illinois?
On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.
Madigan pleads not guilty to corruption charges
Madigan pleads not guilty to corruption charges
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, denied all corruption accusations brought against them. Federal prosecutors said Madigan used his position to run a criminal enterprise.
Union boss receives 19-month prison sentence for extorting $325K from film studio
Union boss receives 19-month prison sentence for extorting $325K from film studio
A former Teamsters secretary-treasurer was sentenced to 19 months in prison for extorting $325,000 from a Chicago film studio. The judge refused to give probation, saying “there is a price we all pay for public corruption.”
Madigan’s arraignment over AT&T bribery charges set for Nov. 1
Madigan’s arraignment over AT&T bribery charges set for Nov. 1
Michael Madigan, former Illinois House speaker, and his longtime political ally and operative will enter pleas in federal court Nov. 1. They are charged with coercing bribes from AT&T in return for passing favorable legislation in Springfield.
Early voting starts in Cook County for Nov. 8 elections
Early voting starts in Cook County for Nov. 8 elections
Cook County voters can now visit any of the 53 polling locations countywide to cast their ballot for the Nov. 8 general elections. Illinoisians can still choose to permanently vote by mail until Nov. 3.
Bipartisan group of lawmakers objects to Pritzker’s endless COVID rules
Bipartisan group of lawmakers objects to Pritzker’s endless COVID rules
Members of the Illinois General Assembly’s bipartisan Joint Committee on Administrative Rules are questioning the prolonged state of emergency regarding COVID-19. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has declared a state of emergency 35 times.
Pritzker changes mask rules in 35th COVID disaster proclamation
Pritzker changes mask rules in 35th COVID disaster proclamation
Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued his 35th COVID-19 disaster proclamation, extending his powers for 70% of his term.