The fire department, dogged for decades by race and sex discrimination allegations, has cost the city a hefty price — and allegations continue.
Jared Rutecki
Jared Rutecki was an investigative reporter and data coordinator at the Illinois Answers Project (previously known as the Better Government Association) from 2016 to 2023.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Six-Figure Salaries Flow Through Chicago-Area Water District Six-figure salaries flow through Chicago-area water district
Managing sewage and flood control might not seem like the most glamorous job in Illinois, but the financial rewards can be substantial, a Better Government Association analysis finds.Metropolitan Water Reclamation District boasts one of the highest-paid workforces among local government agencies, but increase comes as tax burden falls.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Pension Terminations Related To Felony Convictions Rare
Narrow criteria required to terminate public pensions have led to just eight such forfeitures for corrupt former city workers since 2006 at the city’s largest pension fund for municipal workers.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Board Moves To Yank Pension Of Convicted Ex-City Official In Redflex Scandal
John Bills Jr. was sentenced to 10 years in prison in August for taking bribes in traffic camera scheme.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Uptick Seen In City of Chicago Pensioners Drawing Big Payouts
The number of people collecting six-figure pensions is increasing, adding strain to the city’s largest retirement fund.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Chicago Payroll Packed With Six-Figure Salaries
Adding to the city’s financial burdens, the number of high-paid workers ballooned by 92 percent since 2013.