While seeking a tax break from Cook County, a suburban factory owner says he felt pressured into contributing to a county commissioner’s campaign fund.
Dan Mihalopoulos
ComEd Kept Paying Madigan Confidant After Retirement Announcement
The power company paid $361,000 in 2017 and 2018 to a clout-heavy ex-lobbyist whose home was raided by the feds in May.
Search Warrant Shows Feds Focused on Lyons Mayor, Developer Who Built His House
Sweeping document — released after the village was sued — sought records highlighted in previous BGA investigation, nearby quarry and even the mayor’s home security system.
Feds Subpoena ComEd for ‘Communications’ With Embattled State Sen. Sandoval
This is the second subpoena the utility giant has received connected to a wide-ranging federal probe. It arrived 10 days after investigators searched Sandoval’s offices in Springfield and Cicero.
Former Alderman’s Lobbying Deal Is Latest Target in Widening Federal Investigation
Federal investigators are looking into ex-Ald. Michael Zalewski’s contract with the village of Schiller Park. The subpoena followed reporting by the BGA and WBEZ detailing a previous search on Zalewski’s home.
Feds Search for Michael Madigan Records at Home of Retired Alderman, Sources Say
In a related move, the feds subpoenaed utility giant Commonwealth Edison about the company’s state government lobbying activity.
Chicago Ethics Board Fines Ald. Ed Burke for ‘Improper Influence’
Prompted by a Better Government Association/WBEZ investigation, the city’s ethics watchdog hits Burke for $2k fine.
Feds Charge Powerful Ald. Ed Burke With Corruption
Burke, the longest-serving alderman in Chicago history, is accused of using his position as alderman to illegally seek business for his private law firm. The questionable intersection between Burke’s public and private roles was the focus of a recent BGA/WBEZ investigation.
The King of Recusals: How Ald. Ed Burke’s Private Law Business Intersects With His Public Power
Chicago’s longest-sitting alderman has recused himself 464 times in the last eight years, far more than all other aldermen combined. Following recent federal raids, questions of his conflicts of interest have arisen again.
Most Blame Goes To Pols For Pension Mess
Though some public employees have taken advantage of pension “sweeteners” over the years to boost benefits, political leaders also failed to keep pension systems adequately funded.