Brent Retherford
Brent Retherford
"This state is so wasteful and broken, and it just feels like politicians don’t care about us.”
Lightfoot: Chicago burning
Lightfoot: Chicago burning
How Amendment 1 could give Illinois more arsonists as fire chiefs
How Amendment 1 could give Illinois more arsonists as fire chiefs
An admitted arsonist was able to become a fire chief and part-time police officer thanks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s pardon. A proposed constitutional amendment could make it easier for violent felons to work in public safety – even without a pardon.
Chicago-area mayor guilty in red light camera bribery scheme
Chicago-area mayor guilty in red light camera bribery scheme
Oakbrook Terrace’s former mayor pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges related to red light cameras and faces up to five years in prison. The state recently shut off the cameras.
Madigan joked about ComEd bribes while in office
Madigan joked about ComEd bribes while in office
FBI recordings revealed new details about indicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his scheme to exchange political favors for patronage appointments. He made a joke out of it.
Census: Pritzker’s sinking ship
Census: Pritzker’s sinking ship
Illinois is No. 1 in government units, keeping property taxes sky high
Illinois is No. 1 in government units, keeping property taxes sky high
Illinois has 6,032 local governments, the most in the nation by a wide margin – and that excludes 859 school districts. It’s the main reason Illinoisans pay the nation’s second-highest property taxes.
Illinois’ Census revisions, explained
Illinois’ Census revisions, explained
Some Illinois politicians are using an estimate to revise the Census count and claim Illinois doesn't have a problem with its residents moving away. A closer look shows they are wrong, and the danger of denial.
Illinois’ diaper tax
Illinois’ diaper tax
Primary voting begins in Illinois: Here are how-tos, FAQs
Primary voting begins in Illinois: Here are how-tos, FAQs
May 19 was the start of voting for the June 28 primary for early in-person voting and for those who’ve requested mail-in ballots.
How Chicago Teachers Union sold $50M high-rise, hid cash from oversight
How Chicago Teachers Union sold $50M high-rise, hid cash from oversight
Chicago Teachers Union leaders made nearly $50 million selling property paid for with union member dues, only to shuffle the proceeds to a charity with less oversight. Members are voting May 20 for transparency from new leaders.
Illinois voters got just 1 proposed constitutional amendment on ballot in 52 years
Illinois voters got just 1 proposed constitutional amendment on ballot in 52 years
During the past decade, state lawmakers have asked to change the Illinois Constitution six times while voters have failed to get any changes on the ballot. In 52 years, Illinoisans have only gotten one amendment question before voters. That needs to change.
Amendment 1 will make bad Illinois business climate worse
Amendment 1 will make bad Illinois business climate worse
A Rockford family and their trucking business are being driven out of Illinois by high taxes and bad public policies. If voters agree Nov. 8 to enshrining public union power in the Illinois Constitution, expect more businesses and workers to leave.