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.
Follow-Up
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, 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.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Pelosi Exaggerates Rauner’s Role in Illinois’ Fiscal Woes
Striking back at President Trump, the House Speaker claimed Illinois got into financial problems because of former Gov. Bruce Rauner. But there are many more fingerprints on the shovel that dug the state into the hole.
Posted inFollow-Up, 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.
Posted inFollow-Up, 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.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
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.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
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.
Posted inFollow-Up, 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.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Contractor In Little Village Smokestack Fiasco Was Cited In March For Blowing Dust — But City OK’d Demolition Anyway
A Hilco affiliate, contractor MCM Management Corp. and partners were hit with $3.75 million in environmental violations in Maryland.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Has Illinois Fallen Behind Other States in Testing for the Coronavirus?
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says the state is behind most others when it comes to COVID-19 testing — including all of its neighbors. But data show that while Illinois’ testing rate falls below average nationally, the state is outpacing those that surround it.