Private conference calls between aldermen and Mayor Lori Lightfoot violated “nearly every meaningful requirement” of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the lawsuit says.
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Posted inPress Release
Introducing Investigative Interns Sahi Padmanabhan and Deborah Wilber
The Costly Toll of Dead-end Drug Arrests, published in December, examined how thousands of Chicagoans — mostly Black men — are arrested on drug possession charges judges, police and prosecutors all know will never stick.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Joins Call For Transparency and Accountability in Policing
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Joins Call to Protect Journalists, Demonstrators
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
Posted inPress Release
BGA Sues Chicago City Council Over Open Meetings Act Violations
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, members of her administration and Chicago aldermen have repeatedly held telephone conference calls to discuss city business without public notice and without providing opportunities for citizens to observe or participate.
Posted inWhat the Gov
What the Gov: Cook County Property Taxpayers Have Two Extra Months to Pay Their Bills
Property owners may still get their August bills in the mail soon but the county won’t penalize late payments until after Oct. 1.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
UPDATE: NPR Illinois Award Underscores U of I Disregard For First Amendment
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
Posted inWhat the Gov
What the Gov: Will Illinois Implement Program Aimed at Avoiding Layoffs Amid COVID-19?
The federal government is offering funds to states with programs that encourage employers to temporarily cut staff hours instead of resorting to layoffs. But the agency charged with launching the program in Illinois says the state likely won’t be able to take advantage of a major piece of that support.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
UPDATE: FOIA Survives Attempted Legislative Assault
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
Posted inAction, Analysis, Policy
BGA Opposes End Run Around FOIA During COVID-19 Emergency
A bill introduced in the General Assembly’s special session contains a provision that would relieve local governments of their obligation to produce public records during the pandemic.