Illinois lawmakers, use your power to rein in political corruption
The convictions of Michael Madigan and Ed Burke, two of the most powerful figures in Illinois politics, are not just scandals ...
As Trump pushes limits of presidential power, courts push back
The spotlight on the judiciary is brighter because the Republican-controlled Congress has essentially abdicated its role of ...
Opinion
Feds convict Madigan, Blagojevich gets pardoned in same week. Trying writing that movie.
Most folks just figured that Mike Madigan had avoided the long arm of federal law by being extra-careful. And he may have been. But the arrogance of immense power apparently overrode his sense of self ...
With Madigan conviction and feds on the line, are Illinois politicians getting the message?
Federal prosecutors have made it clear they are listening to phone calls. But have the threats of federal investigations and ...
Trump pardons ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, calls him victim of 'terrible injustice'
The ex-governor said he and the president were victims of 'lawfare' and didn't address rumors that he's being considered for ...
Illinois Supreme Court justice's campaign took $40K contribution from crooked ex-Chicago alderman
Imprisoned former Ald. Edward M. Burke's Burnham Committee gave the money to a fund for Justice Joy V. Cunningham days after ...
Tara Stamps says she’ll step down as Brandon Johnson’s campaign chair after Sun-Times inquiries
The Sun-Times asked why she held the prominent role with Friends of Brandon Johnson given that she's an employee of the Chicago Teachers Union, which is in the midst of talks with Chicago Public ...
Lawmakers have lots of options if they're serious about ethics reform in Illinois
In the wake of Michael Madigan's conviction, lawmakers can restore public confidence in government. One idea: Rein in ...
Chatham kids were just being kids as society created wedges, Chicago's Next Voices columnist writes
Between 1959 and 1963, an elementary school class in West Chatham went from majority white to majority Black, and Next Voices ...
Trump pardons ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich 5 years after commuting his sentence
Blagojevich, who appeared on Trump's reality TV show, "Celebrity Apprentice," was convicted on political corruption charges ...
Trump signs plan for reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners, ushering in economic uncertainty
The politics of tariffs could easily backfire on Trump if his agenda pushes up inflation and grinds down growth, making this a high stakes wager for a president eager to declare his authority over the ...
Once a political giant, Madigan now a convicted felon and likely prison inmate — but not a racketeer
The verdict capped an unpredictable four-month trial that gave jurors an up-front and uncensored look at the practice of behind-the-scenes politics in Chicago and Illinois in the previous decade.