Under an intergovernmental agreement, the wastewater treatment agency will be overseen by Cook County’s Inspector General.
Archives
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Ald. Ed Burke’s Wave of Ward Projects Boosted His Legal Practice, Powered His Re-election
Burke touted development deals for his 14th Ward in winning a February re-election despite the cloud of federal corruption charges. A BGA investigation found Burke’s law firm had financial ties to most of those deals.
Posted inPress Release
BGA Earns Two Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
Series with WBEZ that examined suburban poverty and investigation with NBC5/Telemundo Chicago into the cost of government sexual misconduct honored.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Pritzker-backed Group Strays From Facts in Income-tax Claim
Illinois is one of just nine states that tax income at a flat rate. But a graduated tax system alone doesn’t guarantee the wealthy pay a higher rate.
Posted inPerspective, Policy
Seal the Deal for an Inspector General for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
The BGA’s Policy Team urges the Cook County board to approve an intergovernmental agreement to provide oversight of the agency that cleans our wastewater.
Posted inWhat the Gov
What The Gov: Why Is She Called ‘Alderman’?
The term “alderman” is used for all Chicago City Council members, regardless of gender. Some incoming aldermen say it’s time to update the title.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Auxiliary Officers Pose Risks in Illinois Towns
Armed with guns and badges but little training, civilian officers provide a less-expensive alternative for law enforcement agencies. But problems at some local departments help illustrate a controversial issue shaded by nepotism, politics and questionable policing.
Posted inPress Release
Marie Dillon to Lead BGA Policy Team
Veteran journalist Marie Dillon has joined the Better Government Association to lead its Policy Team.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Emanuel Blows Smoke About Cigarette Use Among Chicago Teens
There has been a major decline in the share of Chicago high schoolers who smoke cigarettes, but the city doesn’t come close to leading the nation.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: No, Chicago Isn’t ‘Often Bailed Out’ by State Taxpayers
Experts we spoke with summed up the claim as a “myth,” “clearly not true,” and “total nonsense.”