Corruption

The opening statements kicked off Monday in the trial of the longest-serving state House speaker in the country, and one of the most powerful politicians in Illinois history. The FBI has pursued Madigan for more than a decade, and the probe forced him from power in 2021.

Dennis Hancock was almost ousted from his St. Louis County Council seat after he tried to hire his stepdaughter for violating the Missouri Constitution's anti-nepotism rule. But were his actions so outside the norm?

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority ruled that the federal bribery statute — referred to as “Section 666” — does not criminalize “gratuities” given to a state or local public official after he or she has already performed an official act.

An Illinois judge told Tim Mapes, a former Madigan aide, his ‘loyalty was greatly misguided’ in lying to grand jury investigating the former state house speaker.

A new Illinois State Police form lets people report corruption anonymously. But does it go far enough?

A WBEZ analysis shows that while people may be more cynical and government is more expensive, voter interest in state elections has only increased.

He was arguably the most powerful politician in Missouri until he faced allegations of corruption and sexual assault. Now it’s Rod Jetton’s job to help another speaker navigate accusations of misconduct.

Illinois has paid out millions in pension payments to ex-lawmakers who have admitted criminal wrongdoing or are awaiting trial.

Anthony Weaver, a former aide to two county elected officials, admitted in October that he helped a local business owner attempt to fraudulently obtain small-business grants early in the pandemic.

Lewis Reed and Jeffrey Boyd both admitted to multiple felonies connected to a scheme in which they accepted cash, campaign contributions and other gifts from a developer in exchange for helping him get incentives.