DARK SECRETS: 3 | Rare Historical Photos

Summit police chief charged in bribery plot tied to heroin dealer’s bar

Also indicted this week in the same case was longtime political operative William Mundy, who doubles as Summit’s building inspector and public works director.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 25, 2022

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot swept into office as an avowed reformer. Three years later, critics see ‘missed opportunities’ and a mixed record

CHICAGO — As a candidate for mayor, Lori Lightfoot promised to transform Chicago’s often corrupt political culture, in part by taking away the near-total power aldermen have over matters in their own wards and by leading a transparent government.

Chicago Tribune · May 22, 2022

Lightfoot’s curfew rollback clears committee amid opposition from all sides

The Committee on Public Safety approved the mayor’s ordinance by a comfortable vote of 14 to 3 that did not reflect the barrage of concerns raised about a crackdown roundly condemned as a toothless and desperate headline-grabber that will have no impact on youth violence.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 20, 2022

Dick Simpson’s latest book looks at democracy through a Chicago lens. He shares thoughts on corruption and making our democracy better.

CHICAGO — University of Illinois Chicago professor Dick Simpson has lived a life in Chicago’s political and academic spheres for more than 50 years: 44th Ward alderman from 1971-1979; executive board member of the Illinois Political Science Association, a former congressional candidate, political consultant, author and has served on transition…

Chicago Tribune · Apr 20, 2022

Chicago says it may intervene as ex-Alderman Daniel Solis pleads not guilty to bribery charge in first court appearance after turn as government mole

CHICAGO — A seemingly routine arraignment for former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis took a turn Wednesday when prosecutors revealed that the city has said it may try to intervene in the bombshell case as a victim of Solis’ alleged corruption.

Chicago Tribune · Apr 13, 2022

Newly appointed IG vows to make down payment on ‘debt of legitimacy’ created by corruption scandals

“People suffer from a sort of lack of confidence that the city of Chicago and its government are working in their best interests,” Deborah Witzburg said.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 13, 2022

After 3 years under wraps, former Chicago alderman's unprecedented deal with the feds has gone public

CHICAGO — After more than three years under wraps, the unprecedented deferred prosecution agreement between ex-Ald. Daniel Solis and the U.S. attorney’s office went public Tuesday, a day before the former Zoning Committee chairman is scheduled to be arraigned.

Chicago Tribune · Apr 12, 2022

Daniel Solis, ex-Chicago alderman-turned-FBI-mole, charged with bribery

CHICAGO — Former Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis, who turned government mole to help federal investigators build cases against Ald. Edward Burke and ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, has been charged with a bribery count.

Chicago Tribune · Apr 9, 2022

Ray Lopez running for mayor; City Council critic to give up seat to challenge Lightfoot

“Our residents do not feel safe. People who work here don’t feel safe,” Lopez told the Sun-Times. “We have to right this ship now.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 6, 2022

Illinois Supreme Court rules no overall ban on pols using campaign funds to pay criminal defense lawyers

The case involved former Ald. Danny Solis (25th), who was under federal investigation, but his successor, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, had hoped state’s top court would set a precedent that could have broader implications for other politicians, such as former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and…

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 25, 2022