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Investigations

The Newsroom produces deeply researched investigative stories that shine a light on abuses of power and waste within government.

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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.
Apr 17, 2020 11:46 AM
Investigation

Coronavirus Scams Surging Across Illinois and Experts Predict More

Federal and local officials have gotten thousands of fraud complaints. Stimulus checks will create another tidal wave of fraud, authorities warn.
Apr 15, 2020 6:00 AM
Investigation

Aides Caring for Vulnerable Seniors Amid Coronavirus Still on the Job Despite Lack of Masks, Protective Gear and Social Distancing

As many as 22 home care clients who are part of an Illinois program have tested positive for COVID-19, including five who died, state says. Some home health aides also have tested positive.
Apr 8, 2020 2:00 PM
Investigation

Was Boeing’s Chicago Deal Worth the Taxpayer Cost?

The gold rush among corporations to demand expensive public help in underwriting development and jobs got a kick-start when tax incentives enticed Boeing to move its headquarters to Chicago.
Apr 3, 2020 7:00 AM
Investigation

Lightfoot Pushing to Make TIFs More Equitable but Changes Lacking for Critics She’s Tried to Win Over

Chicago’s mayor has long-promised to reform how special tax funds are spent on private projects. Her first move is a step but isn’t big enough for some.
Mar 30, 2020 6:00 AM
Investigation

Coronavirus Crippling Chicago’s Census Outreach Effort

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, already worried about the city losing billions of dollars in the 2020 headcount, worked to boost participation in undercounted communities. Now COVID-19 is creating a major new hurdle.
Mar 23, 2020 3:05 PM
Investigation

Lightfoot Facing Off Against ComEd Over the Future

With agreement between City Hall and the power company expiring this year, the mayor is focusing on internal study and federal investigation as leverage.
Mar 10, 2020 5:00 AM
Investigation

'It's A Fixed Cost. That's All I Ask': A Politician's Pitch For Campaign Cash

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.
Feb 20, 2020 6:00 AM
Investigation

Cómo el principal asistente del Concejal Solís consiguió tres trabajos

Mientras el concejal del Distrito 25, Daniel Solís, cooperaba en una investigación de corrupción federal antes de dejar su cargo el año pasado, un miembro de su personal estaba haciendo una nueva carrera como portero en un club nocturno, guardia de seguridad y como lobbista en una empresa de servicios públicos de Illinois.
Jan 20, 2020 12:00 PM
Investigation

How Embattled Alderman Solis’ Top Aide Landed Three Jobs

As 25th Ward Ald. Daniel Solis was cooperating in a sweeping federal corruption probe before leaving office last year, a top staffer was building a new career as a bouncer, security guard and as a lobbyist at an Illinois utility company.
Jan 13, 2020 6:00 AM

Investigations

Contractor In Little Village Smokestack Fiasco Was Cited In March For Blowing Dust — But City OK’d Demolition Anyway

Coronavirus Scams Surging Across Illinois and Experts Predict More

Aides Caring for Vulnerable Seniors Amid Coronavirus Still on the Job Despite Lack of Masks, Protective Gear and Social Distancing

Was Boeing’s Chicago Deal Worth the Taxpayer Cost?

Lightfoot Pushing to Make TIFs More Equitable but Changes Lacking for Critics She’s Tried to Win Over

Coronavirus Crippling Chicago’s Census Outreach Effort

Lightfoot Facing Off Against ComEd Over the Future

'It's A Fixed Cost. That's All I Ask': A Politician's Pitch For Campaign Cash

Cómo el principal asistente del Concejal Solís consiguió tres trabajos

How Embattled Alderman Solis’ Top Aide Landed Three Jobs

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