Former Congressman Jerry Costello, from Downstate Illinois, didn’t break any laws when he became a high-paid lobbyist for some of the businesses and special interest groups that asked for and generally received his help with their Capitol Hill agendas.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Dolton’s Big Gamble
Village board wants to allow video gaming at taxpayer-owned retirement home for low-income senior citizens. Government regulators are now having second thoughts.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
IL Supreme Court Turns A Bright Light Back On
The key to our watchdog work — shining a light on government and holding public officials accountable — comes down to a single word: Transparency.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Chartering A Boatload Of Money
Education reformers, including charter-school advocates and out-of-state billionaires, are donating money to various Illinois campaigns. Plus: One principal is getting schooled.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
State Lawmakers Pass ‘Smart Streamlining’ Bill
BGA supports Rep. Jack Franks’ reform measure, which goes to Governor for approval.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Animal Care, A Deadly Snare
Employee of city animal pound hit with 20-day suspension for alleged dog-choking incident, but other problems persist at taxpayer-funded facility.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Cashing In On Congressional Connections
Retired Illinois congressman getting rich working for special interests that once sought his help in U.S. House – and he’s not the only member of his family getting paid.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Schools In Cook Suburbs: Super-Sized Supt. Salaries And Bureaucratic Bloat
Bad habits can be infectious, which may explain why Cook County government’s well-earned reputation for wasteful spending, bloated bureaucracy and resistance to change has spilled over to the county’s independent school districts.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Hands Helping, And Outstretched
Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown donates to campaign fund of judicial candidate – who happens to be Brown’s inspector general. Plus, Brown’s not alone in moonlighting.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
“Smart Streamlining” Idea Forum in Springfield
As a part of its “Smart Streamlining” campaign, the Better Government Association hosted an Idea Forum on Tuesday, May 20, before a crowd of more than 50 guests at the Sangamo Club in Springfield.