We believe that Americans—and Chicagoans in particular—face a crisis in self-government. We want to deliver the spoken and printed word in ways that rouse Chicagoans to become more active in their own government.

Whether over the air or on-line, we want Chicagoans to hear voices . . . voices that make them interested in and well-informed about decisions made by invisible others that change how they live. We aim to arm Chicagoans with the information that helps them affect those decisions.

We showcase writers and speakers who dive deep into the dark corners of Chicago government—driving shadowy deeds into the light.