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.
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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.”
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: No ‘Jobs Tax’ in Pritzker’s Tax Plan, Despite What Attack Ad Claims
Pritzker is calling for a switch to a graduated-rate income tax — not a ‘jobs tax’ — and has proposed a rate structure that would hold the line for all but the wealthiest earners.
Posted inWhat the Gov
What the Gov: What Do The Mayoral Candidates Have to Say About The Environment?
Here’s how Toni Preckwinkle and Lori Lightfoot’s platforms compare on key environmental issues in Chicago, plus what activists want to see from the new mayor.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Preckwinkle Repeats Urban Myth About Third-Grade Test Scores, Prison Beds
The mayoral candidate isn’t wrong to suggest a link between academic achievement and crime — but student scores aren’t used to predict prison needs.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
As Emanuel Exits, Efforts Growing at City Hall to Revive Environment Department
The mayor eliminated environmental enforcement office to cut costs, which a recent BGA investigation revealed resulted in declines in inspections and citations. Now both potential successors support bringing the department back as support builds in City Council.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Preckwinkle Undersells Affordable Housing Program’s Track Record
There’s some truth to the mayoral finalist’s broader argument, but her claim itself misses the mark.