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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

Searchable Map: Is Your Blue Cart Recycling Tossed in a Landfill?

Browse and search more than 500,000 recorded residential recycling contaminations.
Oct 10, 2018 12:00 AM
Investigation

As Tons of Chicago Recycling Go to Dumps, a Private Firm Is Paid Twice

A BGA probe finds residential recycling in Chicago is unequal depending on what company picks it up, and where.
Oct 10, 2018 12:00 AM
Investigation

Decision Nears On Rauner Plan For Easing Coal Plant Pollution Limits

The Rauner administration seeks to extend a lifeline to a $13 billion energy company, a plan that would lead to more pollution-related deaths and illnesses, opponents warn.
Oct 2, 2018 4:00 PM
Investigation

Emanuel Decries Police Code of Silence. But City-Paid Expert Says It Doesn't Exist.

An expert witness hired by the Emanuel administration has disputed in several lawsuits the existence of a code of silence among Chicago police to thwart misconduct allegations. The mayor claimed the opposite in the wake of the Laquan McDonald shooting.
Sep 24, 2018 10:00 PM
Investigation

Residentes Del Sur Y El Oeste De Chicago Luchan Contra El Ayuntamiento Por La Presencia De Industrias Contaminantes

Comunidades más afluentes evitan industrias como los centros de distribución, una planta de reciclaje de chatarra y un fabricante de asfalto. Los residentes dicen que la ciudad tiene que cambiar la forma en que le permite a la industria pesada ubicarse cerca de escuelas, parques y hogares.
Aug 27, 2018 10:00 AM
Investigation

Fed-up Residents on South, West Sides Fight City Hall Over Influx of Polluting Industries

Residents protest distribution centers, a metal scrap recycling plant and an asphalt maker — businesses other communities shun. The city has to change the way it permits heavy industry from locating near schools, parks and homes, they say.
Aug 6, 2018 5:30 AM
Investigation

A Manafort Lender’s Emanuel Ties

Chicago’s mayor spent millions in city taxpayer funds to aid expansion of the same West Loop bank prosecutors now say made $16 million in questionable loans to a former Trump campaign chairman now on trial for alleged tax and bank fraud.
Aug 3, 2018 5:30 AM
Investigation

CHA Seniors File Complaint Over Missing Grab Bars

The grab bar complaint is the latest in a series of grievances by CHA residents about the agency’s failure to keep residents safe.
Jul 16, 2018 8:30 PM
Investigation

Water District Approves $95,000 to Former Executive Director Following Unexplained Resignation

Executive stepped down at the end of June after sanitary district’s board conducted investigation.
Jul 12, 2018 5:15 PM
Investigation

Clean Dumps May Not Be So Clean, State Suit Charges

Quarries doubling as demolition waste sites threaten to contaminate local water sources, Attorney General Madigan and others warn.
Jun 29, 2018 6:00 AM

Investigations

Searchable Map: Is Your Blue Cart Recycling Tossed in a Landfill?

As Tons of Chicago Recycling Go to Dumps, a Private Firm Is Paid Twice

Decision Nears On Rauner Plan For Easing Coal Plant Pollution Limits

Emanuel Decries Police Code of Silence. But City-Paid Expert Says It Doesn't Exist.

Residentes Del Sur Y El Oeste De Chicago Luchan Contra El Ayuntamiento Por La Presencia De Industrias Contaminantes

Fed-up Residents on South, West Sides Fight City Hall Over Influx of Polluting Industries

A Manafort Lender’s Emanuel Ties

CHA Seniors File Complaint Over Missing Grab Bars

Water District Approves $95,000 to Former Executive Director Following Unexplained Resignation

Clean Dumps May Not Be So Clean, State Suit Charges

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

Investigations

Searchable Map: Is Your Blue Cart Recycling Tossed in a Landfill?

As Tons of Chicago Recycling Go to Dumps, a Private Firm Is Paid Twice

Decision Nears On Rauner Plan For Easing Coal Plant Pollution Limits

Emanuel Decries Police Code of Silence. But City-Paid Expert Says It Doesn't Exist.

Residentes ​​Del Sur Y El Oeste De Chicago Luchan Contra El Ayuntamiento Por La Presencia De Industrias Contaminantes

Fed-up Residents on South, West Sides Fight City Hall Over Influx of Polluting Industries

A Manafort Lender’s Emanuel Ties

CHA Seniors File Complaint Over Missing Grab Bars

Water District Approves $95,000 to Former Executive Director Following Unexplained Resignation

Clean Dumps May Not Be So Clean, State Suit Charges

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

Residentes Del Sur Y El Oeste De Chicago Luchan Contra El Ayuntamiento Por La Presencia De Industrias Contaminantes