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Articles by Jake Pearson
Federal and State Officials Ramp Up Scrutiny of DraftKings, Other Sports Betting Apps
This story was originally published by ProPublica. Read the story here. By Jake Pearson State and federal officials have ramped up scrutiny of online sports betting companies in recent weeks, launching inquiries, demanding information and, in one case, proposing a new rule that would limit when companies like DraftKings can pitch their users to bet more.
Federal and State Officials Ramp Up Scrutiny of DraftKings, Other Sports Betting Apps
State and federal officials have ramped up scrutiny of online sports betting companies in recent weeks, launching inquiries, demanding information and, in one case, proposing a new rule that would limit when companies like DraftKings can pitch their users to bet more.
When Operators Ignore Their Own RG Policies
“You cannot subsidize irresponsibility and expect people to become more responsible.” —Thomas Sowell The weekend of September 26, 2026, was something of a perfect storm in the world of gambling. It began with a most interesting article by Jake Pearson in ProPublica. Under the insightful guidance of Isaac Rose Berman, Mr. Pearson entered into an online betting relationship with DraftKings.
Album review: beabadoobee's 'Pylon' flickers with sparks of unfulfilled potential
Words by Jake Pearson Throughout her now-four-album-strong career, beabadoobee has always kept her audience guessing her next move. As an artist, she relishes quicksilver genre switches, from the youthful alternative-rock of her debut release Fake It Flowers to the whimsical, dreamy folk-pop of 2022’s Beatopia and This Is How Tomorrow Moves’ polished pop sound.
Watch: Inside Our $22K Sports Betting Experiment
Earlier this year, we heard that reporter Jake Pearson planned to ask our editors at ProPublica for more than $20,000 so he could spend the NBA playoffs betting like a problem gambler. We told him we wanted in on the action. For 10 weeks, our documentary team at ProPublica filmed Jake as he dove ball-cap-first into DraftKings and FanDuel, the country’s largest online sportsbooks.
New York Plans Stronger Sports Betting Regulation to Curb Gambling Addiction
Gambling regulators in New York on Friday formally proposed two rules that they say will help curb gambling addiction in the state. The move adds the country’s largest sports betting market to a growing list of places that are seeking online gambling reforms as states that have legalized wagering on sports in recent years deal with the harmful side effects, including rising addiction diagnoses there.
Irresponsible Gambling: When Operators Ignore Their Own RG Policies
“You cannot subsidize irresponsibility and expect people to become more responsible.” —Thomas Sowell The weekend of September 26, 2026, was something of a perfect storm in the world of gambling. It began with a most interesting article by Jake Pearson in ProPublica. Under the insightful guidance of Isaac Rose Berman, Mr. Pearson entered into an online betting relationship with DraftKings.
Our Reporter Spent 10 Weeks Gambling on DraftKings. Here Are 5 Things He Learned.
Construction of the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Photo: Sea Cow / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Online gambling has surged in the U.S. since the Supreme Court allowed states to legalize sports betting in 2018, prompting public health concerns about gambling addiction and calls for stricter consumer protections.
D r a f t K i n g s M a d e M e a V I P . DraftKings Made Me a VIP.
Reporting Highlights Recklessness Rewarded: I blew $1,800 in one night by chasing my losses with bigger bets, a classic sign of problem gambling. The next day, DraftKings invited me to audition for its VIP program. Casino Craze: Sportsbooks want to expand into online casinos, where you can lose a lot fast. I played 500 rounds of blackjack in a weekend — about half of my total bets over 10 weeks.
Moving In/Moving Out: Palace Wine Bar revitalizes former shoe repair building
(WIFR) - This week’s business updates: Palace Wine Bar What was once a historic downtown Rockford business has been transformed, going from fixing shoes to curating glasses of wine. The owners of Palace Wine Bar say they’re paying homage to Palace Shoe Repair, while also adding a unique flair to the corner of North Main and Mulberry Streets. Aside from serving sips and food, poetry readings and live music is also a primary focus of the Bar. Palace Wine Bar is located at 202 N. Main Street, Rockford.
Moving In/Moving Out: Fizzy’s Soda Shop pours a nationwide trend into Northern Illinois
(WIFR) - This week’s business updates: Fizzy’s Soda Shop Adding a pump of stateline flavor to a national drink trend, Fizzy’s Soda Shop travels around the region crafting energy drinks and dirty sodas. Owner Haley Williams says the ability to travel with the Fizzy’s truck lets her business stand out among the competition. “We’re already able to go to events, we were just at Pop-Up at the Parks, that was a really big event for us. We can go to birthday parties, weddings, graduation parties.
Moving In/Moving Out: Candy Cloud keeps traffic moving fast with first drive-thru lane
MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WIFR) - This week’s business updates: Candy Cloud - Machesney Park Getting your sweet, specialty drinks just got quicker. Candy Cloud opens a Machesney Park location this Summer. For the first time in the chain’s history, the new location features a drive-thru lane. General Manager Chris Walker says to expect drive-thru lanes at future Candy Cloud stores. “It’s something that we’ve wanted to do for a very long time...
Moving In/Moving Out: 815 Slime off to a huge start around community
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - This week’s business updates: 815 Slime What began as a hobby for a pair of sisters transformed into a passion, traveling to parties and events to craft a unique experience. 815 Slime is a new business in the region, cashing in on the trend which has exploded online in recent years. Ashley Achim and Lillie Zenaty are the co-owners behind the brand. They say not only are kids excited about the product, so are their parents.
Teachers learn impacts of poverty on students learning
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The tables are turned on teachers Monday at Cherry Valley Elementary School, as staff learn ways to better address the challenges many students face because of poverty. Rockford’s poverty rate sits at 21%, nearly twice the average in Illinois, according to information from the Regional Office of Education. For some students in Rockford Public Schools 205, school is a refuge to find warmth and fill their empty stomachs with food.
We Found New York’s Guardianship System in Shambles. Now State Lawmakers Say They Have a Plan to Help Fix It.
New York state lawmakers have introduced legislation to boost spending on the state’s troubled guardianship system by $15 million a year — an unprecedented cash infusion for a bureaucracy that has long struggled to care for the tens of thousands of disabled or elderly New Yorkers who cannot care for themselves. By law, judges appoint guardians to manage the health and financial matters of people they deem incapacitated, and these guardians are then compensated from the estates of their wards.
Assistant public defender retires before New Year
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill.
Assistant Public Defender retires before New Year
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. (WIFR) - After decades of serving the State of Illinois and the stateline, one of Winnebago County’s longest tenured attorneys cleans out her office this week to enter retirement. Margie O’Connor spent decades serving as Deputy State’s Attorney before transitioning to a new role as Assistant Public Defender for Winnebago County. A lesson O’Connor wants to extend to every profession: find a passion.
Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Once Defended Congress’ Power of the Purse. Now He Defies It.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been one of the most vociferous defenders of President Donald Trump’s expansive use of executive authority, withholding billions of dollars in federal funding to states and dismissing protests of the White House’s boundary-pushing behavior as the gripings of “disenfranchised Democrats.” But court documents reviewed by ProPublica show that a decade ago, as a House member, Duffy took a drastically different position on presidential power, articulating a...
Trump’s Transportation Secretary Once Defended Congress’ Power of the Purse. Now He Defies It.
This story was originally published by ProPublica.
Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Once Defended Congress’ Power of the Purse. Now He Defies It.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been one of the most vociferous defenders of President Donald Trump’s expansive use of executive authority, withholding billions of dollars in federal funding to states and dismissing protests of the White House’s boundary-pushing behavior as the gripings of “disenfranchised Democrats.” But court documents reviewed by ProPublica show that a decade ago, as a House member, Duffy took a drastically different position on presidential power, articulating a...
Rochelle Community Hospital expands Behavioral Health Services
ROCHELLE, Ill. (WIFR) - Shrinking wait times and expanding care for those in need of mental health help, Rochelle Community Hospital celebrates the opening of its new Behavioral Health Services clinic. Tuesday morning, leaders held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the hospital’s Multi-Specialty Clinic. The expansion will provide service for those living with anxiety, depression, trauma and other mental health conditions.
Sean Duffy once defended Congress’s power of the purse. Now he defies it.
ByJake Pearson for ProPublica Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been one of the most vociferous defenders of President Donald Trump’s expansive use of executive authority, withholding billions of dollars in federal funding to states and dismissing protests of the White House’s boundary-pushing behavior as the gripings of “disenfranchised Democrats.” But court documents reviewed by ProPublica show that a decade ago, as a House member, Duffy took a drastically different position on...
Tech billionaire Marc Andreessen bet big on Trump. It’s paying off for Silicon Valley
For more than a decade, Silicon Valley venture capitalists have poured enormous sums of money into newfangled technology companies seeking to disrupt, and even supplant, the traditional financial system and sidestep its burdensome regulations.
Backing Trump Has Paid Off for Silicon Valley Billionaires Like Marc Andreessen
Honest, paywall-free news is rare. Please support our boldly independent journalism with a donation of any size. This story was originally published by ProPublica. For more than a decade, Silicon Valley venture capitalists have poured enormous sums of money into newfangled technology companies seeking to disrupt, and even supplant, the traditional financial system and sidestep its burdensome regulations.
‘Mission accomplished’: Veteran breaks Guinness World Record in Belvidere
BELVIDERE, Ill. (WIFR) - A Marine veteran from Arkansas made the trip to Belvidere for a go at breaking a Guinness World Record. Mark Jones breaks the Guinness World Record for the longest distance run in 24 hours while carrying a 40-pound pack. The previous record was 79.12 miles, set on June 12, 2022, by Ebrahim Ataei from Iran. Jones crushed it by running 88.67 miles. The vet didn’t trek through the cold rain for personal gain.
Tech Billionaire Marc Andreessen Bet Big on Trump. It’s Paying Off for Silicon Valley
In one of the scariest moments in modern history, we're doing our best at ScheerPost to pierce the fog of lies that conceal it but we need some help to pay our writers and staff. Please consider a tax-deductible donation. By Jake Pearson / ProPublica For more than a decade, Silicon Valley venture capitalists have poured enormous sums of money into newfangled technology companies seeking to disrupt, and even supplant, the traditional financial system and sidestep its burdensome regulations.
Tech billionaire flips with big bet on Trump - and the pay off is alarming
For more than a decade, Silicon Valley venture capitalists have poured enormous sums of money into newfangled technology companies seeking to disrupt, and even supplant, the traditional financial system and sidestep its burdensome regulations.
Tech Billionaire Marc Andreessen Bet Big on Trump. It’s Paying Off for Silicon Valley.
For more than a decade, Silicon Valley venture capitalists have poured enormous sums of money into newfangled technology companies seeking to disrupt, and even supplant, the traditional financial system and sidestep its burdensome regulations.
‘Let children be children for one holiday’: Pritzker calls for halt in immigration operations
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WIFR) - Joined by other community leaders, Governor JB Pritzker asks the Trump administration to suspend federal immigration enforcement operations during the Halloween weekend, specifically around children and families.
Nik’s Wish reveals new Wish Lamp
LOVES PARK, Ill. (WIFR) - Sporting a new design, lights, and even smoke, Nik’s Wish shows off its new Wish Lamp Friday morning at MercyHealth Sportscore Two. The brawn behind the new Lamp is credited to Northwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades. Team members with the company posed with the lamp at the unveiling ceremony. Leaders with Nik’s Wish say the Lamp serves as a special part of every request granted by the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation.
Kristi Noem Fast-Tracked Millions in Disaster Aid to Florida Tourist Attraction After Campaign Donor Intervened
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published. For months, the complaints have rolled in from parts of the country hit by natural disasters: The Federal Emergency Management Agency was moving far too slowly in sending aid to communities ravaged by floods and hurricanes, including in central Texas and North Carolina.
Cuts to CFPB staffing could complicate enforcement of Trump’s executive order on ‘debanking’
Last month, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order “guaranteeing fair banking for all Americans,” he served notice of a coming federal crackdown. Banks who have denied customers access to accounts, loans or credit cards “on the basis of political or religious beliefs or lawful business activities,” he said, would now feel the full force of government regulators.
Some North Dakota Lawmakers Say Change Is Needed to Protect Oil and Gas Royalty Owners
This article was produced for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network in partnership with the North Dakota Monitor. Sign up for Dispatches to get our stories in your inbox every week. For years, North Dakota’s mineral owners have said state officials have ignored their pleas for help as companies deduct money from their share of income from oil and gas production. Now, some state lawmakers agree they need to take action.
Practicing bike safety at 2nd annual UW Health Kids Safety Fair
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Bringing together experts in child safety, so families can keep their kids safe while having fun, UW Health hosts its Kids Safety Fair for the second year. Families can head out to the fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at UW Health’s East State Street Clinic. UW Health experts say they have seen an increase in injuries related to Electric Bike and Scooter accidents. To teach safety tips, a bike rodeo will be held where kids can learn more about helmet use.
Trump wants to crack down on “debanking.” He’s dismantling an agency that was doing just that
Last month, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order “guaranteeing fair banking for all Americans,” he served notice of a coming federal crackdown. Banks who have denied customers access to accounts, loans or credit cards “on the basis of political or religious beliefs or lawful business activities,” he said, would now feel the full force of government regulators.
Trump Wants to Crack Down on “Debanking,” but He’s Dismantling a Regulator That Was Doing Just That
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published. Last month, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order “guaranteeing fair banking for all Americans,” he served notice of a coming federal crackdown.
The Untold Saga of What Happened When DOGE Stormed Social Security
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published. Some Social Security officials said they welcomed DOGE — the agency needs a technological overhaul — only to see DOGE ignore them and prioritize quick (often empty) wins. Leland Dudek, the agency’s then acting chief, helped DOGE at first, then tried to resist when he saw what it was doing, Dudek said in 15 hours of candid interviews.
Trump Is Accusing Foes With Multiple Mortgages of Fraud. Records Show 3 of His Cabinet Members Have Them.
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ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published. The Trump administration has vowed to go after anyone who got lower mortgage rates by claiming more than one primary residence on their loan papers. President Donald Trump has used it as a justification to target political foes, including a governor on the Federal Reserve Board, a Democratic U.S. senator and a state attorney general.
By Robert Faturechi Verified, Justin Elliott Verified, Alex Mierjeski Verified, Jake Pearson Verified
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ProPublica
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The Leader of Trump’s Assault on Higher Education Has a Troubled Legal and Financial History
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published. Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell, who leads Trump’s antisemitism task force, has had a legal career marred by client disputes and scathing judicial rebukes. Before his sudden MAGA conversion, Terrell was beset with financial problems.
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