If Frank Mautino didn’t break the rules, the rules are broken
If Frank Mautino didn’t break the rules, the rules are broken
Mautino might not be corrupt. But his conduct mirrored that of a person engaging in corrupt behavior.
Illinois lawmaker introduces bill to repeal fireworks ban
Illinois lawmaker introduces bill to repeal fireworks ban
A new bill in the General Assembly would bring consumer fireworks back onto Illinois shelves for the first time in more than 75 years.
Obscure official made more than $2M off Illinois development authorities, connected side business
Obscure official made more than $2M off Illinois development authorities, connected side business
Andrew Hamilton and his consulting firm have collected more than $2 million from eight regional development authorities since 2010.
More than 75 years later, Illinois’ fireworks ban still law of the land
More than 75 years later, Illinois’ fireworks ban still law of the land
Next year, state lawmakers should explore making rockets’ red glare a legal pastime instead of a liability.
Nepotistic hires highlight township government waste
Nepotistic hires highlight township government waste
Two McHenry County highway commissioners hired each other’s sons to township government positions in 2017. Despite concerns of nepotism, these practices are not uncommon in township government.
State government watchdogs remain far too tame
State government watchdogs remain far too tame
Illinoisans shouldn’t have to wait for yet another humiliating scandal to fix what’s wrong here: Politicians should have no place in policing their own oversight.
Illinois lawmaker proposes making Chicago its own state
Illinois lawmaker proposes making Chicago its own state
Despite political differences between Chicago and much of the rest of the Land of Lincoln, making Chicago its own state is not a serious idea or good use of time.
For Speaker Madigan, when do drips become a flood?
For Speaker Madigan, when do drips become a flood?
A few brave souls have come forward with their stories about the behavior under Madigan’s dome. But how many still feel powerless?
Madigan chief of staff resigns after sexual harassment allegations
Madigan chief of staff resigns after sexual harassment allegations
Tim Mapes has resigned from his posts in Madigan’s office and the Democratic Party of Illinois after a fellow staff member accused him of sexual harassment.
Obscure government official’s side gig a cause for concern
Obscure government official’s side gig a cause for concern
Andrew Hamilton is clearly a man of many hats. But some of those hats should raise eyebrows.
Trump considering commuting Blagojevich sentence
Trump considering commuting Blagojevich sentence
The former Illinois governor is halfway through his 14-year sentence for corruption-related charges.
Taxpayer victory: General Assembly passes bill restricting golden parachutes for government officials
Taxpayer victory: General Assembly passes bill restricting golden parachutes for government officials
Senate Bill 3604 would limit government workers’ ability to collect extravagant severance packages, also known as “golden parachutes,” on their way out of office.
Illinois Supreme Court ruling a victory for government transparency
Illinois Supreme Court ruling a victory for government transparency
The court’s ruling strengthens Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act, a crucial tool in holding government officials accountable.
Senate votes to ban tobacco products, e-cigarettes for Illinoisans under 21
Senate votes to ban tobacco products, e-cigarettes for Illinoisans under 21
Pending the House’s vote and the governor’s signature, the bill would expand Chicago’s smoking age restriction statewide.