Investigation Lawmakers in Hot Water With Feds Get Campaign Cash That Helps Pay Defense Lawyers May 22, 2020 5:30 AM In one of his last acts, now-retired Illinois Senate President John Cullerton OK’d sending nearly $100,000 to two state senators under federal investigation.
Investigation Needle Exchange Programs Cutting Back During Coronavirus Crisis Programs started in the 1980s to slow the spread of the HIV epidemic are now scaling back because of COVID-19, a move some experts say could create a new challenge in fighting the deadly outbreak. May 7, 2020 6:00 AM
Investigation Even Before Federal COVID-19 Rescue Checks Arrive, Illinois Schools Spend Tens of Millions on Technology Despite push, some students still lack devices, and some districts aren’t providing data about who’s logging on. May 6, 2020 3:00 PM
Investigation COVID-19 Delivering Latest Twist in Fight Over Controversial Shipping Hub Project recently approved by Joliet raising issues not only of economics but also of open democracy for governments making decisions as they adhere to social distancing and stay-at-home orders amid pandemic. Apr 22, 2020 6:00 AM
PolitiFact Fact-Check: No, the Novel Coronavirus Was Not 'Man-Made' Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford said the novel coronavirus did not occur naturally. In response to our inquiry, she acknowledged she has no proof to back that up. May 21, 2020 6:00 AM
PolitiFact Fact-Check: LaHood Overstates Chicago’s Share of Illinois COVID-19 Cases Arguing his region of the state should be allowed to start reopening, the congressman said Chicago accounts for nearly all cases of the novel coronavirus in Illinois. But data show the city makes up less than half of the state’s total. May 14, 2020 3:00 PM
From Our President Greising: FOIA Access Was Protected During a Hectic General Assembly Session. That’s a Good Thing During This Pandemic. May 29, 2020
From Our President Greising: Some Want the Economy Flung Open. Wake Up. COVID-19’s No Hoax. May 15, 2020
What the Gov What the Gov: Should Apartment Dwellers Notify Management If They Have COVID-19? May 13, 2020
Database Illinois Public Salaries Database Review, explore and compare compensation for public employees throughout Illinois. Oct 30, 2018 12:00 AM
Database Illinois Public Pensions Database Follow the money paid to retired public-sector employees throughout Illinois. Nov 15, 2019 12:27 AM
Explainer Get Ready, Illinois: Pritzker’s Tax Plan Looks to Become the Biggest Ballot Measure in State History Is it a “fair tax” or a “blank check?” Those will be two of the opposing messages Illinois voters will hear between now and November over the governor’s proposal to flip the state from a flat income tax rate to a graduated one. Updated: Mar 19, 2020 @ 11:42 AM
Explainer Mayor Lightfoot Promised to Spend More Money on Students in Need. Will 2020 Be the Year? Chicago schools with more students who face increased challenges need more resources, but funding has stayed the same per-pupil for years. Now the city is examining how to divvy up money differently as school enrollment declines. Dec 11, 2019 9:30 AM
Explainer Lightfoot’s Effort To Scale Back Aldermanic Prerogative a Work in Progress Lori Lightfoot vowed to put an end to aldermanic prerogative on inauguration day. But the basis for the practice giving aldermen a veto over ward issues will take more than a few strokes of a pen for her to undo. Nov 20, 2019 9:04 AM
Follow-Up Email Strings Show City Officials Warned of Health Risks Before Little Village Demolition Fiasco Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration has blown deadlines to disclose internal communications, violating state public records laws. City Hall’s decision-making process prior to the implosion remains shrouded. May 22, 2020 9:15 AM
Follow-Up Attorney General Sues Hilco After Botched Little Village Smokestack Demolition The state’s top prosecutor says the company did not take steps “to protect the community from air pollution and compromised air quality” after the implosion covered the neighborhood in dust. May 5, 2020 3:54 PM
Follow-Up Developer in Little Village Demolition Gone Wrong Cited By State EPA With Violating Pollution Laws Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office is reviewing the incident that covered the Chicago neighborhood in dust. Apr 22, 2020 6:30 PM
