KING MIKE Chicago Magazine has an excellent profile of House Speaker Michael Madigan this week. It's great, but long. Here's a summary.
ALL HAIL The article referenced above calls Madigan "as close to a king as it gets." That's not a new concept, as shown in this cartoon from after the elections a year ago.
SUNSET The 2011 state income tax hike is supposed to expire Jan. 1, 2015. But sometimes the sun doesn't set on "temporary" taxes. We take a look around the country in today's chart.
Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
SOCIAL SCRUM You know what they say about politics: It's not what you know, it's how many Facebook friends you have. We track it for the five governor candidates in today's Buzz-Meter.
CRIME FIGHTER Chicago's new U.S. attorney has some sobering news about the city's gang violence. It's a lot like what his predecessor said about corruption. More here.
Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
HEY FRANCE Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was not pleased with France's advice to tourists visiting the Windy City. Scott Stantis communicates Emanuel's message in pen and ink.
PENSION ALERT There's a strong possibility lawmakers will return to Springfield Dec. 3 to vote on a pension reform bill. Tell your legislators, Gov. Quinn and the four legislative leaders that you expect action. Our Sound Off tool makes it easy. Click here and be heard.
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TOP 5 Here's what's in the headlines in Illinois today :
5. Former Cook County Commissioner William Beavers is asking to be free on bond pending his appeal for his conviction on tax evasion. (Chicago Tribune)4. Opinion: The Daily Herald editorial board takes a look at the cleanup from two suburban scandals. (Daily Herald)
3. Jim Edgar, while still advocating for Kirk Dillard for governor, praised Pat Quinn for his pick of Paul Vallas as a running mate. (State Journal-Register)
2. Despite the pension stalemate, Illinois is beating pension investment return goals. (Bloomberg News)
1. The new U.S. Attorney said he’s targeting public corruption, terrorism and street crime. (Chicago Tribune)
