Legal

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a bill on Aug. 18 that makes it legal to eliminate some unnecessary units of government. The measure was sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) and supported by the Better Government Association.

After the BGA sues CTA pension plan for violating the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the retirement system turns over records, and makes its web site more user-friendly for those seeking public information.

More than a year after the BGA first uncovers rampant political hiring at the Illinois Department of Transportation, the agency fires dozens of state employees who allegedly were improperly brought on board.

After the BGA requests documents related to social media use by Pace suburban bus employees, the agency launches its own review of worker conduct, disciplines some employees and embraces tighter controls.

The owner of Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel is ending the long-standing practice of giving Diamond Cards to Joliet officials following a BGA/CBS2 report that showed the mayor, city manager and city council members had received the free VIP passes.

After CBS2 and the BGA highlight a potentially dangerous ambulance shortage in Chicago, two aldermen call for hearings and more emergency resources.

After BGA pushes for answers, the Village of Lynwood releases video of officer allegedly beating handcuffed suspect at the police station, and puts cop on leave pending possible discipline.

After the BGA and CBS2 broadcast a series of stories on Chicago’s aging and otherwise stressed ambulance fleet, the Emanuel administration proposes hiring more paramedics and adding trauma-ready ambulances to the streets.

In wake of BGA legal action that forced mayor to release personal emails, Chicago Board of Ethics levies fine against David Plouffe, who lobbied mayor on behalf of Uber.

Prompted by a BGA investigation that raised questions about pension eligibility, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund decides to strip away taxpayer-subsidized retirement benefits from a politically connected attorney working for the municipal governments in Calumet City and Chicago Heights.