Column: Marathon Mike breaks the record
House Speaker Mike Madigan's prowess for political longevity is unmatched in modern America. In his 17th term leading the Illinois House of Representatives, Madigan has broken the record as the...
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Column: Could this court be the future of criminal justice in Illinois?
Kid steals something. Kid gets arrested. Kid goes to court. Kid goes to jail. That's a typical storyboard when it comes to criminal justice. Notice anything missing? The victim. Too...
Berg: Illinois’ political machine is still humming
For generations, Illinoisans have been subjected to a steady stream of corruption from their public officials. This behavior has transcended race, class, geography and even political power. ??It produces a...
Berg: After historic tax hike, the real pain has just begun
The infamous budget impasse is over. But rather than rejoice, Illinoisans should recoil. The pain that washed over Illinois' most vulnerable residents as the state stiffed service providers for more...
Berg: Where have all the new homes gone?
Building a new home is more than routine construction. It's an investment in a community. It's a sign of trust, hope and confidence. But like so many other measures of...
With Illinois homeowners underwater, property tax freeze isn’t enough
Imagine your boat has sprung a leak. You're adrift. You're frightened. You bail water, frantically. The hole is growing larger. But one other passenger is on board. He seems confident....
Berg: Madigan, Cullerton will hit the pension lottery
Teresa Fiorante relies on her modest pension. She's a widowed senior and retired secretarial worker for the Central States Pension Fund living in Cook County. Each month she receives a...
Berg: Veterans courts heal scars we can’t see
Veterans in Illinois and across the nation give everything. And they expect little in return. It's what they deserve that matters. One thing many veterans deserve is a second chance....
State lawmakers don’t really care about the budget
"I have an announcement," Chicago Democrat Barbara Flynn-Currie said the afternoon of May 10 on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives, "perk up your ears. Listen close." "Friday...
Berg: Illinois teachers get no respect from state government
Teacher Appreciation Week started Monday across the United States. It's a time to thank the men and women shaping the lives of millions of children each day. Those grading the...