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

Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year

By Brendan Bakala

11/08/2017

Six years into retirement, Ron Guenther’s annual pension is more than $470,000 and is set to rise even higher, thanks to 3 percent yearly increases.

TAGS: higher education, pensions, Ron Guenther, SURS: State Universities Retirement System, University of Illinois

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

Founder of pharmaceutical company indicted for bribing doctors to prescribe opioids

By Amy Korte

11/01/2017

As federal and state officials sound the alarm about opioid abuse, Illinois lawmakers should take steps to root it out of the workers’ compensation system.

TAGS: opioid, physician dispensing, workers compensation

Berrios defends delays in reviewing unfair property tax system

By Chris Lentino

11/01/2017

Nearly three months removed from the initial call for review of the property tax system, Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios refuses to provide a timeline for completion and release.

TAGS: Cook County, property taxes, Toni Preckwinkle

Taxpayers on the hook for canceled Chicago stadium show

10/30/2017

The Illinois Sports Facility Authority paid $1.6 million for a September concert at Guaranteed Rate Field, featuring Diddy and Fat Joe, even though it had to cancel the event.

TAGS: Chicago, Guaranteed Rate Field, ISFA: Illinois Sports Facility Authority

Jury awards record $44.7M in Chicago police misconduct case

By Brendan Bakala

10/30/2017

This latest amount broke the previous city payout record of $25 million for a wrongful conviction suit in 2012.

TAGS: CPD: Chicago Police Department, criminal justice reform, police misconduct

Palatine workers have right to strike, but that doesn’t include right to continued benefits

By Mailee Smith

10/21/2017

Under Illinois law, government employees can choose to walk out on strike – but it carries risks. Striking workers give up wages and benefit contributions – and maybe even their jobs – when they walk out.

TAGS: strike, unions

Chicago Tribune

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’

Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year

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

Founder of pharmaceutical company indicted for bribing doctors to prescribe opioids

Berrios defends delays in reviewing unfair property tax system

Taxpayers on the hook for canceled Chicago stadium show

Jury awards record $44.7M in Chicago police misconduct case

Palatine workers have right to strike, but that doesn’t include right to continued benefits

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit Illinois students?

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