Chicago Tribune
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Man suing Madigan asks court to order release of inspector general's 2014 report detailing Speaker's clout
A former candidate who is suing Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and some of his supporters for allegedly using political tricks to sabotage his campaign, is now locked in a fight in Chicago federal court to secure the release of a 2014 inspector general’s report his lawyer says is needed to shed light on how the longest serving state house speaker in U.S. history and his political organization work, to help substantiate the candidate’s claims. -
Rising property tax burdens squeeze Illinois families
For most Illinois homeowners, it’s become painfully obvious that they pay some of the highest property taxes in the country. But a couple of new studies could lead some to believe the burden might not be that bad, and might even be getting better. -
McCarter calls Springfield a 'gross atmosphere' in wake of sexual harassment allegations
SPRINGFIELD - Programs on how not to engage in sexual harassment were given to lawmakers this week following recent bombshell allegations made by a lobbyist who claimed a ranking member of the state Senate harassed her. -
Wave of tax and fee increases sweeping Illinois
Cities and villages across the state are raising taxes or implementing new ones for a variety of functions, from attracting a fast-food restaurant to catching up on rising pension costs. -
AG Madigan likely heading for private practice, views differ on legacy
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan will likely go into private law practice after announcing she is not running again for the post, according to political analysts in the state. -
Illinois attorney general taking increasing consumer-activism role
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has, for much of her career as the state’s top law enforcer, put a strong focus on consumer protection and related activities. -
Illinoisans get $6B more in long-term debt, but no reforms
While borrowing to help pay down the state’s unpaid bill backlog will save money on interest payments and relieve pressure on those waiting for cash, it also perpetuates Illinois’ spending problem. -
Former College of DuPage board member files amended suit against watchdog group; ECW predicts it will fail
A former College of DuPage Foundation Board member has filed an amended complaint against a watchdog group and its founders after the original complaint was dismissed. -
Illinois General Assembly passes school funding plan, tax credit scholarships
The Illinois Senate passed a school funding reform bill containing the state’s first-ever tax credit scholarship program. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature. -
Employers are latest target of lawsuits under Illinois privacy law
Lawsuits by employees over the use of fingerprint time clocks could cost companies millions in damages. -
Illinois state politics fueled by the privately educated
If one aspires to become a politician in Illinois, there's one tried and tested route: Attend private elementary and high schools. -
Chicago public schools to pay $850 million in interest on $500 million loan
The loan will not be paid off until current kindergarteners are in their mid-30s. -
Illinois House passes resolution encouraging tourism in the Bahamas
State representatives passed House Resolution 290, encouraging tourism between Illinois and the Bahamas. -
May 8 teleconference date set in Illinois lottery fraud case
EAST ST. LOUIS — A scheduling and discovery conference is set for early next month in the fraud case of the now former private management firm of the Illinois Lottery, filed following a newspaper's investigation. -
Cook County judge says Illinois politicians should not receive checks faster than state pays other debts
A Cook County Circuit Court judge ruled March 16 that Illinois can't give preferential treatment to state lawmakers' paychecks over the overdue debts that the state has. -
Analysis: Edwardsville schools’ spending growing five times faster than enrollment
Local property tax spending by Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 grew 35 percent between 2015 and 2005, while district enrollment grew just seven percent. -
Illinois has hurt its economy by piling on taxes since the great recession
State and local tax hikes in Illinois have hurt economic growth, lowered the standard of living, and contributed to out-migration. -
Special prosecutors have been picked to lead Duebbert investigation
Prosecutors from outside the Metro East have been picked to lead an investigation of St. Clair County Circuit Judge Ronald Duebbert to decide whether he should be charged with obstruction of justice related to a first degree murder case. -
Taxpayers United of America says Madigan likely won't step down despite petition
SPRINGFIELD (Madison - St. Clair Record) – The number of signatures is growing on a petition urging Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan to step down but Taxpayers United of America's executive director says he's very realistic about the chances Madigan will do that. -
Property taxes mount on 'Home Alone' house
2016 was a tough year for the owners of 671 Lincoln Ave. The red-brick, Georgian house in Winnetka, Ill., was made famous by the 1990 Christmas hit, “Home Alone,” but in real life, it’s not crowbar-wielding burglars coming for the family’s money, but the Cook County government.