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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

Big Pensions Just Tiny Part Of Big Pension Mess

BGA analysis of new data underscores how chronically bad government policy, not fat pensions, lie at the heart of soaring pension debt now hobbling the state’s and Chicago’s efforts to pay for schools and other critical services.
May 24, 2017 6:00 AM
Investigation

Can Ailing Illinois Afford In-Home Care Program For Seniors?

As the state grapples with budget gridlock, the Rauner Administration is pushing a change to a program for low income seniors initially billed as a cheaper and better alternative to nursing home care. Thousands could see in-home services scaled back, as costs soar with an aging population.
May 15, 2017 5:00 AM
Investigation

Park District Police: Costly And Questionably Redundant

A handful of Illinois park districts operate taxpayer-funded police forces separate from the regular police departments that already patrol the same communities. With badges sometimes handed to the well-connected, the practice raises questions of redundancy, liability, nepotism and expense.
Apr 7, 2017 5:30 AM
Investigation

Chicago Light Overhaul To Cost Double That Of New York’s

The mayor appears to have generated more headlines than results with a privatized infrastructure spending proposal that has cost taxpayers millions of dollars more than he said it would.
Mar 28, 2017 6:10 PM
Investigation

Video Gambling Jackpot For Pols And Pals

The growth of video gambling in Illinois and the riches that go with it has opened new vistas for clout. Some politicians and their friends have cashed in.
Mar 18, 2017 8:00 AM
Investigation

Trust Or Bust? Emanuel’s 'Breakout' Infrastructure Plan Delivers Little

The mayor appears to have generated more headlines than results with a privatized infrastructure spending proposal that has cost taxpayers millions of dollars more than he said it would.
Mar 6, 2017 6:00 AM
Investigation

Dorothy Brown Offers Political Advice — For A Price

Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown has long been dogged by allegations of pay-to-play in the administration of her office even as she also faces criticism for sloppy and inefficient record keeping.
Mar 3, 2017 9:30 PM
Investigation

Rauner Enters Fray Over Water Testing Around 'Clean' Dumps

A debate over water testing at construction dumps leads to a clash between economic interests and public safety concerns.
Feb 25, 2017 9:00 AM
Investigation

Legislators Collect Paycheck From Washington, Pension From Illinois

Three members of Congress - Peter Roskam, Mike Bost and Jan Schakowsky - collect pensions from their time in Springfield; Cheri Bustos' husband earns a public salary greater than $100,000 while cashing a $67,000 pension. It's perfectly legal, but is it good government?
Feb 23, 2017 6:00 AM
Investigation

How Illinois Lawmakers Have Gamed Their Pensions

Even Barack Obama could benefit from lucrative retirement perks state legislators have carved out for themselves.
Feb 23, 2017 5:55 AM

Investigations

Big Pensions Just Tiny Part Of Big Pension Mess

Can Ailing Illinois Afford In-Home Care Program For Seniors?

Park District Police: Costly And Questionably Redundant

Chicago Light Overhaul To Cost Double That Of New York’s

Video Gambling Jackpot For Pols And Pals

Trust Or Bust? Emanuel’s 'Breakout' Infrastructure Plan Delivers Little

Dorothy Brown Offers Political Advice — For A Price

Rauner Enters Fray Over Water Testing Around 'Clean' Dumps

Legislators Collect Paycheck From Washington, Pension From Illinois

How Illinois Lawmakers Have Gamed Their Pensions

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