Category Archives: USCongress
The Purple Heart—-The Oldest American Military Decoration
241 years ago on August 7, 1782, George Washington issued the following orders creating the Purple Heart (then called the Badge of Military Merit), the oldest American military decoration: The General ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his … Continue reading
What is Litigation Funding? How can litigants finance their litigation?
Litigation financing, sometimes termed litigation funding / third party funding, is the giving of funds to a claim holder or legal firm in return for a piece of the revenues from litigation or arbitration.The main element of litigation financing is … Continue reading
Fireworks Laws in Illinois ?
Thinking about doing fireworks on your own, but unsure of the laws in Illinois? Here’s what you need to know: Like clockwork each Fourth of July, colorful displays of fireworks dazzle the night sky in celebration of the nation’s independence. … Continue reading
When Did Slavery Really End in the U.S.? The Complicated History of Juneteenth
The push to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, which successfully led to the first national Juneteenth observance last year, brought a new wave of attention to the history behind this celebration: That on June 19, 1865, enslaved men and women … Continue reading
The little-noticed court decision that changed homelessness in America
Is there a right to sleep outside? Five years ago, a federal court issued a crucial ruling. People experiencing homelessness, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals said, can’t be punished for sleeping outside on public property if there are no … Continue reading
Better Government Association Statement: Supreme Court FOIA Ruling Limits Transparency; Significantly Broadens Exemptions to FOIA
A unanimous Illinois Supreme Court ruling yesterday in a case called Chapman v. Chicago reverses a lower court’s ruling and blocks plaintiff Matt Chapman’s open records request for information from the City of Chicago’s Department of Finance. The court’s ruling … Continue reading
On This Memorial Day, 2023, Let’s Remember All Who Have Died For The USA and Freedom
On this Memorial Day, 2023, thank you Peter Sobacki, a 1967 graduate of Holy Cross High School, who inspired a 13 year old to attend Holy Cross High School. Peter Sobacki was killed in Vietnam in 1968. Peter was my … Continue reading