Wardens don't care that you used to be the governor
The Watchdogs: They were governors. Aldermen. A mayor. Then, each heard the word "guilty." And then they were convicts. And, like any other con, they got put to work at menial jobs for a few cents an hour. Like former Gov. George Ryan, who's doing 6 1/2 years on a political corruption conviction.
The Watchdogs: They were governors. Aldermen. A mayor. Then, each heard the word "guilty." And then they were convicts. And, like any other con, they got put to work at menial jobs for a few cents an hour. Like former Gov. George Ryan, who's doing 6 1/2 years on a political corruption conviction.
CTA Catch-22: We're saving by paying more
The Watchdogs: The CTA is facing a financial squeeze bad enough that agency president Ron Huberman has warned that fare hikes might need to be imposed next year. But that hasn't stopped the CTA from paying extra to have City of Chicago employees do work that used to be done by the public transit agency's own workers.
The Watchdogs: The CTA is facing a financial squeeze bad enough that agency president Ron Huberman has warned that fare hikes might need to be imposed next year. But that hasn't stopped the CTA from paying extra to have City of Chicago employees do work that used to be done by the public transit agency's own workers.
Politically connected bidders set sights on big cleaning deal
Ten companies are vying to land a 5-year, multimillion-dollar cleaning, snow-removal and landscaping contract for McCormick Place and Navy Pier that expires Oct. 31. The bidders include:
Money in the bank
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin gearing up for a re-election battle heads a select club: Illinois politicians who have at least $1 million in their campaign funds. Well, at least those who arent running for president. Durbin raised more than $7 million this year, seven times more than his Republican opponent, Steve Sauerberg of Willowbrook, has in the bank, recently filed reports show. Durbin even tops Chicago Ald. Edward M. Burke, whos sitting on a staggering amount of money for a local politician who has had only one opponent in 37 years.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin gearing up for a re-election battle heads a select club: Illinois politicians who have at least $1 million in their campaign funds. Well, at least those who arent running for president. Durbin raised more than $7 million this year, seven times more than his Republican opponent, Steve Sauerberg of Willowbrook, has in the bank, recently filed reports show. Durbin even tops Chicago Ald. Edward M. Burke, whos sitting on a staggering amount of money for a local politician who has had only one opponent in 37 years.
Blagojevich still denies being target of feds
Gov. Blagojevich has said -- repeatedly -- he doesn't view himself as a target in the ongoing federal corruption probe that has tarnished his tenure and left him with historically low voter-approval ratings. So why is he arguing for the same rights as a criminal defendant in a court bid to block the release of most of the federal subpoenas his administration has received?
Gov. Blagojevich has said -- repeatedly -- he doesn't view himself as a target in the ongoing federal corruption probe that has tarnished his tenure and left him with historically low voter-approval ratings. So why is he arguing for the same rights as a criminal defendant in a court bid to block the release of most of the federal subpoenas his administration has received?
The Watchdogs: Who's got what
Ald. Edward M. Burke has more money in his four campaign funds than the combined total of all 49 other Chicago aldermen, more even than Mayor Daley's $2.9 million, reports they filed this month show:
Ald. Edward M. Burke has more money in his four campaign funds than the combined total of all 49 other Chicago aldermen, more even than Mayor Daley's $2.9 million, reports they filed this month show: