April 18, 2011 — Cook County launches an internal probe to examine excessive spending and ways in which it could be limited after a BGA/Crain’s investigation exposes excessive use of overtime by Cook County hospitals and clinics, reporting that approximately $40 million is spent annually on overtime pay.
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Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Overtime Goes Overboard at Cook County Hospitals
Staff shortages and management woes at Cook County hospitals are pushing overtime to extraordinary levels, imposing huge costs on taxpayers and raising concerns about patient safety.
Posted inNews
Chi Trib on BGA investigation of Metra ‘Source Code’ shakedown
Investigation of payment demand from ‘Source Code’ production supervisor in hands of private firm
Posted inNews, Results & Reforms
METRA INTERNAL INVESTIGATION
APRIL 12, 2011 — Metra belatedly launches an investigation after a BGA and CBS2 investigation finds that a former high-level employee of the commuter rail agency allegedly tried to shake down the production team for the movie “Source Code,” which used Metra property in filming.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Hollywood Metra
The BGA and CBS2 investigate Metra workers who allegedly wanted “lights, camera and (a piece of the) action” — by reportedly shaking down the production team for “Source Code,” a new movie filmed in part in Chicago.
Posted inInvestigations, News
BGA Exclusive: Ex Ill. Workers Get Pensions and State Contract Jobs
For state of Illinois workers leaving government service, many have found the grass to be greener on the other side—as state contract employees.
Posted inInvestigations, News
Red-Light Cameras Ticket CTA Bus Drivers, But Taxpayers Charged
With Fox Chicago News, we examined more than 9,000 Chicago red-light camera tickets issued to vehicles with municipal plates since 2006.
Posted inNews, Results & Reforms
IG INVESTIGATION
Mar. 20, 2011 — The Secretary of State’s Inspector General launches an investigation after the BGA’s ongoing look into the management practices of Oak Brook Village President John Craig, who’s also working for the Illinois Secretary of State as a $64,000-a-year “dealer rep” (someone who checks on local car dealerships to inventory temporary licenses). Craig is defeated in his
Posted inInvestigations, News
19th Ward is Residential Stronghold for Sheriff Tom Dart Staffers
A BGA/Crain’s analysis of where Cook County sheriff’s department employees live shows a high concentration in or near the 19th Ward—home turf of Sheriff Tom Dart.
Posted inInvestigations, News
FBI Informant Dishes on McHenry County Sheriff’s Office; Feds Take Pass
On and off for three years, the FBI used a McHenry County sheriff’s deputy as a confidential informant—now he’s worried about losing his job.
