John O'connor

Read the latest stories and analysis from John O'connor.

Quinn administration refuses to explain hiring fix

John O'connor · August 6, 2014 9:53 pm

In this Wednesday, July 30, 2014 photo, Illinois Department of Agriculture contractor Don Davis helps put up a banner at the fairgrounds for the opening of the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. The annual agricultural extravaganza runs Aug. 7-17. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

‘American Idol’ to have auditions at state fair

John O'connor · July 31, 2014 10:00 pm

Ill. Supreme Court won’t hear term limits appeal

John O'connor · July 18, 2014 12:15 am

FILE - In this Jan. 29, 2014 file photo, Illinois state Treasurer Dan Rutherford is seen in the House chambers at the state Capitol in Springfield Ill. The Associated Press has learned that Rutherford fired three top administrators after an investigation by the treasurer's inspector general. Letters from Rutherford's office obtained by the AP indicate Patrick Carlson, George Daglas and Ashvin Lad were dismissed July 2, 2014. Each was dismissed for allegedly violating timekeeping policies and falsifying records. The letter to Carlson says he also violated rules against "workplace harassment." (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)

Illinois treasurer fires 3 staffers

John O'connor · July 8, 2014 1:21 am

FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2013 file photo, Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider speaks at a news conference in Chicago. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's office announced Monday, June 30, 2014, that Schneider will step down next week to be replaced by Veterans Affairs Director Erica Borggren. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

GOP attacks Quinn after IDOT chief resigns

John O'connor · July 1, 2014 9:13 pm

Report: Education board chief got $48K to leave

John O'connor · June 20, 2014 11:13 pm

This undated photo provided by the Illinois Department of Corrections shows Jared Carter. An Associated Press analysis shows nearly two dozen Illinois inmates are escaped from prison _ with some gone for 40 years. The Illinois Department of Corrections says it never stops looking for them or closes a case. The review was spurred by the escape last summer of Carter from a prison work crew. He was found four days later and was sentenced in March to 11 more years behind bars. (AP Photo/Illinois Department of Corrections)

AP Exclusive: Ill. has 22 fugitive escaped inmates

John O'connor · June 8, 2014 4:07 pm

Quinn: Shakman lacks authority to challenge hiring

John O'connor · June 8, 2014 12:23 am

Illinois closes health centers, leaves records

John O'connor · May 30, 2014 12:11 am

FILE - In this Feb,. 10, 2012 file photo, school students enter the "White House" as a life-size Abraham Lincoln replica stands outside, while touring the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Ill. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has denied that personal friendships are driving his proposal to make the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum a separate state agency. A House committee on Monday,May 26, 2014, approved Madigan's idea to break the decade-old institution off from the Historic Preservation Agency. The measure moves to the House floor. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)

House approves plan to separate Lincoln library

John O'connor · May 28, 2014 12:53 am

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, left, registers for her ballot during a strike authorization vote at a high school in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green,File)

Illinois Legislature OKs Chicago pension overhaul

John O'connor · April 9, 2014 4:00 am

Report: Illinois electric deregulation saved $37B

John O'connor · March 3, 2014 4:47 pm