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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

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
Investigation

Resignation, Hazy Details Dog Rauner’s Move To Take Economic Development Private

CEO leaves Intersect Illinois after just a year, as questions swirl over its funding, transparency and success in luring new investment in the state.
Feb 10, 2017 5:00 AM
Investigation

Chicago Fire Department Discrimination Payouts Approach $92 Million Since 2008

The fire department, dogged for decades by race and sex discrimination allegations, has cost the city a hefty price — and allegations continue.
Feb 2, 2017 6:00 PM
Investigation

Emanuel Emails Lead To Lobbying Probe Of Former Obama Aide Plouffe

David Plouffe, a former White House strategist, under ethics scrutiny for unauthorized lobbying of mayor to help ride-sharing giant Uber; Potential fines could reach $92,000.
Feb 2, 2017 5:00 AM
Investigation

Chicago In Crosshairs Of Trump’s Sanctuary Cities Crackdown

Despite a lack of specific details from President Trump’s executive order, a BGA analysis shows that Chicago could lose billions in federal aid.
Jan 25, 2017 4:52 PM
Investigation

Critics: CPS Special Ed Policy Is ‘Delay And Deny’

Parents, teachers and disability rights advocates say new oversight protocols keep kids from getting services they need, while BGA analysis raises questions about Chicago Public Schools' claims that minority students are over-identified for special ed.
Jan 23, 2017 5:00 AM
Investigation

BGA Complaints Prompt City To Peel Away Some Redactions In Rahm Emails

Chicago relents on some material it had blacked out from view on recently released personal emails that Mayor Rahm Emanuel had used to conduct public business. Much of the newly exposed material appears a far cry from the definition of what qualifies for an exemption.
Jan 12, 2017 5:00 AM
Investigation

Rahm Emails Show Casino Chief Sought Help After Family Contributed To Mayor

Emails obtained in BGA suit show gambling expansion talk between mayor's administration and Neil Bluhm. Family donated $770,000 to Pat Quinn, Bruce Rauner and Rahm Emanuel. Meanwhile, a consultant for Rivers Casino concluded gambling expansion would pose "existential threats" to its business.
Jan 9, 2017 5:00 AM

Investigations

Rauner Enters Fray Over Water Testing Around 'Clean' Dumps

Legislators Collect Paycheck From Washington, Pension From Illinois

How Illinois Lawmakers Have Gamed Their Pensions

Resignation, Hazy Details Dog Rauner’s Move To Take Economic Development Private

Chicago Fire Department Discrimination Payouts Approach $92 Million Since 2008

Emanuel Emails Lead To Lobbying Probe Of Former Obama Aide Plouffe

Chicago In Crosshairs Of Trump’s Sanctuary Cities Crackdown

Critics: CPS Special Ed Policy Is ‘Delay And Deny’

BGA Complaints Prompt City To Peel Away Some Redactions In Rahm Emails

Rahm Emails Show Casino Chief Sought Help After Family Contributed To Mayor

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