Look past the faces of Illinois corruption to see the larger problem

By Amy Korte

12/02/2019

Focus too much on single aspects of Illinois corruption and the big picture will be lost, along with chances to fix the problems.

TAGS: Chicago, ComEd, corruption, Danny Solis, Ed Burke, ethics, ethics task force, federal investigation, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, lawmakers, leadership, Legislative Inspector General, lobbying, Luis Arroyo, Martin Sandoval, revolving door, Rod Blagojevich, watchdog

Corruption costs Illinois taxpayers at least $550M per year

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

08/04/2019

Chicago is the most corrupt city, and Illinois the second-most corrupt state, in the nation, according to a recent report by the University of Illinois at Chicago. But corruption in Illinois is more than a buzzword. It comes with social and economic costs. Not only does corruption lessen residents’ faith in the government, it decreases...

Bad budgeting basics: How Illinois’ budget process hurts taxpayers

By Adam Schuster

06/14/2018

It is time to give taxpayers and businesses the certainty they need to plan a long-term future in the state.

New proposal would free General Assembly watchdog to pursue investigations without lawmaker approval

By Vincent Caruso

12/15/2017

A bureaucratic barrier that stifles investigations into lawmakers’ ethical violations would be nixed under a newly proposed law.

TAGS: Christina Castro, corruption, good government, Legislative Ethics Commission, Legislative Inspector General

Rhetoric, reality at odds in Springfield sexual harassment scandal

By Austin Berg

11/09/2017

Bad actors in Springfield continue to be dealt with behind closed doors.

TAGS: corruption, Denise Rotheimer, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, John Cullerton

In ‘Spring[field] Vegas,’ a toxic culture thrives in the dark

By Austin Berg

11/02/2017

The culture of silence will end eventually. And when it does, it will be with a deafening roar.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Springfield

May Corruption Watch

06/03/2016

May’s corruption headlines show the steep cost nontransparent government can have on taxpayers.

TAGS: corruption, good government

Illinois corruption watch: March 2016

04/04/2016

Several instances of corruption and mismanagement of public property and trust came to light in March and included new developments in cases involving Chicago Public Schools’ former CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

TAGS: corruption

Rauner’s proposed bill would give the governor the ability to balance the state’s budget

03/16/2016

In light of the Illinois General Assembly’s refusal to pass a balanced budget, the Unbalanced Budget Response Act is a prudent measure that would temporarily allow the governor to shift funds and reduce spending to balance the state’s budget.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, budget, Illinois Constitution

Chicago aldermen look to kneecap oversight in City Council vote

By Austin Berg

02/05/2016

Aldermen say they want oversight, but they don’t want anyone to be able to audit them. What do they have to hide?

TAGS: Chicago, Ed Burke

Legislature

Look past the faces of Illinois corruption to see the larger problem

Corruption costs Illinois taxpayers at least $550M per year

Bad budgeting basics: How Illinois’ budget process hurts taxpayers

New proposal would free General Assembly watchdog to pursue investigations without lawmaker approval

Rhetoric, reality at odds in Springfield sexual harassment scandal

In ‘Spring[field] Vegas,’ a toxic culture thrives in the dark

May Corruption Watch

Illinois corruption watch: March 2016

Rauner’s proposed bill would give the governor the ability to balance the state’s budget

Chicago aldermen look to kneecap oversight in City Council vote

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students