Burke, the longest-serving alderman in Chicago history, is accused of using his position as alderman to illegally seek business for his private law firm. The questionable intersection between Burke’s public and private roles was the focus of a recent BGA/WBEZ investigation.
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Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
The King of Recusals: How Ald. Ed Burke’s Private Law Business Intersects With His Public Power
Chicago’s longest-sitting alderman has recused himself 464 times in the last eight years, far more than all other aldermen combined. Following recent federal raids, questions of his conflicts of interest have arisen again.
Posted inNews
Fact-Check: Did Police Shootings Plunge Under McCarthy’s Leadership?
McCarthy, a Chicago mayoral candidate fired following the Laquan McDonald scandal, says that as police superintendent he oversaw a dramatic reduction in officer-involved shootings. His number is roughly accurate, but he stretches the facts by claiming total credit.
Posted inNews
Fact-Check: What’s Missing from Daley’s Property Tax Freeze Pledge
Daley is not promising to freeze property taxes overall, as his recent TV ad suggests. His freeze would apply only to taxes that directly fund city government, one-fourth of a typical Chicago tax bill.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: Mayor Emanuel, Commit Your Post-City Hall Life to Pension Reform
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed important pension reform for the city and Illinois. He should keep up the fight, even after his mayoral term ends.
Posted inNews
What the Gov: We Know About the Mayor’s Race — What Else Is on The Ballot on Feb. 26?
Yes, there are offices up for election besides the crowded pool for Chicago mayor. And though you might not hear about these as often, voters should start taking note.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Path Not Easy for Pritzker’s Tax-the-Rich Plan
There is often a disconnect between tax policies voters say they back and those they vote for. That’s the dilemma facing Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker, who says he wants to amend the state constitution to allow for a graduated tax that will increase the burden on the wealthy.
Posted inNews
Trump’s Top 10 Falsehoods of 2018
PolitiFact National offers 10 “highlights” from the president’s 2018 record of false statements or exaggerations.
Posted inNews
PolitiFact’s 2018 Lie of the Year
PolitiFact National names the online smears against the students who survived the Parkland shooting as its Lie of the Year for 2018.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Rauner Blames Democrats for Decades of Bipartisan Can-Kicking
Nearing the end of his term, Gov. Rauner pointed a finger at state Democrats over Illinois’ entrenched fiscal instability.
