THE TRUTH ABOUT: J b pritzker - The Untold Story

Afternoon Edition: March 18, 2022

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 18, 2022

Text pals: J.B. Pritzker, Cardinal Blase Cupich in close contact amid the pandemic, messages, emails show

The communications offer a rare look at the relationship between Pritzker and Cupich, who privately heaped praise on the governor and worked with him behind the scenes to guide church protocols.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 18, 2022

Illinois Tollway boss Jose Alvarez resigns from embattled state agency

His resignation follows the recent departure of tollway board chairman Will Evans, who was in a power struggle with Alvarez since 2019, when they both were hired.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 15, 2022

Former Illinois speaker pleads not guilty to federal racketeering charges

CHICAGO — In his nearly four decades atop Illinois’ political power structure, former House Speaker Michael Madigan was well-known for his aversion to talking on the phone.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 9, 2022

Ex-Speaker Michael Madigan, once the most powerful politician in Illinois, to be arraigned Wednesday on federal racketeering charges

CHICAGO — A little over a year ago, Michael Madigan was still clinging to his spot at the apex of the Illinois political power structure, the longest-serving House leader in the nation’s history, head of the Illinois Democratic Party, and controller of all the spoils that went with it.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 9, 2022

No walk of shame for Michael Madigan as his lawyers say ‘not guilty’ by phone — and he stays silent

Madigan’s arraignment came two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the federal courts along with the rest of daily life. It also largely put a halt to a ritual faced by scores of politicians before Madigan: The stroll through the lobby of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse…

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 9, 2022

Pritzker freezes state funding for Madigan-sponsored Rebuild Illinois projects

Nine Democratic legislators had asked the governor for the freeze, citing an investigation by the Better Government Association published by the Sun-Times in January.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 9, 2022

Campaign 2022 kicks off with ‘camaraderie,’ coffee and catcalls — as candidates line up to get on the ballot

It was the first day of the weeklong period for candidates to file their nominating petitions for federal, state and local offices on the June primary ballot. The Illinois State Board of Elections headquarters didn’t open until 8 a.m. But that didn’t stop candidates and staffers from gathering…

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 7, 2022

Michael Madigan’s indictment adds corruption to crime and COVID as election-year issues for Democrats

The swagger that Illinois’ Democrats have displayed since taking full control of Springfield three years ago had already been tamped down by the political realities of confronting crime and COVID when corruption reared up as one more daunting campaign issue heading into this year’s elections.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 5, 2022

Illinois COVID-19 free fall still on as masks come off

Average daily cases fell 20% statewide in the days after Gov. J.B. Pritzker lifted the indoor mask mandate.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 5, 2022