Evanston Public Library second in Illinois to win Sunshine Award
Evanston Public Library second in Illinois to win Sunshine Award
The Evanston Public Libray is a fantastic example of a local-government body going above and beyond to promote online transparency for residents.
What happens when Illinois taxpayers refused to be ignored
What happens when Illinois taxpayers refused to be ignored
All is not lost in the Land of Lincoln.
By Jim Long
Rauner signs law shining light on government golden parachutes
Rauner signs law shining light on government golden parachutes
The new law is designed to expose severance agreements like the one given to controversial College of DuPage President Robert Breuder.
By Austin Berg
Madigan and power
Madigan and power
In the history of the United States, no one has led a state legislative body longer than Mike Madigan.
By Scott Reeder
Springfield’s panhandling prohibition struck down as violation of freedom of speech
Springfield’s panhandling prohibition struck down as violation of freedom of speech
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined that Springfield’s ban on panhandling unconstitutionally discriminated against certain kinds of speech.
By Jeffrey Schwab
Secret emails at University of Illinois show need for reformed FOIA requirements
Secret emails at University of Illinois show need for reformed FOIA requirements
Governments and government agencies should adopt policies that prohibit officials from using their personal email addresses to conduct government business.
By Jeffrey Schwab
Madigan manipulated ballot question to help re-elect Quinn
Madigan manipulated ballot question to help re-elect Quinn
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan admitted that he rigged a minimum-wage ballot question to boost former Gov. Pat Quinn’s re-election chances.
By Hilary Gowins
4 reforms to prevent abuse of discretion in child-welfare system
4 reforms to prevent abuse of discretion in child-welfare system
Child-welfare system reforms proposed in a new report from the Family Defense Center would prevent unjust findings of inadequate supervision.
By Jeffrey Schwab
New transparency law expands public access to counties’ budget proposals
New transparency law expands public access to counties’ budget proposals
HB 2474 mandates that certain counties publicize new budget proposals and improves taxpayers’ access to local budget information.
By Heather Weiner
New Illinois law could make snow days a thing of the past
New Illinois law could make snow days a thing of the past
Online courses could keep students engaged in their current material even when schools are closed for inclement weather.
By Heather Weiner
Madigan’s game of thrones
Madigan’s game of thrones
Speaker Madigan is playing a political game that focuses on maintaining his power at all costs.
By John Tillman
Chicago set to make ‘chilling’ change to city ethics rules
Chicago set to make ‘chilling’ change to city ethics rules
The proposed change in city code would further tilt the scales in favor of the politically powerful, as they could be granted full knowledge regarding the investigation on their wrongdoing, including information on who brought the case to light.
By Austin Berg
Don’t hold your breath, Springfield stoppage could last until 2016
Don’t hold your breath, Springfield stoppage could last until 2016
Political incentives to come to an agreement are few and far between.
By Lara Forsythe