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Investigations

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Investigation

How City Power Players Diverted $55 Million In Blight-Fighting TIF Cash To Navy Pier

A $55 million financial shell game linked to the administration of Mayor Rahm Emanuel vividly plays into a frequent complaint that the city often raids a tax piggy bank earmarked for disadvantaged neighborhoods to instead bankroll mayoral vanity projects.
Jul 21, 2017 6:00 AM
Investigation

Chris Kennedy Slams Same Property Tax System He Used To Get Big Break

Chris Kennedy, a top Democratic contender for governor, relied on a politically connected tax lawyer to dramatically reduce property tax bills on land he was prepping for development. It appears to mirror the sort of activity Kennedy has been condemning on the campaign trail.
Jul 12, 2017 3:00 PM
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

Investigations

How City Power Players Diverted $55 Million In Blight-Fighting TIF Cash To Navy Pier

Chris Kennedy Slams Same Property Tax System He Used To Get Big Break

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

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