Extra, Extra

By Margaret Lyons in News on May 23, 2008 12:13AM

"'Everything was the exact opposite of the way it should be,'" says David Hoffman, the city's inspector general, describing the bribery and corruption in Chicago's zoning and building departments. Sayeth the Trib: "The alleged bribes helped developers avoid seeking necessary variances, receive certificates of occupancy that they were not entitled to and pass inspections that they should have failed, authorities said." [Trib]

Emil Jones is taking out interest-free loans from his campaign fund. It's not illegal, but it is "highly unusual," according to the Sun-Times. [S-T]

Arrests for "non-index" crimes—vandalism, weapons violations—are down about 15 percent so far in 2008. Us: Hey, people are committing fewer crimes. Jody Weis: Police officers need to be more aggressive. Damn you, eternal optimism. [1ABC 7]

Some collar counties are considering raising the age of juvenile offenders from 16 and under to 17 and under. It's complicated. [Trib]

Clear Channel Communications is suing the Tribune Company over new hire Andrew Friedman. [Crain's]

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