Ruth de Jauregui Stories

IDOT offers details, answers on Springfield rail corridor work

By Ruth de Jauregui | Aug 13, 2017

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is inviting the public to an open house-style hearing on the Third Street railroad corridor project in Springfield from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, according to a press release.

Illinois Opportunity Project leader joins Rauner campaign push

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jul 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner's campaign committee has hired Matt Besler, president of the Illinois Opportunity Project, as its chief adviser, the non-profit advocacy announced on Monday.

Wheeler applauds pilot program delivering computers to schools

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jul 17, 2017

Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) says the pilot program between the state and Computer Banc is flying high, according to a press release.

Watchdog co-founder offers education letter as a lesson in 'fake news'

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jul 10, 2017

To paraphrase Mark Twain: The death of Illinois' universities was greatly exaggerated.

Watchdogs wonder why Orland Park library won't replace restaurant receipt

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jul 5, 2017

Something's fishy about the missing restaurant receipt that is the subject of controversy regarding the Orland Park Public Library and its director, Mary Weimar, according to the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW).

Workers' comp fraud can't be left on back burner, law firm argues

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jun 26, 2017

The budget battle in the Illinois Statehouse has allowed workers' compensation fraud to continue largely unchecked, the law firm Keefe, Campbell, Biery & Associates (KCBA) contends.

General Assembly prepares for 10-day special session on budget

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jun 18, 2017

It's almost crunch time in the Illinois General Assembly.

Rauner calls Legislature back for 10-day focus on GOP budget proposal

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jun 15, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner's has called state lawmakers back to session to consider a budget plan and reforms put forth by the Republican Party on Wednesday.

Budget breakdown lands Illinois one step from junk bond rating

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jun 8, 2017

Illinois did something this week that no state has ever done: received a downgraded credit rating to near-junk bond status.

Report: Madigan, Mautino continue patronage practice

By Ruth de Jauregui | May 1, 2017

House Speaker Mike Madigan and Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino continue to operate under a patronage system that rewards loyalty with employment, even when the job candidate lacks the skills for the work, according to a court-appointed investigator in a filing published April 25.

Gun seizure bill awaits third House panel hearing

By Ruth de Jauregui | Apr 26, 2017

A lethal order of protection bill is still awaiting a third reading by the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee, where it was originally sent on February 14.

Pritzker said to call 5 percent income tax the new baseline

By Ruth de Jauregui | Apr 22, 2017

The Illinois Republican Party recently shared a News-Gazette editorial on gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker's alleged support of raising the state income tax to at least 5 percent.

Chatham mayoral candidate's 'professionalism' questioned

By Ruth de Jauregui | Mar 30, 2017

Craig Law talks "professionalism," but his actions speak more to hypocrisy, the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) contended recently.

Rauner administration joins fight against hate crime

By Ruth de Jauregui | Mar 30, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently stepped up to the plate and took a swing at the increase of hate crimes and anti-Semitism that has plagued the nation recently.

Law firm critical of state's process for appointing IWCC members

By Ruth de Jauregui | Mar 20, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner followed the rules when he named Deborah Simpson and Lenore "Elizabeth" Coppoletti to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) recently, but a Chicago law firm decried what it sees as a "secret" process that leaves the public out of the picture.