Backward, forward It's the time of year when we look back. As I do, I'm grateful for the chance to find, and hopefully, help people who care as I do about creating a better Illinois. Let's keep at it and make an even bigger difference in 2014. Here's to that, and to you. --Madeleine Doubek, Reboot Illinois
Epic action Finally, some pension crisis action. Politicians dropped like flies. Some of them were Metra-fried. And that's just the start of my year-end look back. Whoa nellie, it was quite a crazy year in reform news and politics.Take a read and see what you think of all that was and where it might lead.
It's a draw It's a talent few of us possess. The ability to translate news, views and humor, biting and otherwise, into a square of visual fun with a barbed point of view. So I know you don't want to miss our exclusive collection of 2013 editorial cartoons. Click, marvel, chuckle, repeat.
Tackling the tough ones The plague of Illinois' un- and under-employment. Hunger. Class warfare. Health care. We've done it before. We can do it again. So says Peter Creticos from the Institute for Work and the Economy. You really need to read this.
Did you miss these? Did you catch that commuter brawl? How about when Mike Madigan tried to duck out the back door? Remember when Gov. Quinn got booed? We've got all the best action animations for you right here. If these don't make you smile, well, then it's time for a weekend.
I see a long lifeline Have you looked deeply into your crystal ball lately? What do you see? Who will be our next governor and why? What will the biggest corruption headline be? What will the biggest surprise be in Illinois politics and government? What could be the best possible event for Illinois? The new year is dawning and it's your turn to share a 2014 prediction.
Hmmm, who was that masked Madigan opponent? Everyone's talking about the withdrawal of a questionable challenger to Mike Madigan in his Southwest Side legislative district. And has Madigan been using his influence to help some Turkish charter school operators in Chicago? Read more about both right here.
Democrats, Republicans & Reboot All together now. If you live in Lake or McHenry counties, please join us and Republican state Sen. Pamela Althoff, Democratic state Rep. Jack Franks and Republican state Rep. Barbara Wheeler at a special town hall forum on January 14th in Woodstock. Details here and let us know you're coming, please.
TOP 5 Today's top politics and government headlines from around Illinois:
5. A case for how Chicago can best utilize Lake Michigan to bolster the city’s economic future. (Chicago Tribune)
4. The Daily Herald takes a look back at the year 2013 in Illinois politics. (Daily Herald)
3. Chicago Sun-Times reporters discuss some of their predictions for 2014 Illinois political stories. (Chicago Sun-Times)
2. Opinion: Archer Daniels Midland’s move shows Illinois can attract corporate headquarters, but now the city needs to attract manufacturing centers too. (Crain’s Chicago Business)
1. The “fake” Republican challenger to Michael Madigan withdrew from the congressional race (NBC Chicago)
