Together we shine a light on government and hold public officials accountable for the way they spend our hard-earned tax dollars and make the policy decisions that affect our lives.
Archives
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Did Feds, City Ignore Red Flags About Detective?
Tipster told authorities in 2001 that a Chicago police detective was fixing murder cases, but there’s no evidence anything was done with that information.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
SEC: Pension Adviser Defrauded Clients
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced charges of fraud last week against an investment company that, up until last year, had been a longtime financial adviser to two public pension funds in Chicago.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
Gaming Board Launches Probe
Prompted by questions from the BGA, the Illinois Gaming Board launches an investigation into Rivers Casino over its relationship with a Chicago company whose president has had ties to reputed mob figures.
Posted inUncategorized
Pothole? Abandoned Car? There’s an App For That…
Tech advances make it quicker, easier to connect with City Hall with concerns, complaints.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Chicago’s Animal Welfare Agency Keeps Biting Taxpayers & Donors
Latest mishap involving dog accidentally left in Chicago Animal Care and Control van for days is latest evidence the public and benefactors are being ill-served.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Taxpayers To Buy Tavern Owned By Alderman’s Family
Calumet City’s government decides to pay alderman’s family $125,000 to buy their bar as part of initiative to reduce drinking establishments in the south suburb.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Mob Questions Surface Over Casino Contractor
The BGA finds that Rivers Casino in Des Plaines hired a maintenance and security contractor whose president has had ties to reputed mob figures. Now the Illinois Gaming Board is investigating.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
CPS Dropping Pension Pick-Ups?
Last month the Better Government Association reported on a widespread – but little-known – practice in which public school districts agree to cover all or part of their employees’ share of pension contributions.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Rauner Administration Should Welcome BGA Watchdogs
We don’t expect to be loved when we carry out our watchdog mission. It’s enough to be respected, and perhaps appreciated.