Study: Illinois among states prone to lawmakers with conflicts of interest
Study: Illinois among states prone to lawmakers with conflicts of interest
The Land of Lincoln is rich with lawmakers’ penchant for self-enrichment, according to a report from the Center for Public Integrity.
By Vincent Caruso
New proposal would free General Assembly watchdog to pursue investigations without lawmaker approval
New proposal would free General Assembly watchdog to pursue investigations without lawmaker approval
A bureaucratic barrier that stifles investigations into lawmakers’ ethical violations would be nixed under a newly proposed law.
By Vincent Caruso
Corruption watchdog: Markham mayor approved his own pay raise
Corruption watchdog: Markham mayor approved his own pay raise
A new report alleges Markham Mayor Pro Tem Ernest Blevins illegally hiked his own salary.
By Brendan Bakala
Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns following ethics investigation
Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns following ethics investigation
Forrest Claypool will step down as the head of Chicago Public Schools after the CPS inspector general recommended his firing.
By Brendan Bakala
In a tough year, some new Illinois laws to welcome
In a tough year, some new Illinois laws to welcome
While 2017 was a bad year for Illinois taxpayers, there are bright spots among the bills that passed the General Assembly.
More needless referendums to crowd Chicago ballot in 2018
More needless referendums to crowd Chicago ballot in 2018
Chicago City Council continues its tradition of putting popular but toothless measures on the ballot to protect incumbent power and block real reform.
By Chris Lentino
Give thanks for Englewood’s chess champions
Give thanks for Englewood’s chess champions
One South Side success story is fighting for its future.
By Austin Berg
Report: Madigan and his local alderman violated ethics laws
Report: Madigan and his local alderman violated ethics laws
A new report shows how 13th Ward Chicago Alderman Marty Quinn and Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan diverted tens of thousands of dollars in public funds toward political purposes.
By Vincent Caruso
Rhetoric, reality at odds in Springfield sexual harassment scandal
Rhetoric, reality at odds in Springfield sexual harassment scandal
Bad actors in Springfield continue to be dealt with behind closed doors.
By Austin Berg
In ‘Spring[field] Vegas,’ a toxic culture thrives in the dark
In ‘Spring[field] Vegas,’ a toxic culture thrives in the dark
The culture of silence will end eventually. And when it does, it will be with a deafening roar.
By Austin Berg
Illinois lawmakers propose bill to regulate political ads on social media
Illinois lawmakers propose bill to regulate political ads on social media
A new bill would require buyers of political and issue ads on social media to disclose their identities and would impose record-keeping requirements on social media companies.
By Amy Korte
October marks Illinois’ first-ever ‘zombie preparedness month’
October marks Illinois’ first-ever ‘zombie preparedness month’
A resolution introduced by state Rep. Chris Welch, D-Westchester, and passed by the Illinois House designated October as “Zombie Preparedness Month.”
Veto session 2017: What to watch for
Veto session 2017: What to watch for
Members of the General Assembly have already filed motions to attempt to override some of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s vetoes. Many of these are bad bills that will hurt taxpayers.
Former superintendent facing embezzlement and wire fraud charges
Former superintendent facing embezzlement and wire fraud charges
Lawrence Wyllie is accused of stealing public funds and using school district money for dog obedience schools.
By Brendan Bakala