Reforming gun sentencing, bail and police union contracts are just some of the encouraging efforts around Chicago.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Video Gambling Jackpot For Pols And Pals
The growth of video gambling in Illinois and the riches that go with it has opened new vistas for clout. Some politicians and their friends have cashed in.
Posted inLegal
BGA Vs. IHSA: Landmark Lawsuit Heads To State Supreme Court
Should the largest governing body for competitive high school sports in Illinois be required to comply with open records law? They don’t think so. We do.
Posted inLegal
BGA Questions Whether Emanuel Email Disclosures Were Complete, Seeks To Reopen Lawsuit
To settle an open records lawsuit brought by the BGA, the city in December released a trove of emails from the mayor’s personal accounts which involved public business. The watchdog group is asking a judge to take a fresh look at how forthcoming the city was.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Talks TIFs At County Clerk’s Forum
Many opportunities for increased transparency, oversight of controversial funding mechanism.
Posted inPress Release
BGA Mourns Loss Of Springfield Advisory Board Member Jim Forstall
Forstall was an active member of his community and a decorated military veteran.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Trust Or Bust? Emanuel’s ‘Breakout’ Infrastructure Plan Delivers Little
The mayor appears to have generated more headlines than results with a privatized infrastructure spending proposal that has cost taxpayers millions of dollars more than he said it would.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Dorothy Brown Offers Political Advice — For A Price
Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown has long been dogged by allegations of pay-to-play in the administration of her office even as she also faces criticism for sloppy and inefficient record keeping.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Rauner Enters Fray Over Water Testing Around ‘Clean’ Dumps
A debate over water testing at construction dumps leads to a clash between economic interests and public safety concerns.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Legislators Collect Paycheck From Washington, Pension From Illinois
Three members of Congress – Peter Roskam, Mike Bost and Jan Schakowsky – collect pensions from their time in Springfield; Cheri Bustos’ husband earns a public salary greater than $100,000 while cashing a $67,000 pension. It’s perfectly legal, but is it good government?