United Way changes where charity dollars go

Even good causes involve legal clauses

For most worker bees, the annual on-the-job charity drive means a chance to make a painless payroll-deduction pledge to a worthy cause and then celebrate with a pizza party in the company

Is state police chief on the way out?

Quinn didn’t like Trent’s 2004 gag order

The installment of Pat Quinn as governor may give new meaning to the old phrase “changing of the guard.” For starters, Quinn prefers the minimalist approach to security —

Advocates urge state

Former guv inspires creativi-T

Finally, a growth industry in Illinois

Hooray, it’s T-shirt weather! Oh sure, the thermometer does not entirely agree, but trust me, we’ve never had more reasons to shuck the wooly turtlenecks and show off our tees.

Rising star

Why Lisa Madigan leads the political pack

“So how was the inauguration?” If you had asked Lisa Madigan that casual question on Barack Obama’s third day in office, you would’ve been treated to a 15-minute rha

Life has gotten bleeping crazy

Reporting a scandal is complicated by the fact that he cares

Years ago, when I was new in town and causing trouble, Rich Miller phoned me, out of the blue, and invited me to lunch. As I recall, he gave me something like 15 minutes notice to show up

State’s slow aid payments squeeze Springfield agencies

Social services needs increase while grants stall

The trickle-down effect of the gridlock gripping the state government’s budget is approaching crisis level for some local social service agencies. Last week, the board of direc

A housing crisis and its new year’s resolution

How a “heathen with a heart” arranged a miracle

This time of year, when you can offend one person by saying “Merry Christmas” and tick off the next with “Happy Holidays,” it’s nice to know you can still coun

First impeachment witness testifies administration broke rules

Vicki Thomas, JCAR director, has a passion for fair play

Despite the media’s hobby of grasping for any thread to connect President-elect Barack Obama to the scandal surrounding Gov. Rod Blagojevich, they passed up the chance to connect Obama to the

State finally has to pay

Too late for rape victim, but family welcomes award