The Chicago Sun-Times examines  lobbying payments made by Chicago-area governments and other bodies this morning.

When local governments want money from the state or federal government, they often hire lobbyists with political connections, usually former elected officials or retired government workers. Here’s how much money five Chicago area governments have spent on lobbyists in the last two years. Find a more detailed look at these and other governments — who lobbies for them and more — at suntimes.com.