Emails obtained in BGA suit show gambling expansion talk between mayor’s administration and Neil Bluhm. Family donated $770,000 to Pat Quinn, Bruce Rauner and Rahm Emanuel. Meanwhile, a consultant for Rivers Casino concluded gambling expansion would pose “existential threats” to its business.
Chuck Neubauer
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Kirk, Duckworth Raise Big Money From Special Interests
Tammy Duckworth takes large contributions from law firm that brings asbestos lawsuits, while Mark Kirk gets a boost from a billionaire hedge fund manager.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Former Congressman Nixes Federal Lobbying After BGA Investigation
Bill Lipinski was paid by Metra, Chicago Transit Authority and other transportation clients.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Trump Towers With Huuuge Property Tax Savings
Presidential candidate saved a whopping $800,000 in property taxes on his unoccupied penthouse because of a unique Cook County policy.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Rivers Casino’s Jackpot: $1 Million Property Tax Break
Located on prime real estate and raking in huge profits, owners of Des Plaines casino argue their property isn’t so valuable, and the Board of Review agrees – leading to sizable tax cut.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Cited For Safety, Company Still Wins Juicy City Contracts
A sewer and excavation firm is accused of serious workplace safety violations, and still garners tens of millions of dollars in work from Emanuel administration.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Illinois Pols Grease Legislation For Pipeline Welders
Just-passed measure removes restrictions on the number of hours pipeline welders can work, travel. But critics worry about the safety of U.S. roads.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Railroads And Deep Ties To Illinois Pols
Railroad PACs donate big money to campaign funds of members of Congress from Illinois, who have a powerful voice in regulating the industry.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Ex-Congressmen Work As “Consultants” For Special Interests
Designation means they don’t have to register as lobbyists, publicly disclose clients or adhere to revolving-door limits.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Park Grill’s Lease Bites Taxpayers Again – At Midway
Court ruling that allows Millennium Park eatery to avoid property taxes is used to justify huge tax breaks for a clout-heavy concessionaire at Midway Airport.