Unless you’ve been living in the Deep Tunnel, you’ve probably heard the State of Illinois is facing a daunting public employee pension crisis, and Chicago — mainly its schools and municipal government — is tiptoeing around similar fiscal land mines that could blow up in the faces of retirees and taxpayers.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Obama Aide, Daley Pal Cash In On Chicago FBI Building Project
Clout-heavy landlords – including a future member of the Obama cabinet – make big money from taxpayers by building and leasing FBI’s new Chicago headquarters. Why didn’t the feds just build the structure themselves?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Municipal Official’s Hiring A Family Affair
Summit’s now-former village administrator had none of the usual skills for the job, but he had a big booster in his uncle – the mayor of the south suburb.
Posted inLegal
BGA, NBC Sue CPS For Violating Open Records Law
Complaint contends that Chicago Public Schools withholds records in violation of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act; fails to follow transparency requirements.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Video Shows Cop Allegedly Hit Handcuffed Suspect
Lynwood police officer is shown on surveillance footage allegedly shoving, punching handcuffed prisoner inside police station. Did officials try to cover up the incident?
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
BGA Calls On Suburb’s Leaders To Pass Reforms
Letter outlines ways to end questionable management practices uncovered in BGA/FOX 32 investigation of Summit Village.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
IL Voters Deserve More Straight Talk from Quinn & Rauner
Given the recent history of the office both men are running for, Illinois voters are entitled, at the very least, to straight answers from the two men who want to govern the state.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Bad Communication Over BP Spill
Illinois environmental official criticizes federal, Indiana colleagues for not alerting his agency to March oil spill at BP’s shoreline plant in Whiting.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Rahm and Reform: How Far Did He Go?
Budget? Fees? TIFs? Ethics? BGA Policy Team Weighs Results.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Chicago Corruption Fight Needs Government Watchdog Like NYC’s
Inspector General or Inspector Clouseau? Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.