The First 100: Searching for transparency at City Hall

Aug. 4, 2011
"Chicago style" or the "Chicago way" of doings things can be a funny thing--cultural quirks--like the unwritten rule that hot dogs be dressed with celery salt, not ketchup. But the city also earned a reputation for shady politics and back-room deals.

Emanuel takes pause on firefighter scandal

Aug. 3, 2011
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Wednesday that he hadn't decided yet whether to fire 54 firefighters accused in a published report of misusing taxpayer money.The firefighters allegedly received reimbursements for miles they didn't drive in personal cars to inspections.

Watchdog: furloughs won't save as much as city claims

Feb. 8, 2011
In 2009, the city imposed furlough days and unpaid holidays. Cutting 24 days from the schedule each year was estimated to save a hundred and $34 million but Chicago's Inspector General Joe Ferguson says that number is wrong.

Inspector General Joe Ferguson tasked with stamping out Chicago corruption

Jan. 31, 2011
In Illinois, tracking the trail of corruption through politics is practically a sport. At the city level alone, Chicagoans have seen numerous scandals, involving patronage hiring, fraud and bribery.