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John Kraft on Muck Rack

John Kraft

Illinois
As seen in: RealClear Policy, Chicago City Wire, Edgar County Watchdogs, Prairie State Wire, Kankakee Times, South Cook News, Sangamon Sun, Will County Gazette, Metro East Sun, The Southland Journal and
Covers:  Local and State Government
Call or Text our Tip Line @ (312) 566-8078. the ECWd are a local government accountability and news organization.

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John Kraft’s Biography

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Investigative reporters concentrating on local government.

John Kraft’s Journalist Portfolio

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Kankakee County Board Member Resigns After Lawsuit Seeking His Removal -

Kankakee County Board Member Resigns After Lawsuit Seeking His Removal -

Kankakee, Ill. (ECWd) - Kankakee County Board Member Chris Tholen has apparently resigned from office after a…

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Hinsdale Township High School Approved Student Residency Settlements -

Hinsdale Township High School Approved Student Residency Settlements -

Hinsdale, Ill. (ECWd) - During their May 2025, meeting, the Board of Trustees of Hinsdale Township High Schoo…

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Three Elected Officials In Kankakee County Face Removal From Office -

Three Elected Officials In Kankakee County Face Removal From Office -

Kankakee Co., Ill. (ECWd) - Kankakee County State's Attorney James Rowe's office filed suit against three ele…

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Kane County Admits To "Mistakes" In CDL Masking Likely Resulting In Death Of DeKalb Co. Deputy -

Kane County Admits To "Mistakes" In CDL Masking Likely Resulting In Death Of DeKalb Co. Deputy -

Kane Co., Ill. (ECWd) - This is an update on the Illinois Secretary of State's ("SOS") letter to Kane County …

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Orland Fire Protection District Spent $432,000 On "Media Relations" -

Orland Fire Protection District Spent $432,000 On "Media Relations" -

Orland Park, Ill. (ECWd) - The Orland Fire Protection District has spent more than $432,000 over the past sev…

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IL. Sec. of State Alleges Kane County's Violation Of Federal CDL Masking Law Resulted In Death Of...

IL. Sec. of State Alleges Kane County's Violation Of Federal CDL Masking Law Resulted In Death Of...

Illinois (ECWd) - "His CDL would have been disqualified for life" On November 5, 2024, we published an articl…

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Articles

Winnebago County VAC Terminated Interim Superintendent –

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By John Kraft, Kirk Allen
| Edgar County Watchdogs
Winnebago Co., Ill. (ECWd) – During a Special Meeting of the Veterans Assistance Commission (“VAC”) of Winnebago County on July 29, 2026, the commission members voted to terminate the employment of its Interim Superintendent, Willie Borden Jr., who was hired into that position on January 15, 2026.
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“The Reason I Ran For Office Was To Get Away From My Wife” –

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By John Kraft, Kirk Allen
| Edgar County Watchdogs
Springfield, Ill. (ECWd) – LIG: “Following my extensive investigation, I have concluded that Representative Harry Benton during 2025 and 2026 engaged in inappropriate conduct which rises to the level of sexual harassment in violation of state law. ” In our article on July 7, 2026, we called for the public release of this report. The Legislative Ethics Commission published it today (HERE).
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Will County Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Raj Pillai Under Illinois Citizen Participation Act –

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By John Kraft, Kirk Allen
| Edgar County Watchdogs
Plainfield, IL — Raj Pillai, CPA, U.S. Navy veteran, and former President of the Will County Veterans Assistance Commission, announced today that the Circuit Court of Will County dismissed the lawsuit filed against him arising from comments made during a public discussion concerning veterans’ issues. In granting the motion to dismiss, the Court also found the Illinois Citizen Participation Act applicable, allowing Mr. Pillai to seek recovery of his attorney’s fees and costs.
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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

The one I have now.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes

How is social media changing news?

Makes traditional media work harder and smarter

Awards

State Policy Network’s Vernon K. Krieble Unsung Hero Award

2016 - Significant contribution to the preservation of Freedom.

Awards is to honor individuals whose work defines entrepreneurial public policy, the ongoing battle to defend America’s founding principles, and the duty to leave future generations a freer society.

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