Investigation

Public agencies spend roughly $1 million in single year on employee parking in Chicago; After questions surface, Rahm proposes more belt-tightening.

Nuns wonder why Stone Park’s village government approved exotic dancing venue along their fence line, but didn’t notify them.

Architecture firm run by Theresa Mintle’s husband made millions under former Mayor Daley, but can’t do city-related work while Mintle serves as Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s chief of staff.

After initially denying they have taxpayer-funded credit cards, government officials in the financially troubled western suburb release their credit card records—which show elaborate expenditures on the public dime. Among the big spenders: the ex-village manager who now serves as a Chicago alderman.

In wake of BGA investigation on former City Colleges chancellor, who stands to collect $500,000 in accrued sick time, Chicago mayor halts the practice and orders a review.

Since stepping down in 2009, ex-chancellor Wayne Watson has received a wellness windfall—$300,000, so far—but he’s not the only one benefiting from this sick system.

In the latest controversy surrounding a lucrative political perk, the daughter of Chicago Ald. Anthony Beale—who has endorsed state Rep. Robert Rita for re-election in the past—ended up with a “legislative scholarship” from Rita.

Little-known aspect of Illinois state law allows employees of select trade groups to collect retirement benefits from taxpayers—a BGA Rescuing Illinois special investigation.

According to a report obtained by the BGA and the Chicago News Cooperative, four of the 17 Cook County commissioners did not fully abide by the furlough plan put in place last year to save hundreds of jobs.