The BGA’s expansion into Springfield and downstate Illinois is making excellent progress on the investigative, policy and community outreach fronts.
Archives
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Jailhouse Crock?
Company wins piece of lucrative Cook County Jail contract after claiming disadvantaged minority status. But, the owner is a millionaire who doesn’t qualify for the designation.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Is Toni Preckwinkle Really for Reform?
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the famous line Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis coined for watchdogs defending transparency: “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Shots and Lagers, Chutes and Ladders
Many municipalities allow firefighters and paramedics to work with a substantial amount of alcohol in their systems – a dangerous mix that puts public-safety employees, and the public, at risk.
Posted inPress Release
Better Government Association Takes Transparency Fight to Preckwinkle Administration
When it comes to government transparency, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has talked the talk, but she hasn’t always walked the walk.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
While Systems Go Bust, Public Pension Elites Profit
BGA’s new government retiree database of 400,000 reveals those getting big money.
Posted inPress Release
BGA Nominated for 10 Lisagors
The Better Government Association’s Investigative reporting team and media partners have been nominated by the Chicago Headline Club for 10 Peter Lisagor awards, long considered one of the highest honors in local journalism.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Policy Team Advances BGA Legislative Agenda
Wrongful conviction, township reforms among watchdog’s top Springfield priorities
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
More Races, Fewer Choices
Cook County has a rich political history, to say the least. But a new analysis finds its voters don’t have a lot of choices in local elections.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Is City Council ready for reform?
Not sure if I offended, motivated or simply woke up some Chicago aldermen in a recent column when I dusted off the old Paudy Bauler cliché about City Council still not being ready for reform.