City finance wonks, and anyone else interested in Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), have a new site to search for projects across Chicago. Read an article.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the latest hit to Cook County taxpayers: they’re on the hook for almost $500,000 due to Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios wrongly firing 11 people. Also, the panel further debates the clout-heavy Metra story. Watch the web extra conversation.

We share what you had to say about  Lisa Madigan's announcement that she will not run for governor, controversy arising over the plan for a lakefront hotel in Evanston, and ousted Metra CEO Alex Clifford’s RTA probe in tonight’s Viewer Feedback.  

New charges of patronage, no-bid contracts and strong-arming by Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan come to light as ousted Metra CEO Alex Clifford speaks out for the first time. Clifford told the RTA Wednesday that Madigan's requests reflected a "moral and ethical character flaw." Paris Schutz has the details.

In light of former Metra CEO Alex Clifford’s testimony before the RTA Wednesday, we take a look at the ethical and legal implications of patronage politics in Illinois.

With Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan opting to stay out of the governor’s race, Gov. Pat Quinn leads the cash dash among the 2014 gubernatorial contenders. Read an article.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced that she will not be running for governor in 2014, but instead seek a fourth term as the state's chief legal officer. Read her statement.

There are explosive new allegations that the Metra Board ousted CEO Alex Clifford over his refusal to capitulate to patronage demands made by Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. We have analysis, and take a closer look at Clifford’s leaked memo that led to his $718,000 severance package – which critics are calling hush money and a waste of taxpayer funds. Read an article.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder confirmed Monday that the Justice Department is continuing to investigate the shooting death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin despite George Zimmerman's acquittal. Elizabeth Brackett has local reaction to the verdict, and what the next steps in the case may be.

We share what you had to say about concealed carry legislation in Illinois in tonight's Viewer Feedback.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

With Illinois now the final state to allow concealed carry, law enforcement officials are putting in place the infrastructure to make it happen. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is here with details on how gun owners will apply for permits.

Was the former Metra CEO's big severance agreement hush money to cover a political hiring scandal? Lawmakers attempt to get answers Thursday. Paris Schutz has the story.

Gov. Pat Quinn suspended the salary of Illinois lawmakers for failing to reach a compromise on pension reform. Listen to Quinn's full announcement and read reaction.