Daywatch: Third city employee accuses Chicago treasurer of unethical conduct
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Good morning, Chicago.
As questions linger over allegations of unethical behavior by Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, the Tribune has uncovered a new complaint from a former employee who said they were forced to attend an event where seniors were tricked into signing political petitions to receive a free ham.
Newly released records also shed more light on previously reported ethics allegations surrounding Conyears-Ervin and her husband, Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th. Emails released by the city show Conyears-Ervin directly asked top BMO Harris Bank officials to issue a loan to her husband’s landlord, who is a longtime close family friend.
The Tribune first reported in September that two high-ranking employees in the treasurer’s office alleged they were retaliated against and fired after reporting that Conyears-Ervin engaged in a series of unethical and illegal behavior. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration used city funds to pay the women a $100,000 settlement and then fought for roughly two years to conceal the details of their whistleblower complaint. Brandon Johnson released the information to the Tribune after taking over as mayor.
The new allegations involve a third former city employee, who said in Conyears-Ervin’s first few months in office after being elected in 2019 that they were directed to use a vacation day to accompany Conyears-Ervin and her husband to four senior housing complexes for a holiday ham giveaway.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Gregory Royal Pratt.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Today’s eNewspaper edition
‘L’ stations near offices have seen fewer riders return than those located near parks, Urban Institute analysis shows
The CTA is facing a fiscal cliff exacerbated by fewer train and bus riders, and a new analysis points to some ways the city could bring back more transit customers — and which stations might be keeping the most.
ACT report says pandemic grade inflation hurt US high schoolers. But local data says Chicago students improved.
A report from American College Testing on grade inflation in high schools and college readiness among students across the county suggests that students today are less prepared for higher education than they were several years ago. But data from the University of Chicago about high schoolers who attended Chicago Public Schools says otherwise.
Lawmakers send Gov. J.B. Pritzker revised proposal to lift Illinois moratorium on new nuclear plants
Illinois lawmakers are sending Gov. J.B. Pritzker a revised proposal to lift the state’s decades-old moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants that aims to address the issues the second-term Democrat had with a version he vetoed this summer.
Illinois lawmakers validate referendums creating mental health funding for 5 suburban townships and Will County
Mental health funding that voters approved last year would be saved from a do-over after Illinois lawmakers voted to validate multiple referendums despite concerns that ballots were improperly written.
Burbank man accused of dousing cops with hornet spray during Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol
A Burbank man was arrested Thursday on charges he doused police with hornet spray and used a baton to break out windows during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol nearly three years ago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s paid leave policy for Chicago workers passes
In one of the clearest breaks yet from the city’s big business groups, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s signature plan to increase paid time off for Chicago workers has cleared the City Council.
Montez Sweat makes his presence known — and what the win means for the No. 1 pick: Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Chicago Bears
No style points were earned Thursday at Soldier Field when the Bears got in one of those ugly games in a short week that either looks like a defensive battle or bad offensive football, depending on your point of view.
Illinois needs to win 2 of its last 3 games to keep those bowl hopes alive. Up next: Indiana at home.
Indiana and Illinois — both under .500 for the season — are each coming off big wins and hope to keep their hopes at reaching a bowl game alive when they face each other on Saturday.
Column: The actors strike is over — what now?
Union negotiators representing TV and film actors have agreed to a new contract with the studios, putting an end to a strike that began in July. Critic Nina Metz explains what happens now.
Thanksgiving 2023 pie guide: 22 Chicagoland bakeries and restaurants with delicious desserts for your holiday feast
If you’re in charge of satisfying sweet tooths, you don’t have to stress out about baking. These area restaurants and bakeries are selling Thanksgiving pies that will provide the perfect end to your meal, whether you’re sticking to the classics, looking to dazzle with something novel or catering to diners with dietary restrictions. Make sure to plan ahead and place your order in advance to get the best selection.
8 things to do around Chicago: Cupcakke, a ‘Sweeney Todd’ reunion and festival of film shorts
Cupcakke, Depeche Mode, a “Downton Abbey” exhibit and the Chicago Reel Shorts Film Fest are among things going on in Chicago. Don’t let the November darkness keep you home this weekend.
