The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Government reform advocates say Illinois needs further ethics reform after Madigan indictment

Brian Moline and Farrah Anderson
 
Then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, at the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in Springfield. After federal prosecutors indicted former House Speaker Michael Madigan, there's little appetite in Springfield for more ethics reforms this spring.

Then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, at the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in Springfield. After federal prosecutors indicted former House Speaker Michael Madigan, there's little appetite in Springfield for more ethics reforms this spring. Seth Perlman/AP (file)

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Friday, March 25, 2022

Today's headlines:

  • Illinois lawmakers Thursday gave final approval to spending $2.7 billion in leftover federal COVID aid to pay the deficit in the state’s unemployment insurance fund.

  • It's looking to be a volatile season for farmers and consumers alike with inflation and Russia's invasion of Ukraine creating more uncertainty in global crop markets.

  • The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission is requesting funds to provide rental assistance to families affected by gun violence.

  • A group of local residents is demanding that a former Champaign police chief be fired from his position as a teacher at Parkland College.

In today's deep dive, we’ll find out why government reform advocates say Illinois needs further ethics reform after the indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Caroline Kubzansky, Tim Shelley, Luis Velazquez, Madison Holcomb and Dave McKinney.