July corruption watch
Chicago leads the way in numerous corruption headlines yet again.
4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap
Causes, costs, how to set the state free
View ReportMunicipal council
Peru City Council votes to put township consolidation question on November ballot
Taxpayers in Peru, Ill. will have the option this November to dissolve their township, which could eliminate waste and ease their tax burden.
Cost of police misconduct highlights need for risk management
The city of Chicago paid over $146 million in police misconduct and public safety claims in 2013 and 2014, according to the city inspector general’s report.
Corruption Watch
Headlines in June show why Chicago is considered one of the most corrupt cities in the world.
Prohibition, prostitution and Chicago’s mini-fiefdoms
A principle once invoked to shake down speakeasies is now used to pick winners and losers in a city desperate for opportunity.
Victory: Evanston lifts food-truck ban
Food-truck freedom finally is coming to Evanston.
Chicago TIF districts benefit politically connected at taxpayers’ expense
City officials are moving to develop the largest remaining plot of vacant land to ensure huge windfalls for a city-run slush fund.
May Corruption Watch
May’s corruption headlines show the steep cost nontransparent government can have on taxpayers.
CPS, CTU want to create new taxing districts to raise $100 million from taxpayers
Creating new special service areas for the sole benefit of Chicago Public Schools would mean hitting homeowners with an additional $100 million in taxes.
Chicago telephone-tax hike should be eliminated in wake of pension ruling
In an effort to shore up pension debt, Chicago officials in 2014 adopted a pension-reform package that included raising the telephone tax. Though the Illinois Supreme Court struck down these changes, the tax hike remains.
