This week’s story is about the state’s inability to maintain roads, bridges and waterways. The state’s infrastructure earned failing grades in a report issued last week by the Illinois chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. If the situation does not improve, civil engineers say, drivers may see more potholes on roads and highways, […]

This week, I reported on the findings from Voices for Illinois Children’s annual “Kids Count” report. A 10-year-old girl started pulling out her hair because she was so concerned about her family’s economic security. A teenage boy pleaded with his parents to let him drop out of school so he could work and support his […]

I went to the Seventh Annual Composting Symposium at the Illinois State Fairgrounds this week. It was super interesting, and I wish I could’ve stayed for all the events. (My mom’s been working on our backyard compost pile for years, and while I used to make fun of her for it, I now go to […]

This week, I also wrote a feature story about mallards! Random, but it turned out to be hilarious, educational and fun. Though I can’t help but think of this Garfunkel and Oates song whenever I see it. (Kind of NSFW, if your boss isn’t cool with two awesome girls singing sensually about Scrooge McDuck.) Wading […]

This week, I wrote a story about a potential bill that would curb spending limits for legislative leaders. Illinois Republicans want to curb the power of legislative leaders, with a new bill that would limit campaign spending for leaders’ caucus committees and political parties. The bill, HB 5008, aims to close the loophole in a […]

I wrote this profile on gubernatorial hopeful Bill Brady before he entered a deadlock with Kirk Dillard for the Republican nomination. Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bill Brady addresses a small band of followers in a cozy, dimly lit Irish pub in Plainfield, Ill. Despite the Sunday drizzle, about 20 people have gathered, clad in sweaters and […]

Here’s a story inspired by Gov. Pat Quinn’s “State of the State” address. Quinn promised to do more to promote green jobs in Illinois. I focused on a recent grant to community colleges. Wind turbines, solar panels and renewable energy will become top priorities for Illinois, says Gov. Pat Quinn, who announced a $1.7 million […]

My coverage from Gov. Pat Quinn’s “State of the State” address in January. Governor Pat Quinn emphasized his reform efforts during his “State of the State” address Wednesday, urging bipartisan cooperation as the General Assembly begins its 2010 session. Quinn, who addressed his audience via note cards, said his administration provided stability and positive change […]

My first story for the Illinois Times, about the newly-hired state architect. The Illinois Statehouse’s silver dome has been an integral part of Springfield’s skyline since workers laid the last limestone block in 1888. Throughout the years, the Statehouse has retained its grandeur and status as the tallest non-skyscraper capitol at 361 feet. But where […]