Sometimes saying “pretty please” to government officials gets you zip.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Senate Undercuts Governor’s “Overreach”
Pat Quinn’s effort to streamline state “boards” and “commissions” is blocked by senators, who contend he doesn’t have authority to do away with select government panels.
Posted inUncategorized
Lake County State’s Attorney Revs Up Wrongful Convictions Reforms
Michael Nerheim received high marks from supporters and critics alike for acting quickly to enact reforms, including reorganizing the office, enhancing staff training, and for creating a case review panel and a citizens’ advisory board.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Now Arriving . . .
Politically connected Chicago businessman lands deal with Gary airport – did clout help him touch down?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Pension Deal Must Address Abuses
Illinois lawmakers are returning to Springfield on Wednesday for a special session on the pension crisis.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
City Council Can Unleash Rahm’s Watchdog Pledge
When Rahm Emanuel was running for mayor, a mere two years or so ago, he enthusiastically supported the idea of an independent city inspector general—a watchdog that would investigate and help prosecute pay-rollers or vendors who stole from the public purse or gamed the system.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Circuit Court Clerk’s Failed Cash Grab
Cook County official quietly angles for millions but needs to get her house in order.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Fire Commissioner’s Pension Raises Alarm
Ray Orozco Jr. led the Chicago Fire Department for just over two years, so why is his pension based on four years salary as commissioner?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
A Good Day For Justice In Illinois
Lost in the chorus of catcalls from the pundits after Springfield’s colossal failure to agree on pension reform or gaming expansion or marriage equality — big issues that could have been resolved but weren’t — is a smattering of applause for a few things our anguished lawmakers did accomplish.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
BGA Legislative Wrap-Up: A Wrongful Convictions Win
The Illinois General Assembly’s spring legislative session came and went without lawmakers answering some huge policy questions, especially finding a fix to the state’s massive public pension crisis.