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Investigation

Former State Health Director Ezike Under Scrutiny by the State’s Top Ethics Investigator

Public health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike connected with ordinary people nearly every day during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now she is CEO of a top state medical contractor. Did Dr. Ezike’s quick switch violate the state Ethics Act?
Jun 10, 2022 6:00 AM
Investigation

Foster Children Held in Jails, Shelters — Workers Threatened, Attacked: A State Agency in Crisis

One juvenile court judge asked: “What does a judge do when the department basically abuses a child?” Besieged Illinois child welfare director Marc Smith speaks out in a rare and passionate defense of his tenure, saying “every effort is being made” to protect children and workers.
May 26, 2022 6:00 AM
Investigation

Illinois Pension Funds Are Slow To Pull Out of Russian Assets

Despite a public outcry following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, legislation designed to force divestment languished unpassed in the Spring session of the Illinois General Assembly. Lawmakers say they intend to take the issue up again in the Fall.
May 5, 2022 6:00 AM
Investigation

Security Cameras Scarce in Parks with Most Reported Crimes

Only 16 of the 600 parks in city neighborhoods have security cameras, but many of them are in white, wealthy neighborhoods without much of a crime problem. Many parks in higher-crime areas, including more neighborhoods of color, have no cameras at all despite requests from residents.
Apr 21, 2022 6:00 AM
Investigation

Ald. Walter Burnett Softened Stance on Affordable Housing After Cash Flowed

Developer Onni Group wanted out of its obligation to include affordable units in its luxury Old Town highrises. Onni paid a Burnett friend more than $417,000 to lobby City Hall, helped sponsor a Burnett fundraiser and pledged $25,000 to a charity run by Burnett’s wife. Some tenants said the alderman abandoned them.
Apr 12, 2022 6:00 AM
Investigation

Former Police Superintendent Accused of Lying in Murder Case

A man exonerated after 33 years in prison for double murder says records prove then-Lt. Philip Cline lied to jurors during his trial about taking his confession in 1987. He is suing the city.
Mar 16, 2022 6:44 AM
Investigation

Former Veterans' Affairs Chief Wrote Checks Totaling $50,000 to Her Mom From Her Political Fund

Following BGA inquiries, Linda Chapa LaVia said the money was to repay a 20-year-old loan. She returned the money to her political account after officials at the state board of elections raised questions about why the loan was never disclosed.
Mar 2, 2022 6:00 AM
Investigation

Pritzker Trust Bought Stock in a Top Illinois Contractor After He Was Elected Governor

Purchase of stock highlights weakness of Pritzker’s blind-trust arrangement in preventing conflicts of interest for billionaire governor’s holdings.
Feb 25, 2022 6:00 AM
Investigation

Concerns — and Campaign Plans — Mount As Chicago Remap Battle Drags On

Chicago’s once-per-decade fight to redraw its ward boundaries has lasted months and there’s still no agreement, sparking preliminary referendum plans and fears about a costly court battle.
Updated: Feb 3, 2022 @ 1:45 AM
Investigation

Projects With Madigan Ties Went to the Front of the Line in State’s Massive Rebuild Illinois List

The $45 billion statewide capital plan includes $4 billion in pet projects added by a handful of the state’s most powerful politicians, including the former speaker.
Jan 21, 2022 5:30 AM

Investigations

Former State Health Director Ezike Under Scrutiny by the State’s Top Ethics Investigator

Foster Children Held in Jails, Shelters — Workers Threatened, Attacked: A State Agency in Crisis

Illinois Pension Funds Are Slow To Pull Out of Russian Assets

Security Cameras Scarce in Parks with Most Reported Crimes

Ald. Walter Burnett Softened Stance on Affordable Housing After Cash Flowed

Former Police Superintendent Accused of Lying in Murder Case

Former Veterans' Affairs Chief Wrote Checks Totaling $50,000 to Her Mom From Her Political Fund

Pritzker Trust Bought Stock in a Top Illinois Contractor After He Was Elected Governor

Concerns — and Campaign Plans — Mount As Chicago Remap Battle Drags On

Projects With Madigan Ties Went to the Front of the Line in State’s Massive Rebuild Illinois List

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