The mayor’s latest claim about Chicago’s workforce holds up no better to the facts than a similar one he made early this year. Not surprisingly, there were more workers and jobs in the city decades ago when the population was much greater.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Madigan Moves To Close Landfills Over Drinking Water Concerns
After BGA stories raised questions about ‘clean-fill’ quarries-turned-dumps taking in debris that could pollute groundwater, state attorney general argues two quarries need to be shut down.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Illinois Lite Guv Calls Progressive Tax Idea Regressive
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s running mate claims a push by Democrats to replace Illinois’ flat-rate income tax with progressive rates that charge higher earners more would be the opposite of progressive and lead to higher taxes.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Going To The DMV? Now You Can Register To Vote Too!
The first part of automatic voter registration has been implemented at DMVs around the state. From now on, when you go to the DMV to renew your driver’s license, the state will check and update your voting registration card for you.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
14 Ways to Improve Chicago’s Police Contracts
One major component of police accountability remains unaddressed — police union contracts — and it could seriously damage the efforts in other areas if left undone.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Clean Dumps May Not Be So Clean, State Suit Charges
Quarries doubling as demolition waste sites threaten to contaminate local water sources, Attorney General Madigan and others warn.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Are We Being Kept in the Dark by Our Power Regulator on Next Grid?
A consumer group and electric firm sue the Illinois Commerce Commission claiming repeated Open Meetings Act violations.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
17 Months After Teen With Autism Drowned at CPS Pool, Board of Ed to Strengthen Water Safety
Following BGA/Sun-Times investigation into special ed care at pools, Chicago’s school board is set to take up policy changes that would limit pool activities and focus lifeguard staffing.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Did Rauner Really Pour $1 Billion ‘Down the Drain’?
Illinois has racked up a mountain of interest penalties for paying bills late after a record budget impasse. The Democrat hoping to unseat Gov. Bruce Rauner says it’s all the Republican’s fault, but the facts tell a more complicated story.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Is CPS the Most Understaffed District in Illinois?
The nation’s third-largest school district comes up short on staffing compared to the rest of the state, a fact that undercuts prevailing assumptions about bureaucratic bloat and raises questions about how district funds are being spent.