Why are so many local police chiefs donating to political campaigns? It’s one job that should be devoid of politics, experts say.
Alden Loury
A Curious Civics Lesson
In Bellwood, a superintendent is hired after campaigning for school board members. And she’s not the only school administrator in the region engaged in politics.
On Second Thought…
School district fires administrator for alleged sexual harassment, then hires him back after he campaigns for school board members.
Breaking The Piggy Bank
Some Illinois politicians appear to be living high on the hog by using their campaign funds to supplement their lifestyles. Is this legal?
A Towering Problem?
As Cook County residents struggle with staggering property taxes, another politically connected employee at the assessor’s office is caught with improper exemptions on personal property.
Legislative Scholarships Ending but Lawmaker Abuse Lives On
Forty state lawmakers gave 120 scholarships to individuals living outside of their districts, based on a BGA review of legislative district maps and interviews with city and county election officials.
Cash Poor Yet Clout Heavy
Some lawmakers claimed that legislative scholarships went to students who couldn’t afford college, but nearly one in every 10 scholarships went to politically active families – who collectively gave more than $1.6 million to state lawmakers and other politicians.
Public Housing’s Inside Man
Firm owned by Cook County’s former public housing chief, Elzie Higginbottom, wins a $3.2 million contract from a nonprofit created by the agency he once led. But that’s not the only conflict-of-interest question being raised by a BGA/NBC5 investigation.
When in Doubt, Remap Them Out
A year after running unsuccessfully for alderman, dozens of politically active Chicagoans find themselves remapped into different wards, a sign that political powerbrokers are looking after themselves instead of residents.
Revisiting Rahm’s Lobbyist Pledge
Mayor Emanuel’s pledge not to accept campaign cash from lobbyists is adhered to — for the most part. BGA review prompts some questionable donations to be returned.