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.

Concealed carry is legal in Illinois, as the legislature deals another blow to Gov. Pat Quinn. Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney has the details. View interactive graphics to see how Senate and House members voted.

Top lawmaker Tom Cross accuses House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton of playing politics to hold up pension reform. Paris Schutz has the story.

Hoping to make some progress on pension reform before next week's special session, Governor Quinn calls a meeting with the General Assembly's legislative leaders. Paris Schutz has the latest from their meeting. 

House Speaker Michael Madigan's pension reform bill failed in the Illinois Senate 16-42. See how Senate members voted in our interactive graphic.

The Illinois House passes a concealed carry bill by 85-30-1. See how House members voted in our interactive graphic.

John Cullerton’s pension bill passes in the Illinois Senate and now moves on to the House. We break down the latest news from Springfield.

Pension reform passes the Illinois House and a new bill is introduced in the Senate. What will Illinois pension reform look like? We chat with two of the sponsors of House Speaker Madigan’s pension proposal and two representatives who voted against the plan.

The Illinois House approved House Speaker Michael Madigan's pension reform deal. See how House members voted in our interactive graphic.

House Speaker Michael Madigan's pension proposal is one step closer to being the law of the land. We take a closer look at its specifics.

House Speaker Michael Madigan pushes a new pension package on Tuesday. Chicago Sun-Times' Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney gives us the latest Springfield news.

Lots of shenanigans are going on in the 22nd District where longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan is being challenged by 25-year-old political novice Michele Piszczor. Elizabeth Brackett reports in a web-exclusive story.

Longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has an opponent in the upcoming Democratic primary. And political newcomer Michele Piszczor is putting up a fight. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

The Speaker speaks out. Find out what Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan says could be a potential solution to the state's pension crisis.

A Crain's Chicago Business investigation is raising questions about how Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan handled McCormick Place bonds.  We hear from some of the key players about the explosive story.