Michael Tarm

Read the latest stories and analysis from Michael Tarm.

Californians accused of freeing Illinois minks

Michael Tarm · July 11, 2014 12:28 am

FILE - In this June 16, 2014 file photo, anti-patronage attorney Michael Shakman speaks to the media at the federal building in Chicago. In a federal court filing Tuesday, July 8, 2014, Shakman argued that Gov. Pat Quinn's administration should face federal scrutiny to ensure it complies with rules barring political hiring for non-political jobs. (AP Photo/Sun-Times Media, Chandler West, File) MANDATORY CREDIT, MAGS OUT, NO SALES

Shakman: Quinn claim on hiring a ‘straw man’

Michael Tarm · July 9, 2014 12:52 am

Illinois state Rep. Derrick Smith, center, listens to his attorney Victor Henderson, right, at the federal building Tuesday, June 10, 2014, in Chicago after a jury convicted him of bribery for taking $7,000 from a purported day care operator seeking a state grant. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

Illinois Rep. Derrick Smith convicted of bribery

Michael Tarm · June 10, 2014 10:13 pm

In this May 28, 2014 photo, Illinois state Rep. Derrick Smith enters federal court for the beginning of jury selection in his corruption trial in Chicago. During closing arguments Monday, June 9, 2014, prosecutors said that Smith placed his own welfare above his constituents by taking a $7,000 bribe from a day care operator seeking a state grant. An attorney for Smith, however, told jurors a campaign worker-turned-informant hoodwinked the Chicago Democrat to justify cooperation payments from his FBI handlers. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

Closing arguments made at Illinois lawmaker trial

Michael Tarm · June 10, 2014 12:42 am

More time sought for robber who wanted prison term

Michael Tarm · June 8, 2014 9:58 pm

Error means no audio at federal terrorism hearing

Michael Tarm · June 6, 2014 12:33 am

Showdown set over secret-court docs in Chicago

Michael Tarm · June 4, 2014 3:04 pm

FBI informant focus of Dem’s bribery trial

Michael Tarm · May 29, 2014 11:05 pm

FILE - In this May 21, 2014 file photo, Illinois Rep. Derrick Smith, D-Chicago, listens to lawmakers at the state Capitol in Springfield. Smith is scheduled to go on trial on bribery charges Wednesday, May 28, 2014, with jury selection beginning at federal court in Chicago. He was charged in 2012 with taking a $7,000 bribe from a day care operator seeking a state grant. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)

Legislature down 1 member as bribery trial starts

Michael Tarm · May 28, 2014 10:12 pm

Chicago mayor proposes strict rules for gun stores

Michael Tarm · May 27, 2014 10:15 pm

US asks for new sentence for Beanie Baby creator

Michael Tarm · May 10, 2014 1:14 am

Northwestern players to cast historic union vote

Michael Tarm · April 24, 2014 10:50 pm