Investigations

Before she was even elected, incoming Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough insinuated herself into the agency’s hiring process – a brazen move that may have violated an anti-patronage court order.

Calumet City is struggling economically, but the elected leaders in town sure aren’t. The mayor and aldermen get generous salaries, and perks that include free health insurance for life.

Yet another public official improperly reaps tax breaks on personal property – and issues a refund when confronted.

Country Club Hills Mayor Dwight Welch ordered his town’s police force to keep watch over his home – but why?

While Senator Clayborne’s Chicago-based firm reaps big payment from taxpayers, the East St. Louis Democrat remains mum, refusing to answer questions.

Law firm employing state legislator does a staggering amount of work for local governments – including state agencies he helps oversee. How is this not a glaring conflict of interest?

Late-great Pittsburgh Pirate and Latino sports icon Roberto Clemente was known for a strong arm. Was an Illinois legislator using strong-arm tactics to get Metra to re-name a train stop after Clemente?

For roughly a decade, Ald. Jason Ervin owned an “investment property” that was a magnet for drugs and other crime. The building is no longer his problem: he stopped paying the mortgage, and the bank took control.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office processes property tax payments, but back in the 1990s, while she was a county commissioner, she was pocketing three tax breaks for her personal property when only one was allowed.