The growth of video gambling in Illinois and the riches that go with it has opened new vistas for clout. Some politicians and their friends have cashed in.
Casey Toner
Casey Toner, a Chicago native, has been an Illinois Answers reporter since 2016, taking the lead on numerous projects about criminal justice and politics. His series on police shootings in suburban Cook County resulted in a state law requiring procedural investigations of all police shootings in Illinois. Before he joined Illinois Answers, he wrote for the Daily Southtown and was a statewide reporter for Alabama Media Group, a consortium of Alabama newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys watching soccer and writing music.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Troubled Burnham Club Closing After Thanksgiving Chaos
Double shooting, mob beatdown spurs closing of Will’s Sports Bar, which was previously identified in BGA report.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Video Gambling Firms Lay Cash Bets On Illinois Politicians
The industry spent more than $1 million in political donations, helping business spread throughout the state. Is Chicago next on the docket?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Daley Machine Cogs Still Spin In Chicago Heights
In three years, Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez’s financial firm adds 22 municipal contracts totaling $2.1 million.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Ex-Legislator Sandack Told Cops He Wired Money To Philippines In Extortion Scheme
Downers Grove police say case is closed on former Republican lawmaker who quit office in July. Incident stemmed from Facebook and Skype interactions with a woman.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Southwest Suburban Cop Fired For Slapping Inmate
Eight-year vet of police force seen on camera slapping man in genital area. Officer was previously suspended after a sexual assault allegation.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Blagojevich Prison Sentence Upheld
Ex-governor fails to sway judge that his sentence should be shortened.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
IPRA Releases Video Of Chicago Police Shooting Paul O’Neal
Video is released eight days after the death of Chicago teen.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
School Nepotism Lawsuit Moves Forward After Court Rules For Taxpayer
Appellate Judge says resident has standing to sue school board. Repayment of more than $100,000 is sought for package that a south suburban board member voted to give his wife.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Bar Tied To Suburban Politician Draws Hundreds of Cop Calls
Police called to late-night Burnham bar more than 800 times in six years. Village’s top cop says Will’s Sports Bar is ‘bad for the community and dangerous for police officers.’