CORRUPTION Madigan corruption trial convenes; jury selection begins.  A major criminal trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan began this week in Chicago. Madigan faces bribery and racketeering…

CORRUPTION Mike Madigan, once Illinois’ most influential powerbroker, now faces federal corruption trial.  The former Illinois house speaker quietly wielded power in Springfield for decades while developing a reputation as…

CRIME Are we any safer one year after cash bail was abolished?  One year after Illinois became the first state in the nation to abolish cash bail, the consequences are…

CORRUPTION ‘Everyone in the system is beholden to the speaker’: Opening statements kick off trial of ex-AT&T boss accused of bribing Madigan.  AT&T Illinois had tried for years to win…

SENIORS House Republicans champion legislation to help seniors.  Illinois House Republicans continue to step up to protect and support the senior community through a series of legislative efforts aimed at…

CORRUPTION Prosecutors Ask Court to Reject Effort to Sever Upcoming Racketeering Trials of Michael Madigan, Michael McClain.  Federal prosecutors argued ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime confidant and…

CRIME Proposed Illinois law would cut all prison sentences in half: ‘Fair’ or ‘outrageous’?  A proposed bill could grant JoAnn Cunningham – who is serving 35 years for killing her 5-year-old son…

ILLINOIS STATE FAIR The State Fair kicks off in Springfield on Thursday, August 8.  Special days include Ag Day (August 9), Kids Day (August 10), Veterans Day (August 11), and…

CHILD WELFARE Reick calls for GA oversight of DCFS investigation into latest abuse allegations.  After recent news stories surfaced about alleged sexual abuse of foster children in the care of…

BUDGET Pritzker signs largest budget in state history; $53.1 billion spending plan includes tax hikes, politician pay raises and a billion dollars for non-citizens.  On Wednesday, Governor JB Pritzker signed…