In the Chicago area, flooding has often disproportionately hit the south suburbs, particularly low-income communities. And it’s going to get worse with climate change.
Environment
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Watchdog Slams Chicago’s Air Pollution Oversight
Audit by the inspector general follows a BGA/Medill investigation that found under Mayor Rahm Emanuel the city’s environmental enforcement declined amid cuts to inspection staff.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
In Illinois, Cars And Trucks Top Coal As Biggest Global Warming Contributor
Drivers, Amazon deliveries and Uber rides are now the biggest source of greenhouse gases, presenting a new challenge for policy.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
How Many Of Chicago’s 77,000 Big Buildings Recycle? Nobody Knows.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to take recycling to Chicago’s high-rises and commercial buildings has fallen short because of lax enforcement and a series of bureaucratic snafus.
Posted inInvestigations
As Emanuel Exits, Efforts Growing at City Hall to Revive Environment Department
The mayor eliminated environmental enforcement office to cut costs, which a recent BGA investigation revealed resulted in declines in inspections and citations. Now both potential successors support bringing the department back as support builds in City Council.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Las Contradicciones De Emanuel Frente a La Industria Contaminante
Un análisis hecho por BGA/Medill revela que las acciones de vigilancia para el cumplimiento de la ley ambiental disminuyeron bajo los dos mandatos del alcalde. El número de inspectores se recortó cuando el alcalde redujo costos.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Emanuel Soft on Chicago Polluters Despite Tough Talk
A BGA/Medill analysis shows environmental enforcement declined under the two-term mayor. City inspection staff was slashed as mayor cut costs.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Emanuel Administration Promises Reforms to City’s Recycling Program
After the BGA reveals how tons of recycling is diverted to landfills by a private company that stands to profit, a top city official tells aldermen he is moving to fix the problem.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Mayoral Hopefuls Respond to BGA Recycling Investigation
With Mayor Rahm Emanuel not running for a third term, read what some of those seeking to replace him think should happen to the city’s much-maligned residential recycling program.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Pollution Hits Chicago’s West, South Sides Hardest
New research shows toxic threats are greatest in minority neighborhoods near industrial areas. Interactive map also shows pollution dangers near your home.
