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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

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
Investigation

Personal Rahm Emanuel Emails Reveal Much About Business, Little About Scandals

Emails released after BGA lawsuit show mayor monitoring press coverage while revealing little about scandals like those involving Laquan McDonald, Barbara Byrd-Bennett.
Dec 21, 2016 10:08 PM
Investigation

U Of I, Cook Hospitals Spend Millions On Malpractice Payouts

Taxpayer-funded health systems settle dozens of wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits over five-year period, BGA finds.
Dec 21, 2016 6:00 AM
Investigation

BGA Analysis: Trump's 'Sanctuary City' Plan Could Cost Chicago $3.6 Billion

Despite a clear lack of specific details from the President-elect, a BGA analysis shows that Chicago could lose billions in federal aid in 2017 if Donald Trump follows through on his campaign promises.
Dec 9, 2016 6:00 AM
Investigation

Pension Late Fees Hit Chicago Charters

More than $10 million owed to the city teachers' retirement fund is paid late, triggering at least $1.8 million in fines.
Nov 28, 2016 6:00 AM
Investigation

Illinois FOIA Appeals Linger With No End In Sight

Lengthy appeals process, non-binding decisions hamper ability to obtain records through Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Nov 17, 2016 6:00 AM
Investigation

Chicago Bag Tax Is About Green, But Which Kind?

Mayor says bag tax is about the environment, but critics say it's about cash
Nov 16, 2016 11:00 AM

Investigations

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

Personal Rahm Emanuel Emails Reveal Much About Business, Little About Scandals

U Of I, Cook Hospitals Spend Millions On Malpractice Payouts

BGA Analysis: Trump's 'Sanctuary City' Plan Could Cost Chicago $3.6 Billion

Pension Late Fees Hit Chicago Charters

Illinois FOIA Appeals Linger With No End In Sight

Chicago Bag Tax Is About Green, But Which Kind?

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