Newsroom

Investigations

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

RSS

Investigation

Lightfoot’s Actions on Environmental Campaign Promises Are Off to a Slow Start

Chicago mayor says budget constraints have cooled her ambitious plans. Her 2020 budget includes no new funding for additional pollution inspectors.
Dec 5, 2019 6:00 AM
Investigation

Trump Rolls Back EPA Oversight in Midwest, Favoring Polluters

EPA inspections and staff levels plunge in the Chicago regional office as regulations are abandoned and policy favors job creation over clean air and water. The Midwest is among the areas hit hardest by the cutbacks, with inspections down 60% since Trump took office.
Updated: Nov 18, 2019 @ 10:30 AM
Investigation

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.
Nov 13, 2019 9:54 AM
Investigation

Neighborhoods Face Extinction As Floods Increase

Illinois towns paying the price for repeated cleanups consider buying out residents and converting homesteads to wetlands and parks.
Nov 11, 2019 5:00 AM
Investigation

Pressure on Property Taxes Mounts for Towns Across Illinois Amid Pension Burden

Police and fire pension costs in towns and larger cities outside Chicago have grown at a greater rate than property taxes. That is forcing some city leaders to make tough decisions on services and staff.
Oct 30, 2019 6:00 AM
Investigation

Storms, Flooding Hit Poorest Communities Hardest

In the Chicago area, flooding has often disproportionately hit the south suburbs, particularly low-income communities. And it’s going to get worse with climate change.
Sep 27, 2019 7:00 AM
Investigation

Millions in Tax Breaks for Ed Burke’s Law Clients Fronted by Fellow Aldermen

Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson and former Ald. Michael R. Zalewski sponsored six resolutions that benefited clients of Burke's law firm. The moves allowed the now-indicted alderman to skirt city conflict-of-interest rules.
Sep 13, 2019 5:30 AM
Investigation

Spiral of Decline Heavy Burden for Homeowners

In Cook County suburbs, home values are collapsing while property taxes are up.
Jul 26, 2019 7:00 AM
Investigation

Timeline: History of Connections, Corruption at O’Hare

Since the beginning, O’Hare International Airport has been plagued by political connections, corruption schemes, even mob ties.
Jul 24, 2019 6:00 AM
Investigation

What Was Promised vs. What O’Hare Got

As O’Hare International Airport grew to one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world, it has left in its wake a track record of costly delays, billions in spending, and decades of broken promises.
Jul 24, 2019 6:00 AM

Investigations

Lightfoot’s Actions on Environmental Campaign Promises Are Off to a Slow Start

Trump Rolls Back EPA Oversight in Midwest, Favoring Polluters

ComEd Kept Paying Madigan Confidant After Retirement Announcement

Neighborhoods Face Extinction As Floods Increase

Pressure on Property Taxes Mounts for Towns Across Illinois Amid Pension Burden

Storms, Flooding Hit Poorest Communities Hardest

Millions in Tax Breaks for Ed Burke’s Law Clients Fronted by Fellow Aldermen

Spiral of Decline Heavy Burden for Homeowners

Timeline: History of Connections, Corruption at O’Hare

What Was Promised vs. What O’Hare Got

Featured articles

A Veteran Cook County Judge Has Been Repeatedly Blocked from Hearing Sex Offense Cases. Here’s Why.

Meet the Cook County Judge Defense Attorneys Least Want to Appear Before

O’Hare’s Billions in Broken Promises