McHenry County consolidation bill passes committee, advances to House floor
McHenry County consolidation bill passes committee, advances to House floor
A House bill that would allow for the dissolution of township governments in McHenry County has passed committee and is set to receive a vote.
By Vincent Caruso
Lake Forest city attorney resigns following investigation into secret lobbying payments
Lake Forest city attorney resigns following investigation into secret lobbying payments
In an effort to lure backing for an Amtrak train stop, a February report showed nearly $200,000 traveled from Lake Forest to a Washington, D.C., lobbying firm. The city attorney, whose private law firm processed the transaction, has resigned from office.
By Vincent Caruso
Report: AFSCME protected ‘seemingly untouchable’ employee from termination, despite history of violence and sexual harassment
Report: AFSCME protected ‘seemingly untouchable’ employee from termination, despite history of violence and sexual harassment
A Chicago city worker terminated in 2017 exhibited a pattern of serious misconduct spanning nearly 20 years. But Illinois’ largest public sector union won him back his job.
By Vincent Caruso
Former East St. Louis township officials diverted nearly $1M in youth program funds
Former East St. Louis township officials diverted nearly $1M in youth program funds
Two township administrators took state grant funds intended for a summer youth program to cover up for illegal credit card purchases.
By Vincent Caruso
DuPage County votes ‘yes’ to consolidate rare unit of local government
DuPage County votes ‘yes’ to consolidate rare unit of local government
The nonbinding referendum to merge DuPage County’s election commission with the clerk’s office won by more than 17,000 votes.
By Brendan Bakala
DuPage County voters to decide on merger between clerk’s office and election commission
DuPage County voters to decide on merger between clerk’s office and election commission
The nonbinding, advisory referendum seeks to gauge support of merging two DuPage County offices.
By Brendan Bakala
Your office March Madness pool is illegal, but these bills could change that
Your office March Madness pool is illegal, but these bills could change that
The illicit practice of gambling on sports in Illinois is enormously popular – and that might help spur change.
By Vincent Caruso
An antidote to election apathy: Be like Bob
An antidote to election apathy: Be like Bob
Bob is not a typical politician. He is not a lobbyist. He is a barber. But he’s making real change in the community he loves.
By Austin Berg
Bill would bar Cook County elected officials from working as lobbyists, owning lobbying firms
Bill would bar Cook County elected officials from working as lobbyists, owning lobbying firms
Countywide elected officials would be barred from working as registered lobbyists or owning a lobbying firm under a new bill in the General Assembly.
By Austin Berg
Report: Lake Forest officials squandered $200K on lobbying costs without city approval
Report: Lake Forest officials squandered $200K on lobbying costs without city approval
An independent investigation found nearly $200,000 went toward lobbying the state and federal government for an Amtrak train stop - funds that were spent behind the back of city lawmakers and taxpayers.
By Vincent Caruso
Employee claims jobs sold for up to $10K in Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s office
Employee claims jobs sold for up to $10K in Cook County Circuit Court Clerk’s office
FBI investigations into Dorothy Brown's office have been underway for nearly five years, during which the clerk has disputed accusations of misconduct. But according to one employee interviewed by federal prosecutors, at least one of Brown's hires may have come with a $10,000 price tag.
By Vincent Caruso
Yes, Speaker Madigan, you have a culture problem
Yes, Speaker Madigan, you have a culture problem
The speaker protects his own. Despite the growing tally of victims, that’s why so many lawmakers are still lining up to protect him.
By Austin Berg
East St. Louis Township hires politician to shovel inch of snow
East St. Louis Township hires politician to shovel inch of snow
East St. Louis Township paid $550 to a politician, who had previously spent four years in federal prison for tax evasion, to clear an inch of snow from the township's parking lot - a task he didn't even complete.
Possible mismanagement costs Saline County taxpayers more than $1M
Possible mismanagement costs Saline County taxpayers more than $1M
A forensic audit reveals Saline County lost $1 million in funds through possible mismanagement.
By Brendan Bakala