Report: Madigan and his local alderman violated ethics laws

By Vincent Caruso

11/16/2017

A new report shows how 13th Ward Chicago Alderman Marty Quinn and Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan diverted tens of thousands of dollars in public funds toward political purposes.

TAGS: Chicago, corruption, Marty Quinn, Mike Madigan

Chicago poised to divert millions of tax dollars to private health provider

By Vincent Caruso

11/15/2017

Under the guise of rehabilitating underserved communities, City Hall preps another massive tax transfer to a private company.

TAGS: Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Rahm wants to squeeze Chicago eateries for higher permit fees, 2018 budget shows

By Vincent Caruso

11/13/2017

Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s budget proposal includes jacked-up costs for business licenses and stricter noncompliance penalties.

TAGS: Chicago, Chicago City Council, fees, Rahm Emanuel, taxes

For your entertainment: Latest Chicago tax hike hits concerts, theater

By Chris Lentino

11/13/2017

Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposed increase in the city’s amusement tax is nothing but the continued nickel-and-diming of Chicagoans.

TAGS: amusement tax, Chicago, Chicago City Council, Rahm Emanuel, taxes

Bad record keeping allows police misconduct to go unpunished

By Brendan Bakala

11/10/2017

ProPublica Illinois and the Chicago Tribune’s groundbreaking report shows how disciplinary actions for Chicago police officers fall through the cracks.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department

Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes

By Vincent Caruso

11/09/2017

A proposal co-sponsored by 32 aldermen would mandate the fiscal consequences of ordinances be made transparent.

TAGS: Brendan Reilly, Chicago, Chicago City Council

Chicago Ald. Ed Burke wants to fine pedestrians up to $500 for ‘distracted walking’

By Vincent Caruso

11/09/2017

The proposal would fine pedestrians $90 for checking their phone at city intersections and $500 for the offense of being distracted.

TAGS: Chicago, Ed Burke, overcriminalization

Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion

By Chris Lentino

11/07/2017

Cook County governments have now amassed $139 billion in debt, a 30 percent increase over the last 5 years.

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, debt, local government, municipal pensions

Report: City Colleges of Chicago watered down standards, issued thousands more degrees

By Brendan Bakala

11/04/2017

Illinois’ largest community college system saw a decrease in enrollment, but a doubling of degrees.

TAGS: BGA: Better Government Association, Chicago, Chicago City College, higher education

Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million

By Brendan Bakala

11/03/2017

According to one estimate, Chicago Alderman Ed Burke is trying to cut the property tax bill for Trump Tower by more than $3 million.

TAGS: Chicago, Donald Trump, Ed Burke, property taxes

Chicago

Report: Madigan and his local alderman violated ethics laws

Chicago poised to divert millions of tax dollars to private health provider

Rahm wants to squeeze Chicago eateries for higher permit fees, 2018 budget shows

For your entertainment: Latest Chicago tax hike hits concerts, theater

Bad record keeping allows police misconduct to go unpunished

Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes

Chicago Ald. Ed Burke wants to fine pedestrians up to $500 for ‘distracted walking’

Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion

Report: City Colleges of Chicago watered down standards, issued thousands more degrees

Chicago Alderman Ed Burke seeks to cut Trump Tower property tax bill by $3 million

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students